We have been long-time fans of Chuck Prophet, dating back to his days in the early psych-Americana band, Green on Red.  From this foundation, Prophet has evolved and become one of our better songwriters, praised by both critics and fellow songwriters (Lucinda Williams selected his song, No Other Love, for her “Artist’s Choice” record).   In addition, he plays a mean electric guitar and has been the producer on many fine records.  He can be a little too straightforward musically for some, but if you appreciate great songwriting and delivery, he’s your man.  We caught him live a while back at a Tales from the Tavern show at the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez. To put it simply:  Prophet kills live.  Now you too can catch him when he comes to the Lobero Theater, courtesy of Sings Like Hell, on February 19th (a Saturday).

With respect to his current events, for a recent interview discussing Prophet’s latest tour in which he and a colleague performed the entirety of The Clash’s seminal “London Calling” album, go here. Now that’s a funny lad.  Also check out his website here (one of the smartest and funniest around). And finally, check out a few of his great songs below.

Chuck Prophet–No Other Love

Prophet has said this about the song:   “I involuntarily wrote this song in a hotel during a commercial break in one sitting … top to bottom! All three chords and two lines or whatever it is. We were ‘rehearsaling’ some stuff and setting up mics to record demos at Pigshead Studio/Rehearsals. It was so cold that day in that cement bunker of a studio, I can remember seeing my breath in front of my face. Tim Mooney surreptitiously recorded us running it down. Not the first take: he actually recorded us learning it. That’s why it takes so long for the band to come in. They’re pretty quick – by the time we’re two verses in, key change and all, they got all three of the chords in the right order. No point in trying to recreate that crime scene or write a second verse for that matter … not that I didn’t try in vain. We later recovered the original multi-track cassette it was first captured on and Greg Liesz and I over-dubbed onto it in my living room. Hats off to Tim Mooney for rolling the tape. Now that’s production! And props to Jason Borger, who charted the beautiful string arrangement.”

This song and the above description are proof that musical magic can ensue at any time.

[audio:https://www.thelefortreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/12-No-Other-Love.mp3|titles=12 No Other Love]

Chuck Prophet–Would You Love Me

One of our favorites, this song provides a good example of his use of both pathos and bathos in the lyrics of his songs.   We love the opening lines:  “Sittin’ in a movie, and I’m staring at the screen/They’re dragging Jesus from the town/It don’t look good to me.”

[audio:https://www.thelefortreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/02-Would-You-Love-Me_.mp3|titles=02 Would You Love Me_]

Chuck Prophet–Small Town Girl

Prophet has said this about this song’s inspiration:  “Every time you blink, every time you rest your eyes, there’s another new crop of tragedies off the bus.” With a simple guitar riff, backing vocals from his wife, Stephanie Finch, and stacatto percussion, Prophet gently delivers this song of innocence.

[audio:https://www.thelefortreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/05-Small-Town-Girl.mp3|titles=05 Small-Town Girl]

Chuck Prophet–Doubter Out of Jesus

Just so you understand that he’s not limited to balladry, check this rocker out.  Prophet has said this about the song: “Doubter Out of Jesus (All Over You)” is a kind of electro-punk blues produced with digital keyboard, drum machine and a couple guitars plugged directly into the board.  I love guys like Alan Vega, Alex Chilton, Mink DeVille…guys who’ve been able to take classic Brill Building pop and deconstruct it.”

[audio:https://www.thelefortreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/03-Doubter-Out-of-Jesus-All-Over-Yo.mp3|titles=03 Doubter Out of Jesus (All Over Yo]

Chuck Prophet–Talkin’ New Kingdom

Another rocker of sorts.  Again, the opening stanza is classic Prophet:  “Well life is for the living, and death is for the birds/Hell is for children, or so I have heard.”  While a little too bluesy in general for our tastes, we like the production values and tale.

[audio:https://www.thelefortreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/09-Talkin-New-Kingdom.mp3|titles=09 Talkin’ New Kingdom]