Lambchop's Kurt Wagner is the most elusive of songwriters, his depth hidden in plain sight behind the apparent mundanity of much of his writing, barely connected throwaway comments glimpsed out of the corner of an eye that come back to haunt you later, more resonant every time you re-encounter them. For all the easygoing charm of the music, he's one of the best songwriters working today -- and certainly among the strangest. This is my favorite track from the band's new album, "Damaged," which in turn is one of my favorite releases of the year. But don't expect to be blown away: This music creeps up slowly.
-- T.B.
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