NEM#225: Loudon Wainwright III, the Reporter-Songwriter

Nakedly Examined Music Podcast

Loudon has released 30 albums since 1970. He’s the quintessential singer-songwriter, relying on crafty, personal lyrics delivered dynamically and typically solo with acoustic guitar (though sometimes piano, banjo, ukulele, or a cappella), though his studio work has varied in production style and orchestration level over the years.

We discuss “How Old is 75” from Lifetime Achievement (2022), “Road Ode (Live)” from Career Moves (1993), and “Be Careful There’s a Baby in the House” from Album II (1971). We wrap up by listening to “Missing You” from Last Man on Earth (2001). Intro: “The Swimming Song” from Attempted Mustache (1973). Learn more at lw3.com.

Hear all of “The Swimming Song.” Perhaps his bigger hit is the novelty song “Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road.” Here’s “The Suicide Song.” Hear the song “One Year” that we mention about a unique child-rearing situation. Here’s “Motel Blues,” the song we mention that was covered by Alex Chilton. Another he mentions is “Rufus Is a Tit Man.”

Here he is acting in Knocked Up. His most famous song from that soundtrack, “Daughter,” was actually written by Peter Blegvad. Here’s one of his recent big band covers (by Irving Berlin). Listen to his Grammy-winning album of Charlie Poole songs.

See a 2017 live version of “Be Careful There’s a Baby in the House.” Watch a whole live set from 2024. Watch him playing ukulele. Watch a live solo set from 1976. Here he is performing with his kids (who are famous in their own right).

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