JON LINDSAY’S SMART, HOOKY POWER POP GEM “ANTI-INFLAMMATORY” HAS A NOSTALGIC ETHOS

“Anti-Inflammatory” is the rare kind of single that jumps out at you immediately and wins you over. It could have been made decades ago when songs were more in the forefront than rather often existing today as background music. Jon Lindsay has many influences, and perhaps so many he grew up with show up on this single, from Harry Nilsson to contemporary artists such as Father John Misty. Yet Jon Lindsay puts his original stamp and point of view on “Anti-Inflammatory.”

The dynamic, intricately layered track is ablaze with guitars, drums, keys, and horns. Then there are Jon Lindsay’s great vocals, which are powerful, distinctive, deft, and melodic.

Lindsay, known as a consummate bandleader, singer, songwriter, producer, and sought-after multi-instrumentalist, always seems to know his weaknesses, especially when he is clearly dealing (comically) with a love addiction. But it’s not done in a sad sack and maudlin way. The song really has an upbeat, celebratory tone put across with zany vigor. Lindsay is truly out of control.

The Raleigh, NC native Jon Lindsay is a really good storyteller, very creative and descriptive as he recounts how his “brain isn’t right” in “Anti-Inflammatory” and he comes up with a number of scenarios, wistful or not, of how things could be right or better. That’s what makes “Anti-Inflammatory” an engrossing and wild ride into Lindsay’s willing descent into mad love/lust.

Jon Lindsay's forthcoming LP, Big Stage, is due May 16th.