“This may be the last thing I do. I want it to be beautiful.” – John Lurie

John Lurie has continued to be a richly original and eclectic voice in the worlds of music, film and art since the 1970’s. His latest venture, HBO’s irreverent and free spirited Painting with John, is perhaps one of the most beautifully off-kilter docuseries this side of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. The music that Lurie gathered and composed for this show is a satisfying and glorious return to form, and a surprise third act to Lurie’s legendary career.

After a particularly strong case of Lyme’s disease forced Lurie into quitting music for several years, it’s truly wonderful to hear the Lounge Lizards founder bounce back with so much vigor and fun.

Throughout all of the newly composed tracks, you can absolutely hear and feel the abundance of joy and the sincere desire to make every sound on this album memorable and lovely. You can really tell that Lurie believed that these might be his final recordings, and that he wanted them to be a moving and deeply entertaining final statement.

From mutated Afrobeat-inspired jazz soundscapes to nimble solo banjo meanderings, every cut here sparks with amusing life. The same could be said of all of the previously recorded cuts that Lurie picked from his illustrious discography to sit alongside of his new material. Between its wah-wah infected driving rhythms and its grumbling, densely layered a cappella moments, it’s impossible to play this album without smiling. This quality is something that this soundtrack shares with the show it was created for.

Click here to order your copy of this excellent double record set today.

-KH