SONG PREMIERE: NYC’s Lost Boy ? Cover Daniel Johnston’s “Big Business Monkey”

The eccentric, oddball artist Daniel Johnston has always attracted musicians from all walks of life to his catalogue of strange yet perfectly written songs. There’s an honesty and straightforward dishing of emotions presented from an almost childlike perspective, as well as a devotion to pop structure, that gives Johnston’s songs a timeless, catchy quality. His work has inspired numerous tributes and for good reason. Now one of his lesser-known tunes is getting the cover tribute from a gang of New York punks: Lost Boy ?. Since it’s inception Lost Boy ? has played countless shows with the likes of DIIV, Celestial Shore, Daniel Johnston, R. Stevie Moore, The So So Glos, Skaters, Mr. Twin Sister, Purling Hiss and has most recently completed a national tour with Titus Andronicus. Made up of a group of seasoned scene vets, these fellows have decided to put a cherry on top of of their recently released album Canned with a take on one of Daniel Johnston’s more defiant – or perhaps punk – songs, “Big Business Monkey”.

The group injects a healthy dose of electricity and punchy punk goodness into the tune, and we asked guitarist and vocalist Davey Jones to shed light on the motivation behind recording a cover.

“I chose ‘Big Business Monkey’ by Daniel Johnston because this track is one of my personal favorites. Daniel is a true document of what it is to be an American artist. This song, lyrically, speaks true to my feelings about the business world as well as self-serving groups at large. Although the song is somewhat dark, it brings a message of hope and kindness. The punchy organ sounds on the original are viciously punk rock. If you aren’t familiar with his work, you are missing out on one of the most influential people in music and many other mediums in contemporary art history.”

We couldn’t agree more with Davey Jones, which is why you should crank up the volume and give a listen to our exclusive premiere of Lost Boy ? tackling “Big Business Monkey”…

Lost Boy ? kick off their summer tour next week. Check out dates below, and for more music and info visit their Facebook page!

Tour Dates:
07/18 – Jersey City, NJ @ Lucky’s
07/19 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Boardwalk Carousel
07/24 – Detroit, MI @ UFO Factory
07/25 – Madison, WI @ Micky’s Tavern
07/28 – Asheville, NC @ Tiger Mountain
07/29 – Winston-Salem, NC @ The Garage
07/30 – Charlotte, NC @ World Famous Milestone
07/31 – Wilmington, NC @ Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern

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