Johnny Corndawg at The 5 Spot

Yes, Jonny Corndawg’s moniker is incredibly appropriate—at least when it comes to his subject matter and his whimsical, absurdist approach. Songs like “Trash Day” and “Shut Up” sardonically chronicle the pitfalls of young relationships, while “Keep Your Body Happy” is equal parts edifying and uproarious. But the 10 tracks on Corndawg’s latest, I’m Not Ready to Be a Daddy, are good for more than just a laugh. There’s an endearing sincerity tucked behind Corndawg’s words, and his appreciation for traditional-country artists from Hank Sr. to Jerry Reed is unmistakable. (I’d be remiss not to throw Roger Miller in there, as well.) Don’t think for a minute that the shaky, old-fashioned tenor, stony delivery and good-ol’-boy persona aren’t carefully planned. This guy knows exactly what he’s doing, from the Chevy belt buckle to the homemade, airbrushed t-shirts he sells at shows. Indie-folk songstress Jasmin Kaset, Aussie Jimmy Stewart and indie-rock quartet Shoot the Mountain round out the bill.
Sat., June 13, 9 p.m., 2009