Couch Potatoes// Living Room Songs

--by jack

It was my second day in New York City when I made an early morning commute to meet singer/songwriter Janet LaBelle. I was reeling from the sleepless Amtrak across half of America the day before and desperate for a cup of coffee and something to eat. But, and this isn’t too unusual, I was running a minute or two behind so I sucked it up, steeled my spine, and opted to put on my best face and power through the shoot despite lacking the essential caffeine and large piece of bread that usually starts a tough morning. So you can imagine my delight when I showed up at Janet LaBelle’s place and was presented with—no joke— a platter of bagels and a nearly bottomless cup of home brewed coffee.  Janet LaBelle literally looked like an angel in that moment.

Part of that is her bright, beaming face, which I hope shows through clear in the video. Part of it was her sheer hospitality and good nature. A lot of it was the bagels and coffee, apparently readied for my showing up. Janet introduced me to her guitarist Kyle and before long, her roommate Becca (a singer, aspirant architect, photographer, crafter, actress and old friend of mine) showed up. So it was a regular thursday morning brunch. 

When Janet sat down to start singing (next to her great little typewriter, an analog girl, I think she described herself was), I was initially knocked back a little. From her small frame came this big voice. And I mean big. It filled the room—more than filled the room, it nearly burst the windows. The song for you today is called, “Joy.” It involves a lot of clever wordplay, great guitar and that huge voice. I hope you enjoy.