Jessie Kilguss – Howard Johnson’s
The new song “Howard Johnson’s” by singer-songwriter Jessie Kilguss is a moving, bizarre, deeply personal tribute that combines human sadness with cinematic inspiration. Written in honor of Kilguss’s late father Howard and based on a passage from Dog Day Afternoon, the song achieves a balance between tenderness and a playful, almost surreal aspect. The song creates an ethereal mood with its nostalgic melody. Kilguss has a warm, sensitive voice that sometimes recalls the dramatic spirit of Kate Bush or the ethereal beauty of Grace Slick. Her use of natural yet heartbreaking language captures the story’s juxtaposition of outrageous humor and sorrow. John Kengla’s guitar, bass, and keys produce a classic backbone with guitar lines that spark with a folk-rock brightness from the 1970s. Dave Derby and Charlie Nieland’s backup vocals provide dimension and expressive layering, while Rob Heath’s drums provide a reliable support. The production has an indie-rock touch and leans toward a folk aesthetic with obvious references to musicians like Melanie. This allows for moments of semi-psychedelic guitar-driven energy to come out in the mix. “Howard Johnson’s” is a wonderful lyrical mix of sorrow and humor. In an almost unreal act of love, the repeating refrain, “I’m going to Algiers / They have a Howard Johnson’s there / I’m chartering a plane / To prove how much you mean to me,” feels both sad and humorous. Kilguss crosses the distinction between cinematic fiction and naked human truth in his words about insomnia, toxic empathy, and dog-like loyalty. This duality, the very real sadness of losing a father contrasted with the theatrical ridiculousness of a Howard Johnson’s in Algiers, is what makes the song so moving. It’s a heartbreaking and humorous contrast that is presented with honesty and creativity. A song that exists at the intersection of memory, film, and songwriting, “Howard Johnson’s” is a tribute and a catharsis by Jessie Kilguss.
Photo Credit: Jessie Kilguss photo by Shervin Lainez
