An evening with Loudon Wainwright III, the clown prince of country, is an experience unlike any other.

His eclectic mix of classic country tragedy and self-

aware comedy takes a little time, as well as a high level

of concentration, to

appreciate properly.

However, should you be willing to put in the effort, you shall be richly rewarded. All the customary country ideas are present, loneliness, break-up, death, and depression, but what makes ''old LW III' rise

above is his unique,

personal viewpoint.

The break-up of a long relationship is explored by comparing answering machine messages, for example.

This oblique angle extends further into the obscure with songs about playing golf,

ice-skating, and looking awful. Wainwright also swears.

Yes, you heard that right. A country singer, the epitome of all that is pure and good about the US of A, who actually uses four-letter words. This is

his strength.

The way in which he can subvert the country genre with either subtlety or sledgehammer is extremely refreshing. Live, Wainwright is in his element. His banter with the crowd is clearly enjoyed by both parties and his

cocked-leg singing is clear and precise, allowing every word to be heard and, subsequently, every joke to be understood. And there are many jokes.

The comedy songs are more humorous than the serious, perhaps because they are requested by the note-passing members of the audience.

This does, however, affect

the impact of his non-humorous compositions.

The touching beauty of songs like A Year is slightly marred by the uninitiated, namely me, waiting for

the punchline.

A small criticism I know, but the only one I can find. The rest is perfect.