Singer/songwriter Matt Jaffe collaborates with Oscar-nominated animator Bill Plympton for a highly-entertaining music video, “Wicked World.”

“First I bled and then I said, I’ve already lost eight.” Sigh, if you haven’t checked out the hella talented San Francisco rock musician Matt Jaffe, well, you’re totally missing out. Jaffe is quite gifted at his craft, excelling in the songwriting department and delivering some totally sweet vocals. His song “Fever”, which appears from his third project of 2018, The Spirit Catches You, is a perfect snapshot of Matt’s songwriting and vocal prowess – it’s totally memorable from an initial listen.  Given how awesome this guy is, it’s amazing that this marks the first time that he’s appeared on The Musical Hype.  Mark my words – it won’t be the last.  More importantly, it definitely won’t be the last you hear from this stellar Californian, who’s opened for Mavis Staples, Wilco, and Blues Traveler.

Why does Matt Jaffe make his debut appearance on The Musical Hype on this occasion? He’s dropping a hot new music video for another song from The Spirit Catches You, “Wicked World.” Like aforementioned standout “Fever,” “Wicked World” continues to highlight Jaffe’s knack for clever lyrics, not to mention his marvelous voice, filled with nuance.

“The clown said to the doctor, I’m feeling a little blue

The doctor said, now listen man, I’ll tell you what we’ll do

Oh oh, hey hey, oh oh, hey

The clown he bled and then he said, Pagliacci is my name.”

Say what? But, adding to the allure, Jaffe collaborates with Oscar-nominated animator and cartoonist Bill Plympton to produce what he describes as “A highly unusual captivating music video.”  The video may be ‘highly unusual,’ but this visual, which The Musical Hype is honored to premiere, is nothing short of true art.  The ‘unusual’ nature comes with a combination of Jaffe’s lyricism and Plympton’s ability to draw striking characters, including Carrie Fisher, Patty Hearst, Moses (!), and the aforementioned Pagliacci among others.  Fisher is a key character; According Jaffe, “Wicked World” was inspired by the actress’ statement after the second presidential debate that Mr. Trump was on cocaine.

“The Princess said to Donald, I’m hip to what you do

Donald said hey Princess, you wouldn’t dare tell the truth

Oh oh, hey hey, oh oh, hey

The Princess bled and then she said, I know you’re on cocaine.”

This particular scene in the video is among the crème de la crème – Plympton outdoes himself.  President Trump is drawn in rotund fashion, while the late Fisher is in character (and costume) as Princess Leia.  The facial expressions are priceless.  Referencing the other characters, they are all brilliantly tied-in lyrically, such as Moses and the 10 Commandments (“There’s only 10 Commandments, but a million ways to burn.”)

Final Thoughts 

So much can be about “Wicked World,” but we’ll let the visual speak for itself.  This is a must-hear and must-see, period. Matt Jaffe continues to elevate his status as a truly bright, rising star in the music game.  As for Mr. Plympton, at 72-years old he’s still very much on his game.  Make sure you check out the awesomeness that is “Wicked World.”

A Plymptoon Production: Director & Animator: Bill Plympton; Producer: Alenka Krizenecky; Color Design: Sandrine Plympton; Coloring: Se Jin Lee & Alastair Rice

http://www.plymptoons.com/

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Matt Jaffe • The Spirit Catches You • Matt Jaffe • Release: 11.9.18

Photo Credit: Matt Jaffe