Chuck Prophet: “Ford Econoline”

“Here’s a song we want to send out to the memory of one of the greatest things to ever come out of Detroit, Michigan,” Chuck Prophet told the crowd at the Four Seasons last week. No, he wasn’t talking about Iggy Pop (still with us) or Motown Records. He was paying homage to the noblest musical steed there ever was: the Ford Econoline. Since the ’60s, the Econoline has been the vehicle of choice for the aspiring rock star, able to fit multiple smelly musicians and the drummer’s Rush-sized drum kit. Last year, the van was discontinued, so Prophet decided to eulogize it in song form. The singer is no stranger to strange subject matter, turning his gaze towards Jim Jones, Willie Mays, and San Francisco tech bros with an authorial eye. “Ford Econoline” is a travelogue that’s equal parts Lou Reed and Tom Petty–download it and watch Prophet’s performance below.

–Art Levy

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