Before yesterday's episode of The Show with Ze Frank, I had never heard of Jonathan Coulton. It features the two men performing acoustic versions of a few of the songs Ze wrote over the course of his show, which began last March and ends next week.

Coulton puts me in mind of They Might Be Giants or Weird Al (his original pieces) - well-written songs with hummable melodies and funny lyrics.

For a year, starting in September 2005, Coulton wrote and recorded a song weekly as part of his Thing a Week project. I've only listened to a few of them so far, but the ones I've heard are inspired. I especially like "Code Monkey", "Kenesaw Mountain Landis", and "Tom Cruise Crazy"...

Tom Cruise is so in love with Katie
At least all his people tell him so
And while he thinks that she’s a very special lady
It’s probably not the way he’d choose to go
And a lifetime of longing looks would cause too much distraction
Good thing that he’s not gay anymore

Tom Cruise is Tom Cruise crazy
Just be glad it’s him not you
If you had Tom Cruise’s troubles
You might be Tom Cruise crazy too

If you need cheering up or want something to make you smile, treat yourself to one of his songs. The ones I mentioned above are good places to start.

If you want something more serious and inspirational, I suggest listening to "A Talk With George". It's my favorite Coulton song and my favorite song about George Plimpton ever. I especially like the last two verses...

Enjoy yourself, do the things that matter
Cause there isn’t time and space to do it all
Love the things you try, drink a cocktail wear a tie
Show a little grace if you should fall

Don’t live another day unless you make it count
There’s someone else that you’re supposed to be
There’s something deep inside of you that still wants out
And shame on you if you don’t set it free.