PREMIERE: Bradley Wik & The Charlatans – “Lookin’ At Luckey”

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Jake Craney

Favorites: Bloc Party, 3EB, Gaslight, Tokyo Police Club, The Kooks, Pete Yorn, Andrew McMahon

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Photo by Brianne of Brightly & Co

Bradley Wik sings for those who don’t need autotune, foot stomping or “hipster nonsense” to feel good about themselves. He wants (you) to look straight into your face (the mirror), see the person staring back and say, “I see you.”

We’ve got an in your face feel-good rock song by Bradley Wik & The Charlatans today that’ll make you yearn for classic guitar-rock songs to make a roaring comeback. If what we can expect from Wik are songs like “Lookin’ At Luckey” – he might bring the revival all by himself. This is the perfect way to kick off your Friday. The track is from the upcoming album “In My Youth, I’m Getting Old…” out in September.

In his own words:

“People always ask about Luckey.  “Is that a true story?”  “Is she a real person?”  “Did you really know her?”  You’re goddamn right it is, in more ways than one, she sure as hell is a real person and, yes, I’ve known way more Luckey’s than I care to admit, including the New York based one this song is about.  I remember sitting at Hardee’s trying to impress the first Luckey I met with french fries and my extensive knowledge of Bon Jovi lyrics.  (Sidenote:  any song off “Slippery When Wet” is way too high for me to sing.  And, trust me, 12 year old Bradley who just went through a voice drop did not do “I’d Die For You” any justice.  None…  Also, even though it may seem like a good idea, reciting Bon Jovi lyrics like poetry sounds way more funny than sexy.  Just a tip for all the young lovers out there.)  And it only got worse once I learned how to play guitar, write tunes and sing ‘em.  In fact, the night I met the last Luckey I played her a brand new song that I had written just a week or so before.  She listened so intently to every word.  I thought she either had really good taste in music (she did) or thought I was really handsome (she also did).  After I hit the final chord, she cried.  Not exactly the reaction I look for when playing a song for a beautiful girl but right then I knew two things:  I had written what might be the most honest song of my life and my newfound Luckey and I were bound for another one of those relationships best described by Mr. Ryan Adams.

 

“Well, everybody wants to go forever

I just want to burn up hard and bright

I just want to be your firecracker

And maybe be your baby tonight”

 

Of course, the brand new song I sang that night was “Lookin’ at Luckey” and, yes, we did burn up hard and bright.  I’ve wanted to tell this story for a long time but I don’t think I was ready to write it until now.  I wasn’t ready to tell the tale I’ve lived one too many times.  The tale I know just a bit too well.  But, for those who have seen or are experiencing this story themselves, I want them to know that it’s OK.  It can get better.  I’ve always sought, and found, so much comfort in musical storytelling.  For me, songs are more powerful than books or movies or paintings, and it’s not particularly close.  The stories are so damn visceral and real for me, and I take great solace in them.  It’s like a good joke that’s funny because it’s true.  There is a real comfort in the camaraderie you can share with someone you’ve never met but already know so well.  And, hopefully, I can pass some of that along to others as well…”