MJ Lenderman pays tribute to Jason Molina with a hauntingly tender cover of 'Just Be Simple'. The North Carolina singer-songwriter has seen mounting success since releasing his fourth solo LP Manning Fireworks last year, and has since dabbled in other projects: a forthcoming album with Asheville-based band Wednesday, a remix of This Is Lorelei's 'Dancing In The Club', and an original song called 'Bury The Dog' which served as a contribution to the Hurricane Helene benefit album We Love It Here back in March. Lenderman's latest collaborative move comes in the form of a cover of 'Just Be Simple' by the late singer-songwriter Jason Molina, otherwise known as Songs:Ohia. The song is part of a collection called I Will Swim to You: A Tribute To Jason Molina that's due in September. Having been stylistically likened to Molina throughout his career, it's only natural that Lenderman would bring something special to his take on one of Molina's most aching tracks. Lenderman preserves its emotionality and distinctively raw delivery with his own performance, which is notably bare, direct, and stirring. The instrumentation feels slowed down, though broadened with a countrified fullness of a syrupy percussive weight, the oaky timbre of acoustic accents, wistful glide of pedal steel, and beautifully silken harmonies. Through his interpretation, Lenderman imprints subtle touches of his own while still retaining the depth of the original. It's an approach that feels careful and considerate, making for a heartfelt reimagining that demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of Molina's craft. -Kayla Sandiford