Pokey LaFarge – Rent Money

Driven by ripping guitars, punchy rhythms, and unmistakably compelling melodies

Pokey LaFarge – Rent Money
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital
Label: Boxer Boy Records
Release: 2026

Release date: September 11, 2026

The new album shows that the Illinois-based artist Pokey LaFarge is once again taking a step forward with what can safely be called his best work to date: passionate and mature, serving as both down-to-earth social commentary and a sincere expression of personal experiences.

Driven by ripping guitars, punchy rhythms, and unmistakably compelling melodies, songs like “The Thing” and “My Baby Loves Me” float and swing, with cheerful choruses masking the everyday problems and the inescapable undercurrent of constant worries that characterize these turbulent times.

‘Rent Money’ is an undisputed highlight for Pokey LaFarge—a defining collection from a unique artist of unprecedented inventiveness and rare candor, who, now more than ever, is determined to develop a distinctive, deeply human musical style.

For his new record, Rent Money, Pokey LaFarge wanted to go back to basics. The music had to sound just as simple and direct as those old recordings on Chess by Howlin’ Wolf and Chuck Berry. He has succeeded mercilessly well. On the eleven tracks, which lyrically concern themselves more than ever with the miserable state of America and the fate of the ordinary man who is the victim of it, the entire history of music passes by once again; from country and gospel to rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and soul. And all of it put through the Pokey mixer.

It makes ‘Rent Money’ yet another fantastic record from this maverick in Americana.

Website: https://www.pokeylafarge.net/

Tracks:
01. The Thing (LaFarge / Bergman)
02. My Baby Loves Me (LaFarge / Bergman)
03. Hambone (LaFarge/Bergman)
04. Rent Money (LaFarge)
05. Stick Together (LaFarge / Hamilton / Bergman)
06. Work (LaFarge / Hamilton)
07. Stranger (LaFarge / Bergman)
08. Can’t Take it With You (LaFarge)
09. Told You No (LaFarge / Bergman)
10. Big Boss Man (LaFarge / Hamilton / Bergman)
11. On and On (LaFarge)