Fort Worth’s Jack Barksdale can be as grim as another Cowtown native, Townes Van Zandt. But on his EP “Battleground,” out Oct. 16, the 19-year-old singer lightens up with satirical songs that recall Tom Lehrer and Randy Newman. “God Is Good” is a deceptively jaunty look at divine indifference, while the equally upbeat “The Scam Song” compares “Nigerian prince” grifters with corporations seeking bailouts.
He brings the same mischievous spirit to “Don’t Have Children, Adopt,” a singalong full of philosophical tomfoolery. The EP ends with “Ticket Home (for Phil Ochs),” saluting the late folk songwriter whose lyrics also packed a sardonic punch.
Barksdale recorded “Battleground” at Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis. In August, the singer taped an episode of NPR’s “Mountain Stage,” performing “The Scam Song” and four other tunes. A complete performance is expected later this month at mountainstage.org/podcasts.
Barksdale and Mollie Danel perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Pony, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton. $14; prekindle.com.