The Final Painting, out July 31, is a marvelous last word from the late psych-folk legend Ed Askew. In the years before his passing in 2025, the poet/painter/songwriter partnered again with Jerry David DeCicca — his producer of 2013's remarkable For the World album — to work through nearly three dozen songs together, expanding upon nine of them to form a stunning self portrait. The second single releases to the world today: "Tough Guys," a bold romantic expression about gay relationships that Askew observed and lived.

Between Ed’s piano and vocals, the arrangements on "Tough Guys" fill the space with the flowing, episodic feel of soundtrack music and languorous 70's chamber pop. The song is a slow boil of bittersweet feels, with actual air blown smoothly on trumpet by Fulvio Sigurtà. Ed's lyrics are crushingly intimate, penning a longing piece about handsome boys and former flames circa 1980: "They left like a lover / they left like a mystery / they left and they kissed me". The outsider suggestion in the music of Jonathan Richman and Lana Del Rey expands with utterly human dimensions in the presence of Ed Askew and his memories.

To coincide with the release of The Final Painting, an exhibition of paintings from the final working years of Ed Askew, titled "Boy with a Hat," will open at Chicago's Soccer Club Club on July 31 and run through August 21. The show was curated by Jay Pluck, Askew’s longtime friend and collaborator; it includes the painting selected by Askew himself for The Final Painting's album cover, likely the last painting completed by the artist. The opening reception will feature a performance from album contributors Eve Searls, Dustin Laurenzi, and Jerry David DeCicca.

Boy with a Hat: Ed Askew, Paintings 2014-2024

July 31 - August 21 @ Soccer Club Club
Opening Reception on Friday, July 31 8-11PM
Refreshments provided by Middle Brow
Featuring a musical performance by
Eve Searls / Dustin Laurenzi / Jerry David DeCicca