Operators, frustrating bills, and food poisoning in the workplace all get their due on 'Esopus 19: Customer Service.'

Please Come Again: Customer Service Songs

Soundcheck | May 13, 2013

Esopus magazine is known for taking an offbeat look at the worlds of visual art, design and culture. But every installment of the twice-yearly publication also comes with a delightfully conceptual CD of commissioned works. The latest, issue No. 19, features artists like Jens Lekman, Basia Bulat and Richard Swift of The Shins playing off a topic that most of us know all too well: customer service.

Esopus editor Tod Lippy and trombonist Jacob Garchik, who composed "The Tip Jar," discuss the challenge of turning a dreadful topic into beautiful, even hilarious music.

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