At the age of 21, John McCauley III, the man behind songwriting project/band Deer Tick, had recorded his landmark first full length album, War Elephant - an album full of songs wiser and more nuanced than he should be able to produce according to natural law. The words are deliberate and heartfelt, and follow the lead of singer/songwriter heroes like Townes van Zandt, Neil Young and Richie Valens. The young McCauley even played and recorded every single instrument on the record, as well as put together all the arrangements - which touch on everything from the summery rock of Tom Petty to Nirvana's sludgier moments.