Kevin Morby Drops New Song “PBJ” and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Flavor

Kevin Morby found a way to synthesize his soaring and heartfelt indie rock as a singer-songwriter on May’s Little Wide Open, and he’s back with a new song that does the same. The jangly “PBJ” is about opening yourself up to the world, and there by his side to bring that emotion into focus are Justin Vernon on guitar, Aaron Dessner on bass and guitar, and Andrew Barr on drums. Below, check out the song and its self-directed music video, starring his wife and fellow parent Katie Crutchfield, Caleb Hearon, and Tara Raghuveer.

The origin story behind the song’s title is almost as good as the song itself. “Once, long ago, a friend described the act of driving with the windows down while still blasting the air conditioning as ‘Peanut Butter Jelly,’” explains Morby. “She told me this phrase was common where she came from but no one I’ve ever talked to has said the same nor can I find anything about it online. But I always loved the phrase and have used it ever since. I also love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (and all its variations) and so this is a very fun song for me. An end of summer song. Listen to it with the windows down…and the air conditioning up.”

Thankfully Morby knows the possibilities for promoting a food-themed song title shouldn’t go to waste. He’s also partnering with some of his favorite businesses around the country on collaborative meals, snacks, and drinks tied to the single. The biggest is a peanut butter and jelly flavor at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream locations nationwide. He also tapped New Orleans’s Turkey and the Wolf for a special burger, Kansas City’s Heirloom Bakery on a PBJ ice cream sandwich and Mr D’s Donut Shop on a donut, New York City’s Culture Espresso for a cookie and Rockaway Beach Bakery on a croissant, Memphis’ Global Cafe for a drink, and Durham’s Ideal’s Sandwich and Grocery on a sandwich.

Read Jenn Pelly’s profile Life & Death in Kevin Morby’s Midwest.

Nina Corcoran joined Pitchfork as an Associate Staff Writer in 2021 after contributing to the website since 2015. She’s written for Rolling Stone, Wired, NPR, Stereogum, and elsewhere, and was previously the music editor of alt-weekly newspaper DigBoston. She’s based in Chicago. ... Read More