The Tinklers, the legendary Baltimore duo known for their witty and achingly humane songs played on homemade wrench xylophones and rubber band guitars, have written a book! Called The Elements, it's a timely and lovely read, and, like The Tinklers' tunes, it's deceptively simple, but poignant.

It's the latest release by Rupert Wondolowski's Shattered Wig Press, and here's what Wondolowski has to say...

We are happy to have brought into the world a perfect bound paperback of The Elements; An Account of the Wanderings of Steven and Mary and What They Learned In The Land of the Elements. Written in the warm, cosmic populist style of their songs, this book uses the elements of the Periodic Table as a lynchpin for telling the tale of a young couple struggling to make it in love and labor in a demanding world.  But above all it is a deeply ecological work with a spirit of common decency and humaneness that seems to be disappearing from the world.  Impassioned pleas for the unity of all things and actions within the realm of Mother Earth without patchouli and poor hygienic practices.  Available now for the low low price of $8.00.  It will be a sweet, nostaglic read for your grandchildren as they move about Mars on their hovercrafts, occasionally peering down at the fireball that once was Earth.

City Paper ran an excellent piece on The Tinklers this week, and you can read that here.

Tonight's Shattered Wig Night at the 14Karat Cabaret will celebrate the book's release, with Zomes, Ghost Life, and Blaster Al Ackerman also on the bill. Tinkler Chris Mason will be on hand to read from the book and sign copies for fans.