In a standout moment from Chicago-born songwriter Ezra Furman's excellent 2015 album Perpetual Motion People, the singer wails "I have got a lousy connection!" But it's a sentiment belied by Furman's loyal audience following; he does appear to be connecting quite thoroughly, whether because of his smart, funny, and driving paeans to 1950's and 60's rock and roll, or because of his often outspoken advocacy for weirdos, outcasts, and nonconformists. Click the player above to hear Ezra Furman and The Boy-Friends play "Lousy Connection" and talk about what it takes to connect.

Bonus: Listen to Ezra Furman's cover of Nirvana's "In Bloom" 

Watch Ezra Furman & The Boyfriends play "Lousy Connection" in the Soundcheck studio: