“Imagine the finest anthology of writing possible, and then imagine that writing put to music… You’re imagining As Smart As We Are, a book-cum-CD, the title of which comes from the opening line from the final track, “Water,” by Jonathan Lethem). Many of North America’s bestselling and prize-winning authors, have contributed original lyrics (and in some cases their musical skills) to this CD of music by Brooklyn lit-rock band One Ring Zero.

The project began when Michael Hearst of the band One Ring Zero, soon after moving to Manhattan in 2001, sought out a small store he’d heard about that was founded by Dave Eggers, author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. The band was invited to perform at McSweeney’s events and soon met Rick Moody, who invited them to perform and collaborate with him. Thus began a cascade of authors offering to write songs for the band…

Featuring:

Jonathan Ames, Margaret Atwood, Paul Auster, Clay McLeod Chapman,

Dave Eggers, Amy Fusselman, Neil Gaiman, Myla Goldberg, Ben Greenman,

Daniel Handler, A.M. Homes, Denis Johnson, Lawrence Krauser, Jonathan Lethem, Rick Moody, Aaron Naparstek, and Darin Strauss.”