HERE WE GO AGAIN
Yep. A month of a-hunting and a-pecking later, here is your new Drag City Newsletter for the month of September in the year of your Lord Two-Thousand-Mother-Fuckin'-One —and change.
Finally, we get to write a newsletter with some hard news in it! Gang, you're not going to believe it, but our fall schedule is just a-bustin' with really powerfully hot new releases — we wouldn't kid about this! How do names like Jim O'Rourke, Papa M and Silver Jews hit thee? That big enough? Be it?
And all that's after (Smog) and The Drag City Supersession sweep you off your (collective, pro-management) ARSE later this month (the 18th, to be officially correct)! So the hits, clearly, are set to keep a-coming.
And that's not all. We're also working on another book to add to the Drag City Press stable this time, a book of criticism and praise (of the rock variety, basically) from Alan Licht. It's called An Emotional Memoir of Martha Quinn and it's destined to be... well, we'll tell you more about it in a little section all of it's own a little further on. There's also this King Kong Breeding Ground CD, which is going to be a great party item for all you boom-box partiers (thou knowest who thine selves be!). Then there's the Royal Trux graphic novel (comic book, for all you old-school fans of "graphic art"), plus whatever else comes falling down the chute (a.k.a. "art-hole"), obviously!
Yeah so if it's new, we got it going on, and it'll be out as soon as we can wrangle our suppliers' hands. They're so slow at demanding payment!
NEW!
Where to begin? How about with now? This month, we're bestowing (read: hawking) two new LP/CD releases and a magazine in addition to the rest of the catalog that we've never stopped nurturing (read: plugging) since the beginning, natch. The these two LP/CD releases are from top-drawer Drag City artists, and we find them hitting on all cylinders, everyone at the peak of their talents. The artists: who else? (Smog) and The Drag City Supersession (consisting of Neil Michael Hagerty, (Smog) and Edith Frost, with (artists formerly known as) friends). Yeah, we weren't kidding — what, like we're gonna shovel some shit at you? No way! Not till winter....
Rain on Lens is the new one from (Smog). The full-length follow-up to Dongs of Sevotion is a killer, dressed-out in shiny black gear, sporting hits galore. But beneath the tough exterior, (Smog) still has a heart beating in his breast — deep inside the heart of pure stone, that is! This dude is harder than hard! Still, his tunes are so catchy, you can't help but treasure them. Soon you're singing along, drumming on the table, smashing windows... and hopefully letting your cell-mates know about this great record you've just heard! (Smog) has definitely turned this Mother out for the criminal element this time; and all you teenage fans out there, prepare your hearts for re-breaking! With Rain On Lens, (Smog) will touch you once again. Just point on the doll where, exactly....
Tramps, Traitors and Little Devils is the debut release from The Drag City Supersession. We've got so many talented artists on Drag City, why not invite (read: lock) a few together in a room and see what happens? Now that we've heard the outcome, and finished that mountain of resulting paperwork, we're sure one of the things that happens is gonna be sales, for the best of Bill (Smog) Callahan, Edith Frost and Neil Michael Hagerty is on display on Tramps, Traitors and Little Devils, producing an effect on the listener that none of their own LPs could possibly garner! You just get breathless, jumping from strength to strength — it's like listening to the radio — in a past-future yet-to-come! The excitement mounts as each takes his or her song in turn; adding extra heat are guest guitarists Jim O'Rourke and Tara Key, two picks whose guitar expertise results in some of the mind-blowingest solos in circulation this year. Yeah, it's a gas. Yet there's more about Tramps, Traitors and Little Devils that we haven't even gotten into — you have to divine something for yourself, don cher? But even that's not the end of it — we hope to deliver to you more from The Drag City Supersession sometime soon and when you hear this release, you'll hope we do so too! As well!
ON THE NEXT WAVE
Gee, we're tired. It seems like it's all been such a whirlwind this year! Every once in awhile, we've got to pinch ourselves and remember that we've only put out one record on DC proper since April and granted, it was a gem (Edith Frost's Wonder Wonder), but still we actually got to feeling old just waiting around for the next DC release! The irony of it all is, now that we've got more releases, we've got way more than we bargained for. Because after the big hits we just described for you, the next wave's got a brace of blockbusters riding it and we can't wait for them to come crashing down on this beachhead Earth! Check this shit out:
PAPA M IS COMING
You know what's hard to believe? Among other things, it blows our mind that within the next eight weeks, the new Papa M album we're about to clue you to right now is gonna be released; out on the street and in your player probably... and mp3s will surely be available soon... but in the meantime, get out of our way! We got a damn record to get out! That's the way it is when the man called M strikes again with another brilliantly twisted new record: the goal is to get it out yesterday. And failing that, today. And failing that, tomorrow. This devastating process continues until the record is finally out, and in John Q M-Fan's hands. Papa do preach, please! But that's just a part of the sweet pathology of Papa M. So we coil, readying ourselves to strike, armed with the deadly venom that is the new Papa M album.
The record that's gonna kill you all over again is called Whatever, Mortal. Yep, Whatever, Mortal. It's Papa M, reinvented, as if from another life on another country — or perhaps in another world. The long-time Pajolian distillation of the blues has resulted in an all-world blues (as in bruise) record. Listening to it, it's clear that it's cutting pretty close to the bone; whose bone, it is not clear. Other than ours, of course man, that shit stings! And more than ever, Papa M sings! Yeah, he's got songs to sing, and lyrics galore are reprinted in the artwork, so you can sing along, through the tears. As the mournful tales mount, you feel the staunch traditional air that M is delivering from. There's moral and amoral, inextricably linked. He's thinking about doing wrong which makes for great music. Great music being played in these haunting songs is on the menu as well, thanks to the boss hand of Pajo. His free-ranging talent and talented friends weave new webs of music to hang in the windows of tangled young lives being described. What shines through you have to call light. So light and merry on the outside and mortal within: Whatever, Mortal is a masterstroke, from a masterstroker.
SILVER JEWS TAKE BRIGHT FLIGHT TO THE NEAR FUTURE
Whenever we hear the sound of Silver Jews, it always seems to come from another time a moment in the near future, perhaps. Their songs are like predictions that come true — moments of déjà vu played backwards, instantly familiar, making us nostalgic for a past that hasn't quite let go yet. Well, it's time for Silver Jews fans to prepare for such moments of time travel in the immediate future... around November 20th, to be precise! That's the day the new release Bright Flight will be made available, like an IV, to all the fans out there. This time, you'll have two new titles to choose from: not only the new 10-song Bright Flight LP/CD, but also a 4-track 12"/CDEP called "Tennessee." This 12" is a cut from the record with three cuts not from the record adding up to a mini-trip all of it's own — who are you kidding, there's no choice! You've got four purchases to make an LP, CD, 12" and CDEP! Start slinging that rock ASAP!
And the record is great. Keeping in the tradition of not repeating past poses, D.C. Berman has typed up a new set of profiles. He assumes them all on Bright Flight, assisted by a couple characters from the American Water sessions (Tim Barnes, Mike Fellows) as well as a number of talented players from the Nashville area, where Bright Flight was laid down. This is one of those lonely-sounding, make-you-cry Silver Jews records so get ready for a cold winter. With Bright Flight in hand, it will be a long, devastating, worthwhile experience. This could be humanity s last chance so please — don t fuck it up, you kids at heart. Reality just got a little more real.
PLUS THE MINUS TIMES
Also out on September 18th, 2001: issue 27 of The Minus Times. The literary almanac that could is back, with a series of new fictions, prose, drawings (and drawlings) and other creativity (even in the adverts) that, as always, says a lot about this country we all live in called America. Oh, wait a minute — some of you readers aren't technically from around here, are you? Never mind — just get your back issues of The Minus Times (in addition to the new one) — and you'll be as good as American in no time at all! Keep Kennedy’s dream alive — Hunter Kennedy, that is — buy The Minus Times!
U.S. MAPLE SCOPE OUT HOT YOUNG DRUMMER
Due to the tragic recent departure of homegrown (and homebody) percussive talent Pat Samson, U.S. Maple have found themselves footloose and fancy-free in the drum department. Hitting the streets again in search of a rhythmatist to beat it on down the road with them has proven to be surprisingly easy and fun. As a matter of fact, they' re checking out a hot little thing tonight, to see if he’s got what it takes. More on this later — but good luck, lads — hope you score!
ITEMS OF INSIGNIFICANCE
The more we listen to Jim O'Rourke’s latest, the more blown away we become. Once known as a master improviser, O'Rourke has lately been tagged as some sort of lite-pop confectioner. Don't they see? Don't they realize he's still improvising? We've got a little secret for you — Insignificance brings the listener face to face with Jim O'Rourke. This isn't Burt Bacharach here — nothing just for its own sake. Jim's writing from the gut, following his own muse, and even when it ain't pretty, it's still beautiful. It appears that O'Rourke realizes he's standing at the rock and roll plate, and the only option he's got is to take his swings. Insignificance is Jim's Plastic Ono Band moment of reckoning. Or perhaps Blonde on Blonde — a loose configuration of rock and roll tunes and calling enemies on the carpet. It's full of disses! But underneath the lyrical twists of the knife, the O'Rourke band is ebullient, meeting every challenge. Filled with an identity all its own, Insignificance seems to supply a final act to the trilogy that began with the wordless (though not emotionless) Bad Timing, and continued through everyone's favorite record, Eureka. With each, Jim's reached a new frontier in the possibility of what he can be — and Insignificance is no exception. Additionally though, it kicks ass — what more could you ask for?
EDITH HITS THE TRAIL
With Wonder Wonder knocking 'em dead from sea to shining sea (in your country of choice — we just got a rave on Edith from Norway!), Edith Frost has packed up her band and is merrily taking to the road that's been so kind to her in the past. This is Ms. Frost's first foray onto American soil (yeah, soil — have you been in a club in this country recently? Yeauchh.) since the golden age of Telescopic — in other words, since about two years ago. Much has shifted and changed, including the lineup of her band. Still in tow however is bassist Ryan Hembrey, who will bring a multi-instrumental attack with him (in addition to the basses) this time. Also family is cellist/keyboardist Amy Domingues (she gifted Telescopic and Wonder Wonder with her playing and also hauls cello for Jenny Toomey on occasion). Then there's Adam Vida (of US Maple!) on the traps and pipes and strings and Jim Becker too, who will also be hanging out on whatever other instrument is needed at the moment. With Edith and her guitars and vocals up front. So — a big band! Check the date nearest you out —and when you do, look for a rollicking good time with moments of stark beauty to spare. You won't be disappointed!
FUCKING CHAMPS PREPARE TO JOIN MILE-HIGH CLUB
The Fucking Champs, as we mentioned, are ready to go Over There — to stretch their hands across the water and all that rot — to conquer Europe, as all Americans must eventually do, whether they rock or not. Fortunately, The Fucking Champs rock —and then some. Just to get their motor running, they've scheduled a run of U.S. shows, going down the west coast (from San Fran to San Diego) and coming up the east coast (from Philly to Boston and back, culminating in an orgasmic all-ages event at their NYC headquarters, Brownies, on the 7th of October) before lighting out to Great Britannia. The dates there are listed elsewhere on this website — check them, do! The continental portion of this mission is still being "sussed out," as those old worlders say, so stay tuned — if you're European and you want to get your ass blown away by something other than a bomb, that is!
PSYCH MAGAZINE REVIEWED IN OTHER MAGAZINES
You read it here first! Yes, we're covering the coverage of the Galactic Zoo Dossier (issue #5), which has all been favorable — just this month, Mojo and Magnet both dug it, with more kudos a-comin' . And how could it not be so? For this 'zine is a real collector's item, with 52 pages of hand-written and -drawn fandom on the general topic of psychedelia — in as many of t' s diverse forms as can be penned within the borders of 52 pages! Psych music is given an extensive look, naturally — with obscure groups being thrown at you by the handful! Like for instance — there's interviews with some of the guys from Lovin' Spoonful, one of The Monks, Damo Suzuki and Michel Karoli from Can, and The Pretty Things' Dick Taylor, as well as one of the heaviest bands currently in circulation, Electric Wizard. In other words, Galactic Zoo Dossier gets around! Other featured artists include The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, Detroit acid rock bands, poet Leroi Jones and legendary cartoonist Jack "King" Kirby, among much more, all meticulously hand-drawn and written: the perfect format for appreciation of this nature! Included with this (as if more were needed — of course it is!) is a compilation CD featuring all manner and stripe of psychedelic music from here there and everywhere (with a bit of emphasis on the current heavy forms of psychedelia) — perfect listening music for the three or four days you'll spend non-stop, pouring over it all! And when we say 'all' we're thinking also of the Damaged Guitar Gods trading cards which come stapled into ages of rock are drawn and profiled, all in the limited space of a baseball card. It is truly exquisite — the love of creator Plastic Crimewave (we kid you not) really shines through. How much longer can you live without? Ask your local retailer to get it in stock sometime very soon. You have until year's end to get hip to one of the year's best news books — Galactic Zoo Dossier!
AN EMOTIONAL PREVIEW OF ALAN LICHT’S BOOK
Anyway, before we rudely interrupted ourselves above, we were talking about this exciting new book on rock and roll we' re readying for release. It' s by the well-traveled Alan Licht (guitarist for Love Child and Run On in the 90s as well as himself, both solo and in collaboration with others). Alan's also done some great writing, for himself (like in The Evan Dando of Noise) and others. He's also done some great talking, some of which didn't get recorded. Fortunately for us and him and others, he managed to record enough of his special muse to coherently present An Emotional Memoir of Martha Quinn.
An Emotional Memoir of Martha Quinn may just be one of the most evocative memories of a time and place ever written about the particular time and place it's written about. No joke. Basically, if you remember the 80s, and what must surely be called the 80s/90s, he' s got something for you here. The lens it's viewed through is music, a life in music, a life that began then. Along the way are the thousands of inadvertent bands who influenced Mr. Licht's perspective. And thank goodness he remembered — the observations contained within An Emotional Memoir of Martha Quinn are pertinent and funny and help explain a lot of what made the last two (painful) decades so necessary — or at least endurable. It' s going to be fun putting Alan's book out there. Don't shortchange yourself —check out Alan Licht's An Emotional Memoir of Martha Quinn. We should have it in stores by October.
FANTASY COMES TRUE FOR BRILLIANT YOUNG TALENT
The search is over! After a lengthy (and sweaty) "tryout," U.S. Maple are proud to announce the immanent birth — of a new rhythm alliance in their ranks! Adam "The Kid" Vida is being plucked from the vine to continue in the tradition of the retired Pat Samson — to create a mercurial, yet steady percussive muse for the chorus that is U.S. Maple (Or are they an oracle? We can never remember!). The word is, the kid's a tight fit. No word on what that means yet, however...but P.S. — the Maple say Stay Tuned — the party would appear to be just getting started again!
NEXT MONTH
That's it. Consider yourself edified — that's where Drag City stands as of now. But what of all our respective fates in October? We've already alluded to a little bit of this here and there as we worked our way though this month's narrative, but we're not taking any chances. What, like telling you once is gonna work?
TO REVIEW, then — the All Tomorrow's Parties shows loom in late October — which means (Smog) and Neil Michael Hagerty will be winding their mutual way out to L.A., where they'll meet up with Papa M and U.S. Maple, also booked on ATP — and then there will be more shows on the way back for almost all concerned. Sometime either before or after then, the Papa M Whatever, Mortal 2xLP/CD comes out. Maybe the Martha Quinn book, too. And if we're lucky, the O'Rourke record as well. Meanwhile, The Fucking Champs will be roaming the British islands, playing every few miles down the road. People everywhere will still be reeling from (Smog)'s Rain on Lens, as well as getting it together for Silver Jews' Bright Flight. Finally, the grapevine is rocking with this rumor: The Drag City Supersession will play a gig in the friendly confines of Chicago before the final ducking of the light in October. Could it possibly be?