November 20, 2007Dears:
Sorry to be so out of touch. We've had a bit of a rough year, a bit of a shakedown. Nevertheless, a few months ago, I started to write a bunch of songs in my basement. On really good days, I would listen back to to the tunes with my daughter falling asleep in my arms. The process resulted about 15 or so tunes that have reached various stages of development. And I think more are still coming in. In order to continue the process, we had to load up the car with gear and move into an actual studio. An extremely creative vibe exists there with killer engineers/ gear and we've already had some amazing contributions from people like the reunited Brebeuf Brass (check your NCL liner notes), and Roberto Arquilla (that name would be in your H'wood liner notes). Krief has been melting our faces consistently and George has been pummelling in our brains with every performance. I also somehow managed to convince Benvie to come back and do stuff with us. Don't know how long he'll stick around but it's been really fun and he has contributed massively, everything from Nick Rhodes synth lines to tasteful guitar riffs to beating toms in the hallway. Of course, our resident blog star matriarch and my loving wife Natalia has been holding it down at the baby grand piano and taking care of me. She's taking a lead vocal on this record which is long overdue. I played some banjo and twelve string electric and damn near made a fool out of myself. But I did it to really try and reach out to my honky brothers and sisters because deep down, I love them so.
Thus, a new Dears record has gone into labour.
And how can I possibly describe to you what is coming out of the speakers? Or more importantly, does anyone care? It's all a bit messy right now. But it sounds like a battle in the trenches, on the ground, hand to hand. It's bloody and brutal. It's the most honest yet. And hopefully that will mean something to you. And to the ones who don't care about anything. Actually, especially. No drama. Really.
Anyway so far, there are some subtle references to dub, grunge, country-funk with a direct nod to -- a virtual rip off of -- Sly and the Family Stone's Riot record, and some motown meets blues-metal. Or something like that. One thing it ain't is indie rock. Mostly we've reached the stage where we're referring to our past to the point where it could only sound like The Dears. After all, this is our fourth album. Not even Morrissey can sound like Morrissey after four records.... Anyway, I don't really know what else to say except that I am really enjoying working on this thing. Even if I only get to sleep part of the time. And one can't assume what label or labels will actually put it out, where and when. That's some foggy shit right there that's actually quite liberating.
Oh and we're really trying to nail down a proper choir....
In other news, Krief is working on record at the same time with his band that also includes George. I've only heard bits and pieces but it's going to be killer. He's ridiculously prolific. The guy is working like a bastard and for that I must publicly give props.
Later,
Murray
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