The Gits Live at The X-Ray is a new live album featuring recordings from the band’s June 1993 set featuring 14 tracks recorded at the famed Portland, Oregon nightclub that is out today worldwide Friday, December 13th on all DSPs from Sub Pop. Listen to a new live recording of the song “Whirlwind” now!
On a related note, you can watch a fully restored and remastered live performance of “Wingo Lamo,” filmed live at Seattle’s RKCNDY. The live visual features original film footage courtesy of DC9 and Douglas Pray from his 1993 documentary, Hype!.
Sub Pop recently shared the news that we are the new home of The Gits, the ferocious Seattle punk band fronted by the late Mia Zapata. Their entire discography – Frenching the Bully (1992), Enter: The Conquering Chicken (1994), Kings & Queens (1996), and Seafish Louisville (2000) – features newly designed album cover art by Sub Pop’s VP of Creative Jeff Kleinsmith, and have all been remastered by legendary producer Jack Endino. They are available to hear NOW on all DSPs from Sub Pop.
Damon McMahon releases new remix album, Death Jokes II, today, the final work of the acclaimed Amen Dunes project.
This is the last chapter of the final volume. Goodbye, I’ve barely said a word to you, but it’s always like that at parties - we never really see each other, we never say the things we should like to; in fact it’s the same everywhere in this life. Let’s hope that when we are dead things will be better arranged.
Amen Dunes was founded in 2006 with D.I.A., an album he recorded on an 8-track recorder in a trailer in Upstate New York. It grew from there, with McMahon releasing 6 full-length albums and 2 EPs over the last 18 years. Today he releases the 7th and final album, Death Jokes II, a reworked version of his May 2024 Sub Pop debut, Death Jokes. Hailed as “a daring turn in a different direction” by NPR Music, “a testament to McMahon’s sheer artistic brilliance” by Stereogum, and “a body of musical work that’s often as confounding as it is brilliant” by GQ, Death Jokes marked a major departure from Amen Dunes’ previous output, an ambitious album that saw McMahon immerse himself in the electronic music he grew up with but never imagined himself able to make.
Death Jokes was a complex project that took close to four years to complete and was recorded in various iterations, including an alternate version of the album recorded in June of 2021 at the famed East West Studios in Los Angeles (in the “Pet Sounds” and the haunted “Whitney Houston” rooms) with Money Mark (Beastie Boys) on keyboards, and both Jim Keltner (Bob Dylan et. al) and Carla Azar (Autolux) on drums.
In reimagining the album as Death Jokes II, McMahon revisited all that material for stripped down remixes of the songs by Craig Silvey. These new mixes also include unheard contributions from notable Death Jokes contributors Panoram, Kwake Bass (Dean Blunt, MF DOOM), Christoffer Berg (Fever Ray), and Robbie Lee, a multi-instrumentalist and NYC veteran.
Death Jokes II is a celebration of endings and of deaths, marking the end of Amen Dunes, itself.
As previously announced, today, December 6th, Sub Pop is reissuing seven titles – five on LP and digital and two digital-only – by Denver punk legends The Fluid. These releases include the band’s entire Sub Pop output from 1988-1991, choice outtakes and rarities, and their debut album, Punch N Judy, originally released by RayOn Records in 1986. None of this material has been available on digital music services before, and the vinyl versions have been out of print for decades. It sounds better than ever, thanks to extensive mixing and remastering work by the band and Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, High on Fire, Mudhoney).
The Fluid holds a special place in Sub Pop’s history as the label’s first non-Seattle signing, and their astounding live show and Detroit-fueled rock power made an indelible mark on the nascent grunge scene. Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil offers this first-hand account of The Fluid’s initial connection with the Seattle scene:
Everything about the news that Sub Pop is reissuing the entire indie catalog of The Fluid’s recordings is exciting and long overdue! The fact that they’ve commissioned Jack Endino to oversee most of the remixing and to have him supervise remastering with JJ Golden indicates their dedication to the sonic justice that these reissues are due. Sub Pop is including The Fluid’s 1986 debut album, Punch N Judy, which was originally released on RayOn records. This is the album that put them on my radar when label founder Bruce Pavitt played it for me in their offices atop the Terminal Sales Building in downtown Seattle circa 1987. My first reaction was to interrupt Bruce’s finger snapping, air guitar playing, lip synching karaoke dance moves to ask what we were listening to.
“This is Punch N Judy, Buy the Fluid”, is what I thought he said over the screaming stereo. “They’re from Denver!”.
“This is way cool!”, I replied. “This sounds like the MC5!!” “Punch N Judy is a great band name!”, I yelled. “And, Buy the Fluid is a witty album title!”.
Bruce brought the volume down and flipped his air guitar over. “No, the band is The Fluid; their album is called Punch N Judy.”
“Well, that’s even cooler! Are you going to sign them? Can you get them on Sub Pop?”
“We’re hoping! Yeah, they’re cool; we’d like to! You dig this?”
“Man, you got to, this is great!”
What a significant and important signing it was for the Sub Pop roster and the Seattle “Grunge” community. For Soundgarden it was encouraging and reassuring to learn that the vision developed within our scene was shared elsewhere, and that this milieu went beyond our regional geography. It also gave credence to the belief that Seattle in the late 80’s was analogous to Detroit in the late 60’s, with this Denver band bringing the legit spirit of the MC5 (my favorite band!) to pair with the often cited and repeated, but dubious comparisons between Seattle’s Green River and Mudhoney, and Detroit’s Stooges. The Fluid also brought a heavy dose of the New York Dolls and they along with our “Iggy” bands all referenced the stylings of NY’s Dead Boys!
Why The Fluid weren’t more successful is a mystery to me. They were better than most bands from our scene and around the international indie circuit. They had great songs and could play them really well! They could actually perform background vox and harmonies in pitch and key, with hooks! If you ever had the opportunity to have seen them live, like Soundgarden did when we first played shows with them, you’d have seen a band that commanded the stage with a charismatic presence and swagger that asserted the cohesion of five fingers clenched into a fist. They were rock stars that were a dangerously wild and real cool time.
Mudhoney’s Mark Arm highlights the mutual admiration between The Fluid and Mudhoney: Mudhoney opened for The Fluid when they first played Seattle in 1988. We were blown away by how amazing they were and instantly became great friends. Our bands dug deep, mining similar veins, but we applied different alchemy to the rock we dug. We admired each other’s results. They were one of the best live acts of the era. Their albums were in heavy rotation in our tour van. And now they are available again for you to hold in your grubby little hands.
And Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys, Guantanamo School of Medicine, Alternative Tentacles Records) sings the praises of The Fluid and their scorching debut album: At last, The Fluid are available again!! The best part is Punch N Judy, the great lost first album hardly anyone knew existed. The Fluid were always the most Detroit-powered of all the big early grunge bands, and nowhere more than on Punch N Judy. All killer, no filler. Not everyone was hip to them, but other musicians sure were. Especially in Scandinavia a few years later - no Hellacopters explosion without them.
The Gits Live at The X-Ray is a new live album featuring recordings from the band’s June 1993 set featuring 14 tracks recorded at the famed Portland, Oregon nightclub that will be released next week, worldwide Friday, December 13th on all DSPs from Sub Pop. However, today you can secure the album one week early, along with the rest of the band’s remastered digital catalog, for Bandcamp Friday.
Of playing live and the song “Wingo Lamo,” guitarist Andy Kessler offers this, “‘Wingo…’ was always one of my favorites to play live. And then there’s the thing about how I’d misheard Mia’s lyrics to the chorus as, ‘Just like my father told me…’ The actual line is, ‘Immobilized by the torment…’ But I truly wondered what it was her father told her. And to this day I still do. I always loved it when she changed the chorus and gave me a look and a laugh.”
Proceeds from today’s Bandcamp Friday sale of Live at The X-Ray and the entire digital catalog will benefit The Vera Project, an all-ages nonprofit space dedicated to fostering personal and community transformation through collaborative, youth-driven engagement in music and art. A music venue, screen print shop, recording studio, art gallery, and safe space for radical self-expression, VERA is a home to Seattle’s creative community. VERA’s volunteer-fueled, participatory approach has garnered national and international attention, serving as a model and inspiration for many all-ages organizations in other cities across the country. VERA successfully carved out a space for youth-driven music and art in Seattle, and has become a leader in a larger national movement that defines a culture of all-ages, participatory music and art.
On a related note, you can watch a fully restored and remastered live performance of “Wingo Lamo,” filmed live at Seattle’s RKCNDY. The live visual features original film footage courtesy of DC9 and Douglas Pray from his 1993 documentary, Hype!.
Sub Pop recently shared the news that we are the new home of The Gits, the ferocious Seattle punk band fronted by the late Mia Zapata. Their entire discography – Frenching the Bully (1992), Enter: The Conquering Chicken (1994), Kings & Queens (1996), and Seafish Louisville (2000) – features newly designed album cover art by Sub Pop’s VP of Creative Jeff Kleinsmith, and have all been remastered by legendary producer Jack Endino. They are available to hear NOW on all DSPs from Sub Pop.
You can also read Tim Sommer’s extensive liner notes on The Gits reissues here.
The Gits Live at The X-Ray
1. Sign of the Crab 2. While You’re Twisting I’m Still Breathing 3. Insecurities 4. Slaughter of Bruce 5. Seaweed 6. Beauty of the Rose 7. Absynthe 8. Another Shot of Whiskey 9. Whirlwind 10. Daily Bread 11. Bob (Cousin O.) 12. Wingo Lamo 13. Here’s to Your Fuck 14. Second Skin
Father John Misty’s Mahashmashana, his sixth album, is out today worldwide on Sub Pop and in the UK and EU from Bella Union.
Mahashmashana was produced by Josh Tillman and Drew Erickson; executive produced by Jonathan Wilson. It features eight songs across fifty minutes and includes the singles “I Guess Time Makes Fools of Us All,” “She Cleans Up,”“Screamland,” and today’s official video for “Josh Tillman and The Accidental Dose,” directed by Aaron Eisenberg. The latter two songs were mixed by BJ Burton.
Mahāśmaśāna (महामशान)— great cremation ground, all things put going thither.
Father John Misty’s previously announced headlining tour dates for 2025 in support of Mahashmashana, including his North America run with special guests Destroyer and UK dates with support from Butch Bastard, are on sale now.
February 2025 Dates Wed. Feb. 12 - Chattanooga, TN - The Signal (FJM Only) Thu. Feb. 13 - Atlanta, GA - The Eastern * Fri. Feb. 14 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium * Sat. Feb. 15 - Louisville, KY - Old Forester’s Paristown Hall * Mon. Feb. 17 - Columbus, OH - Kemba Live! * Tue. Feb. 18 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore * Wed. Feb. 19 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE * Fri. Feb. 21 - Toronto, ON - Massey Hall * Sat. Feb. 22 - Boston, MA - MGM * Sun. Feb. 23 - Kingston, NY - Ulster Performing Arts Center * Tue. Feb. 25 - Brooklyn, NY - Kings Theatre * Wed. Feb 26 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre* Fri. Feb. 28 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore Philadelphia * Sat. Mar. 01 - Washington, DC - The Anthem *
* w/ Destroyer
April 2025 Dates Thu. Apr. 03 - Oslo, NO - Sentrum Scene + Fri. Apr. 04 - Stockholm, SE - Fållan + Sat. Apr. 05 - Copenhagen, DK - Copenhagen Opera House + Sun. Apr. 06 - Berlin, DE - Huxley’s + Tue. Apr. 08 - Paris, FR - La Cigale + Wed. Apr. 09 - Brussels, BE - Ancienne Belgique + Thu. Apr. 10 - Utrecht, NL - TivoliVredenburg + Sat. Apr. 12 - Edinburgh, UK - Usher Hall + Sun. Apr. 13 - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo Manchester + Mon. Apr. 14 - Brighton, UK - Brighton Dome + Tue. Apr. 15 - London, UK - Royal Albert Hall + Wed. April 16 - London, UK - eartH Theatre (Rough Trade Outstore)
What People Are Saying About Father John Misty’s Mahashmashana: “Josh Tillman is at his spiritual peak: The mood swings are wilder, the logic more tangential, and the songwriting might be the best it’s ever been.” 8.3/10 / “Best New Music,” Pitchfork
“Another great, mind-bending, soul-baring, melodically rich album.” “Album of the Month” - ★★★★ MOJO
“Enthralling… he’s a fantastic writer in both terms of melody – all nine tracks bear a tune that’s both beautiful and beautifully constructed – and the scope of his musical ambitions.” Album of the Week - ★★★★ The Guardian
“Striking a compelling balance between the epic and the intimate.” ★★★★½ DIY
“Mahashmashana is assured, emotive and luminous; Tillman (AKA Father John Misty’s) distinctive phrasing is magnificent and his melodies are gorgeous and this soul-baring record is set to be a firm favourite for both new fans and the existing congregation that worship at the altar of Father John Misty.” 9/10, CLASH
“Another set of brilliant, beautiful songs… Tillman is an outstanding vocalist, a master of phrasing and inflection.” 8/10, Uncut
“In terms of the nuts and bolts of songwriting—chord progressions with a dramatic arc, melodies that get stuck in your head—he’s never been better. Mr. Tillman has matured and mellowed, but he remains a misanthrope full of surprises.” Wall Street Journal
“On Mahashmashana, Misty wrestles with a reality that is confounding, off-kilter, even crazy, knowing it won’t end well. Root for him.” Associated Press
“Josh Tillman’s sixth record might be the healthiest and most wisecrack-laden thesis on the circle of life in recent memory.” 8.4/10, PASTE
“Wonderful… The melodies are gorgeous and the lyrics come with that special umami of being precise yet elusive.” ★★★★ The Independent
“This is Father John Misty at his finest fuelled by uncompromised greatness.” 9/10, Far Out
“Ambitious and rich with emotion… the good Father can’t help but share words of wisdom.” ★★★★ NME
“Father John Misty sweeps us off our feet with an album of dizzying depth and magical magnificence.” ★★★★★ NARC
“Josh Tillman addresses mortality with wickedly expansive style on his sixth album. Flushed with wit and luminous melodies, his songcraft remains an inexhaustible pleasure.” ★★★★ Record Collector
“ These 50 minutes of music are simultaneously momentous and sublime…” ★★★★ Shindig
“Josh Tillman blends complexity and beauty into a cohesive, thought-provoking album.” 8.8/10, Northern Transmissions
“It’s an album filled with lush orchestrations, sly references to mortality and rebirth (to fit in with the album’s title) and songs that are unafraid to go on for, in some instances, over eight minutes. And, as ever with Tillman, it’s utterly compelling to listen to.” ★★★★½ MusicOMH
“Mahashmashana is unequivocally stunning.” ★★★★★ The Arts Desk
Father John Misty Mahashmashana
1. Mahashmashana 2. She Cleans Up 3. Josh Tillman and The Accidental Dose 4. Mental Health 5. Screamland 6. Being You 7. I Guess Time Makes Fools of Us All 8. Summer’s Gone
On Saturday, November 16th (@ 9 am PT / 12 pm ET / 5 pm UK / 6 pm EU), Father John Misty will host a one-time-only early album visual playback experience of the album on YouTube.
On Wednesday, November 20th, record stores around the world will celebrate the release of Father John Misty’s Mahashmashana with in-store listening parties. Attendees will have the chance to hear the album two days before its official release and access exclusive giveaways, including signed art cards (US and Canada only), white label variants (EU-UK only), stickers, and more. Check with your local store for timing and details.
Last month, Father John Misty recently released “She Cleans Up,” the dance-filled official video for his current single from Mahashmashana. Rolling Stone calls the song “a stomping glam-and-grit rocker driven by a chunky bass line, splashy baselines, and guitar riffs designed to be blown to rattle the casings of your speakers.”
Father John Misty’s previously announced headlining tour dates for 2025 in support of Mahashmashana, including his North America run with special guests Destroyer and UK dates with support from Butch Bastard, are on sale now.
Father John Misty’s Mahashmashana will be out Friday, November 22nd, 2024, worldwide from Sub Pop and in the UK and EU from Bella Union.
What People Are Saying About Mahashmashana:
“Another great, mind-bending, soul-baring, melodically rich album.” “Album of the Month” - ★★★★ MOJO
“Another set of brilliant, beautiful songs… Tillman is an outstanding vocalist, a master of phrasing and inflection.” 8/10, Uncut
“Josh Tillman addresses mortality with wickedly expansive style on his sixth album. Flushed with wit and luminous melodies, his songcraft remains an inexhaustible pleasure.” ★★★★ Record Collector
“Father John Misty’s sixth album eulogises humankind in Josh Tillman’s idiosyncratic, endlessly intriguing way… These 50 minutes of music are simultaneously momentous and sublime… There’s plenty of lushly arranged emotional climaxes; it’s not rare for the songs to reach a sweeping peak that is as towering, dense, overwhelming and ultimately moving as life.” ★★★★ Shindig
