Having played a set of sold out UK shows in February to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut album, ‘The Fine Art Of Self-Destruction’, which has also just been reissued in an expanded edition, New York based singer songwriter Jesse Malin recently announced five further dates to commence in late May (listed above). These will see Malin and his band perform the album in its entirety, as well as songs from across his back catalogue and some choice covers.
Today also sees the release of a new single entitled ‘Wendy (Tail Lights Fade)’, a re-recorded version of the original album song ‘Wendy’ and the first of three to be issued in the coming months that have not already been included on a bonus LP of new versions with the reissue. Reimagined and re-recorded with his longtime band, the material was produced by Derek Cruz and engineered by Geoff Sanoff, who worked on Malin’s recent ‘Sunset Kids’ and ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ albums.
Released in 2003, ‘The Fine Art Of Self Destruction’ “wasn’t named for drug or alcohol abuse,” explains Malin. “It was more about a personal wreckage when I looked back on my life, from my parents’ divorce to failed relationships, broken up bands, dropping out of school, crashing cars, breaking things. It was more of a spiritual journey in some sense. This record is definitely one of my favourites.”
Following his teenage years in the pioneering hardcore band Heart Attack and his 20s fronting the wild and beloved D Generation, Malin took a cue from his songwriting heroes and was ready for a chance to stand alone. His solo debut was recorded over six days in New York City, live and raw. “I was still learning how to sing and tell stories. These songs were written in a little apartment downtown, without a record deal, a manager, or any expectation of anything coming of it – just a need to write them.”
original version of ‘Wendy’ included on
THE FINE ART OF SELF DESTRUCTION
(20th Anniversary expanded edition)
2xLP | digital
out now
digital services
UK TOUR MAY/JUNE 2023
30.05.23 BIRMINGHAM Hare & Hounds * tickets
31.05.23 HULL New Adelphi Club * tickets
01.06.23 OXTED Barn Theatre * tickets
02.06.23 CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach * tickets
03.06.23 EUSTON HALL Red Rooster Festival (Thetford) tickets
* with support from Bason
