Buildin' It Up And Tearin' It Down

I just heard word that one of my favorite NYC singer/songwriter/troubadours, Jesse Malin, is releasing a "covers" record in a couple of months, which according to his website, will span everything from "Elton John to The Hold Steady". I was lucky enough to catch Malin perform several times in last year, and gotta say that this dimunitive dude really knows how to pack a punch during his live shows. One of the recent staples of his setlist is his acoustic rendition of "You Can Make Him Like You," off of said Brooklyn rockers, The Hold Steady's most recent offering, Boys And Girls In America. I am REALLY hoping this one makes the cut, and if does you'll see why. Malin, the former front man of the pivotal (and underappreciated) '90's glam/punk band, D Generation, has softened in his day since releasing a trio of very well-received solo records, but this hardly means he has slowed down. Touring endlessly, and occasionally playing random one-off shows in his hometown, the singer has amassed a cult following which has been growing steadily since his debut, The Fine Art of Self-Destruction. I have always thought that this guy was one song away from breaking it big. Maybe his perseverance will finally pay off with this new covers project (hey, it's been working out for Cat Power), and Malin will finally get the mainstream recognition he deserves.


Essential Jesse Malin recordings: "Downliner", "Brooklyn", "Arrested", "Prisoners Of Paradise"