New York based singer-songwriter Jesse Malin has shared a new video for the re-recording of ‘Xmas, etc’ from the upcoming 20th anniversary expanded reissue of his debut album, ‘The Fine Art Of Self Destruction’.
Directed by Dave Stekert, the clip was filmed around New York City with actor Jeffries Thaiss.
“‘Xmas, etc’ is a tale of regret and isolation,” says Malin. “Feeling alone and disconnected while everyone else seems to be loved and having a good time. When you know you messed up and can only hope for a better one next year.”
‘The Fine Art Of Self Destruction’ is out on 17th February 2023 via One Little Independent and includes a re-recorded, reimagined version of the entire album along with the original LP. “It wasn’t named for drug or alcohol abuse,” he explains. “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.”
e-recorded with Malin’s longtime band, the bonus material was produced by Derek Cruz and engineered by Geoff Sanoff, who also worked on Malin’s more recent ‘Sunset Kids’ and ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ albums.
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.”
Malin arrives in the UK in mid-February to begin a European tour promoting this reissue, before returning to New York to perform at Webster Hall, where his special guests will include Tommy Stinson (who also guests on the European dates), Lucinda Williams, Butch Walker, Cait O’Riordan (The Pogues), Catherine Popper, Adam Weiner (Low Cut Connie), opener Fantastic Cat, plus more surprises to be announced.
THE FINE ART OF SELF DESTRUCTION TRACKLISTING 1 Queen of the Underworld 2 TKO 3 Wendy 4 Downliner 5 Brooklyn 6 The Fine Art of Self Destruction 7 Riding On The Subway 8 High Lonesome 9 Solitaire 10 Almost Grown 11 Xmas 12 Cigarettes and Violets 13 Brooklyn (Walt Whitman in the Trash) 14 Riding on the Subway ’22 15 Downliner (Afterglow Version) 16 High Lonesome (PBR Vacation) 17 Cigarettes and Violets ’22 18 Almost Grown (Busker Version) 19 Solitaire (Song for Kelly Keller) 20 Queen of the Underworld (Cantina Version) 21 Xmas, etc.
ltd ed 2xLP A1 Queen of the Underworld A2 TKO A3 Downliner A4 Wendy A5 Brooklyn B1 The Fine Art of Self Destruction B2 Riding On The Subway B3 High Lonesome B4 Solitaire B5 Almost Grown B6 Xmas C1 Brooklyn (Walt Whitman in the Trash) C2 Downliner (Afterglow Version) C3 Solitaire (Song for Kelly Keller) C4 Almost Grown (Busker Version) D1 Queen of the Underworld (Cantina Version) D2 Cigarettes and Violets ’22 D3 High Lonesome (PBR Vacation) D4 Xmas, etc.
JESSE MALIN UK / EUROPEAN TOUR 2023 15.02.23 GLASGOW Stereo tickets 16.02.23 MANCHESTER YES (The Pink Room) tickets 17.02.23 LONDON The Garage tickets 18.02.23 PARIS (FR) La Boule Noire tickets 19.02.23 UTRECHT (NL) dB’s tickets 23.02.23 BERGAMO (IT) Druso tickets 24.02.23 RAVENNA (IT) Bronson tickets 25.02.23 MARENO DI PIAVE, TV (IT) Corner Live tickets 27.02.23 HAMBURG (DE) Nochtspeicher tickets 28.02.23 COPENHAGEN (DK) Hotel Cecil tickets 01.03.23 LUND (SE) Mejeriet tickets 02.03.23 STOCKHOLM (SE) Bar Brooklyn tickets 03.03.23 OSLO (NO) John Dee tickets