Phil Ochs’ heir apparent put out two albums and an EP in 2024. He releases portions of new songs on social media, most recorded in natural settings like this one. This song appeared on the first album, Hells Welles, and I chose it as a nod to one of the low points of 2024 for my family. There are several others I would have considered but for Forbidden Zone content.
But I think we can all agree on “Fuck cancer.”
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The guy kicks out songs like there's no tomorrow, all very topical and posts them on IG. The one on sports betting is amazing, and not the FZ at all.
I don't think he records them in a natural setting however. I think they are in sone sort of recording studio in front of a green screen. No way he could get the sound quality like that in the woods and many times the background is unchanged. (although that may just be the IG content, which is where I've seen his songs).
I don’t know how he writes as many songs as he does — and often with lyric structures as complex as he does here. I was glad to see him take a break from the heavy subjects with his EP. Gonna need him even more this year.
As for the videos, I’m not sure what to think. Some from this summer you hear wind noise, see his untrimmed guitar strings bump plants where they come off the tuning pegs, and he’s clearly perspiring heavily. Others, like you say, have pretty clean sound that would be hard to get in that environment. Maybe some of both?
Probably some of both. I am only familiar through Instagram posts.
Fuck cancer.
https://www.rangefuneralhomes.com/obituary/James-Saatela
I'm sorry for your loss.
Agreed!! Our sympathies
Sorry for your loss, brother. May his memory bring your family joy.
I’m very sorry. May his memory be eternal and may he watch over you all.
Thank you for your kind words. Headed up to the Range early on Friday for the visitation and service on Saturday. Cancer took her Mom a decade ago, but she had a year to prepare between diagnosis and passing. Her Mom - being who she was - had everything in order; T’s crossed and I’s dotted, down to the songs, psalms and readings to be read. Her Dad - despite his intelligence and stubbornness not to put anyone out … ever - had nearly nothing in order. I would have thought his disdain for the government, and the possibility of ’them’ getting anything out of his estate would have lit a fire. I suppose no one wants to believe the end is coming, even when it’s staring you down.
However, we did get some quality time with him at Christmas, taking all your advice to hug your loved ones while they’re here.
Oh, Jesse Welles playing at the Cedar Cultural Center March 1, 2025 in Minneapolis if anyone is interested.
Looking forward to seeing him in the People’s Republic!