The Paquette Sessions
Back when we both lived at our parents house, we'd often waste time in the basement pounding away on our instruments, hoping for some approximation of Versus style indie jangle mixed with Sonic Youth's noisy clanging and banging. We recorded hours of this stuff which I later sifted through, hoping for little flecks of gold. The best of the endless 8 minute jams in search of a coherent piece of music ended up on a tape called the Paquette Sessions. Here's a crunchy little treasure showcasing Jamie's chugging guitar stylings and my heartless drum bashing. Enjoy!
Vale-Mover (Return) - The Paquette Sessions
Mitten
When indie rock hit us, it hit hard. Mitten was started by me and two friends - three people who could barely play their instruments. It was not a pretty sound but the DIY spirit coursed through our veins and we weren't cowed by the obvious lack of talent or songwriting abilities. Over time, we fumbled our way into being a somewhat competent band of troubadours who were never offered a gig we wouldn't play. The basement of a library? Sure. The summer camp where Listmaker and I were counselors? Of course. The mall in D.C., an empty coffeehouse on the Jersey Shore, a crowded pool hall who wanted nothing to do with us? Check, check and check. Jamie joined us in time and played with us whenever he could adding a much needed je ne sais quoi to the sound of Mitten. We always missed his guitar playing whenever he wasn't around but none of us could ever figure out what he was playing on any of the songs. It was a complete mystery. Here he is, trucking along on a song written specifically to kick of our shows, giving the audience a preview of the nonsense to come.
Whatever Happened to the Beautiful South? - Mitten
Leka
Jamie's post-college, pre-NYC band was a somwhat legitimate enterprise that played at actual venues like the Black Cat and even put out a 7-inch. I was so amazed and very jealous. While my band at the time was playing open mike nights at cheezy bars, he was living the good life, trashing dressing rooms and writing contract riders longer than Moby Dick. This is from the aforementioned 7-inch, the only record I've ever seen that is played at 33 1/3 RPM on one side and 45 RPM on the other. Once again, happy birthday and have a rockin' day.
Drown - Leka
1 comment:
Still catching up with everything since my return from Florida. This post brought a smile to my face remembering your jamming sessions in the basement and the infamous concert at Pilgrims Hills. I didn't know you had any recordings of any of this stuff, so it was a real treat to hear these three selections. Thanks. Hope Jamie enjoyed your efforts, too.
Love, Mom
Post a Comment