Jay Reatard : A Tribute...

"Jay was as full of life as anyone we've ever met, and responsible for so many memorable moments as a person and artist. Were honored to have known and worked with him, and we will miss him terribly." - Matador

I was at what I think was his last show in Milwaukee, and while I stupidly didn't film any of it (the one time out of ten I saw him) , it was the best i'd ever seen him play. The new band members (from Cola Freaks) and Jay played the songs slower, like on record. If you've ever seen him before with the old band, you know it was about 3X faster. I doubt this has any hidden meaning, maybe they just thought it sounded better. I certainly thought so. Playing it slower, Jay was actually singing, bringing out the crazy hooks that those songs had when you'd listen to them at home.

I talked to Jay a lot, he'd come to Chicago often. He was always super gracious, and really nice. A far cry from the people that think he was just out to punch you in the face.

I hope this gives someone, anyone, something to smile about.

Cheers.





up @ pitchfork! thanks dudes!