Great Grandpa vocalist Al Menne‘s debut solo album Freak Accident is out now – read our review in Notable Releases. To celebrate its release, we asked Al about what inspired it, and they made us a list that includes Freak Accident producer Christian Lee Hutson, Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker, and more. Read it, along with their commentary, and stream Freak Accident below.
Influences behind Al Menne’s Freak Accident
The Weepies – Say I Am You
I listened to this album a lot in my teens and came back to it intensely at the beginning of 2020 and on into the early days of the pandemic.
Songs by Adrianne Lenker
I don’t think I need to say much about this one, it really speaks for itself and moves me in a way that makes me feel a part of something whole and beautiful. “Anything” is arguably the greatest song of our generation (if not of all time).
Drench Fries
Truly every Drench Fries song makes me feel like I’m coming home.
Christian Lee Hutson
An obvious one! It’s hard not to feel inspired by Christian’s melodies, witty lyrics, and seemingly effortless playing. I’ve learned a lot from you, friend.
Apples with Moya – Get Behind the Horses
This band shares two members with Great Grandpa. Seeing these two do what they do so well in another context is always inspiring to me. The dynamics, melodies, and instrumentation are all so beautiful.
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Al has a release show for Freak Accident coming up in NYC on October 6 at Purgatory, with Jodi and Grumpy.