Young Jesus (aka John Rossiter) has announced a new album, The Fool, due May 24 via Saddle Creek (pre-order). The album was made with producer Shahzad Ismaily, with contributions from Alex Babbitt and Alex Lappin, and two songs are out now. “Brenda & Diane” is Young Jesus’ fucked up version of a Springsteenian heartland rock anthem, and “Hollywood Ending” finds them in somber, string-laden piano ballad form. Here’s what John says about “Brenda & Diane”:
Brenda and Diane are on the run. The main character thinks he’s better than them. But sits down to talk to them, to humor them. Sees that they have a whole, complex life. Humbling for the main character and his sense of superiority and judgment. Brenda and Diane invite him into life.
As with many of these songs, recording this tune mirrored the content of the song. Alex Lappin, the producer, really challenged me to craft a narrative with the vocal delivery. I was resistant because I like how I sing normally and I don’t like to deviate from my usual delivery– it makes me feel safe. Makes me feel detached.
But we really worked on this one, and I felt I left my ego a bit. Was able, thanks to Alex, to find what the song needed rather than what I wanted.
And about “Hollywood Ending”:
The best part of this tune is the strings. Alex Babbitt arranged the strings and his parents, Frank and Cornelia, played cello and violin on it. Around that time, Frank had become very sick.
A couple months later, I was visiting family in Chicago over Thanksgiving. I went to the church I grew up going to with Alex and his brother Ben Babbitt. Ben played organ (pipes throughout the church!) and Alex and I sang, standing at opposite ends of the church. Improvising. We really grew into our voices in there, everything became so resonant, swirling. When we finished we knew we were present for something very special. We reached places vocally and emotionally that we don’t get to often. A few months later, Frank passed. This song is dedicated to the memory of Frank Babbitt.
Listen to both songs below.
Tracklist
1. Brenda & Diane
2. Two Brothers
3. Rabbit
4. Rich
5. Moonlight
6. MOTY
7. The Weasel
8. Am I The Only One?
9. Sunrise
10. Dancer
11. God’s Plan