Paul Dempsey is set to release Shotgun Karaoke, a limited edition collection of cover recordings, worldwide this Friday 4th October, and after a rigorous selection process from many fan favourites, Dempsey has now an taste of his unique tribute album ahead of release in an exclusive stream, as well well as a track-by-track assessment.
The genesis for Shotgun Karaoke came during Something For Kate’s recent nation-spanning Star Crossed Cities tour throughout May and June, the frontman for the Melbourne three-piece cultivated his love for a great tribute by filming a different cover song backstage each night at every venue, posting the results on up on the band’s social media post-show.
Highlights included David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ performed on the stairs backstage at The Metro in Sydney; You Am I’s ‘Berlin Chair‘ at The Gov, Adelaide. Queen’s ‘I Want to Break Free‘ in the stairwell at the Brisbane Hi-Fi; R.E.M.’s ‘Losing My Religion’ in the bowels of The Forum Theatre… the list went on. The response from fans was immediate, people began requesting songs and hanging out for the next release.
Following on from the impromptu cover series taking on a life of its own, armed with just an acoustic guitar, Dempsey spent an evening in the studio recreating his unique covers in the same spirit they were originally performed. The results are the ten brilliant renditions of Shotgun Karaoke, released this week with an accompanying solo tour of the same name kicking off on Saturday 5th October (dates and details here).
Have a read about the impetus for covering each track from the mouth of the man himself, as Paul Dempsey gives an intimate look at each cut of Shotgun Karaoke while you listen to a stream of the new release.
Shotgun Karaoke Track-By-Track
‘Don’t Wanna Know If You Are Lonely’ (Hüsker Dü)
I remember being about eight years old and seeing the words ‘Hüsker Dü’ graffiti’d on a wall near my house and wondering what the hell it meant… I eventually discovered that it was a band and they were incredible and their music ended up meaning a lot to me. But now that I think about it, I never did find out what ‘Hüsker Dü’ actually means…
‘Jesus Etc.’ (Wilco)
Such a beautiful song from the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album in which Wilco completely disassembled themselves and reassembled themselves in a totally new and courageous fashion. Some songs are scary to cover, you don’t feel like you can ever do them justice but I guess as long as your intentions are true and you don’t over-think it then you can at least manage a faithful tribute and just enjoy playing through it…
‘Caroline’ (Concrete Blonde)
Johnette Napolitano has such a powerful voice, this song really affected me when I first heard it and it’s stayed with me ever since, it’s a haunting song about a haunted person…
‘I Want To Break Free ‘ (Queen)
This song is basically a twelve bar blues so I figured there was no major reason it shouldn’t work on just an acoustic guitar… and then I got to the synth solo.
‘Faith Alone’ (Bad Religion)
Bad Religion were a huge influence one me. I was always amazed by Greg Graffin’s ability to incorporate serious scientific ideas and concepts into his lyrics, he was never afraid to use big words or just shitloads of words to get an idea across and ‘ideas’ are really the major driving force of this band… ideas AND four part harmonies.
‘Never Tear Us Apart’ (INXS)
I get a kick out of attempting songs that feature huge arrangements with things like Symphony Orchestras and saxophone solos etc and reducing them to nothing but an acoustic guitar. It’s a testament to how great and well-written a song truly is when you can strip all that stuff away and it still stands up. My tour-buddy Olympia sang some sweet backing vocals on this too! Gorgeous voice.
‘Berlin Chair’ (You Am I)
An Australian classic. I still remember the very first time I heard it, it was a powerful moment. I was 17 and I was sitting in a mate’s car and I just couldn’t believe it when it came out of the radio. And reality being stranger than fiction and all that, there I was last Sunday night onstage with You Am I singing the darn thing. I really do find myself pinching myself quite often. How does this shit happen?
‘Mockingbirds’ (Grant Lee Buffalo)
Grant Lee Buffalo were an incredible band and this is off the stunning Mighty Joe Moon album which everyone should just go and buy right now. And they were discovered by Bob Mould from Hüsker Dü, so thanks again Bob. And did you know Bob’s also responsible for the theme music to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart? What a guy!
‘What Jail is Like’ (Afghan Whigs)
This is off their album Gentleman, which is dark and sexy and mean and nasty and utterly incredible. SFK very nearly had them lined up to come out to Australia to open for us many years ago but they ended up breaking up. They reformed and started touring again last year but I still haven’t managed to catch them…
‘History Eraser’ (Courtney Barnett)
Courtney and her band were on tour with us when I started doing these backstage covers and it seemed a fitting farewell to try one of her songs on the final night of the tour so both bands piled into the tiny bandroom in Hobart and sang it together (all these clips are up on YouTube). I love her lyrics and she was kind enough to write them out for me so I could practise and I somehow managed to remember them all. And she’s got really lovely handwriting. I can’t wait to hear her next six albums.
‘Web In Front’ (Archers Of Loaf)
Archers Of Loaf were a big influence on us when we were starting out, a great blend of pounding rhythms and really discordant guitars that somehow all ends up sounding totally melodic and awesome. We played one of our first ever gigs with them and they borrowed Clint [Hyndman]’s drums and the drummer bled all over them. I’m pretty sure Clint still has the bloodied snare skin. Yuck.
Shotgun Karaoke is out via EMI Friday 4th October. Pre-order from iTunes, JB HiFi, Sanity & iTunes
