More good news on the reissue front, Boner Records has recently released the original Melvins solo albums from 1992 on vinyl for the first time in many years. Rumor has it there will be special editions of these at some point this summer, in addition to a mystery fourth solo album as well! In the meantime, you should be able to order these from your local record store, Boner's longtime distro Midheaven, or other online outlets. "In 1992 the Melvins' fascination / adoration / denigration of the mighty KISS rock and roll universe compelled them to excrete out three solo masterworks inspired by the KISS solo LPs. The first in the series is King Buzzo, from the Melvins' giggling guitar grumpus. Four songs of atmospheric clanging and rockin' banging. Also features the many talents, drumming and otherwise, of a famous Grunge™ superstar, whose name sort of rhymes with New Wave Asshole. The second in the series is Dale Crover, from the Melvins' sleepy drum caveman. Four songs of gloomy heaviness, with Dale doin' the drummin', singin', guitarin', and dancin'. The third in the series is Joe Preston, from the Melvins' electronic beard warlord. Three songs of fuzz bass computer drone temper tantrum. All three 12-inches reissued on vinyl after 100,000 years out of print."
As most know Steven McDonald, recent Melvins bassist is in other great bands including Redd Kross and they announced recently that they'll be going on tour this spring and Dale will be joining them on drums! It's a four week tour so be sure to check them out if they're coming near you:
Redd Kross w/ Dale Crover — 2017 Tour Dates
04/15/17 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge
04/17/17 Omaha, NE Slowdown
04/18/17 St. Paul, MN Amsterdam Bar and Hall
04/19/17 Milwaukee, WI Cactus Club
04/21/17 St. Louis, MO The Firebird
04/22/17 Memphis, TN Growler’s
04/23/17 Dallas, TX Club Dada
04/25/17 Austin, TX Barracuda
04/26/17 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall
04/27/17 New Orleans, LA Siberia
04/29/17 Atlanta, GA The EARL (Atlanta Mess Around)
05/01/17 Durham, NC The Pinhook
05/02/17 Washington, DC Black Cat
05/03/17 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts
05/04/17 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
05/05/17 Montreal, QC Bar Le “Ritz” PDB
05/06/17 Toronto, ON Lee’s Palace
05/08/17 Cleveland, OH The Grog Shop
05/09/17 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups
05/10/17 Detriot, MI El Cub
05/11/17 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
05/12/17 Louisville, KY Zanzabar
05/13/17 Nashville, TN Third Man Records Blue Room
05/16/17 Los Angeles, CA The Echo
Steven recently spoke to Brooklyn Vegan about the tour and the addition of Dale to their lineup:
What is up with Redd Kross in 2017, why tour now?
"We are touring now because we found a rare moment where everyone is available and able. I am in two other touring bands: OFF! (with Keith Morris) and the Melvins, who I joined last year. Recording and touring with my other bands has taken up much of my time. I also produce bands in my home studio. I am deeply grateful to be able to say these are my “day” jobs.
Since the release of our much beloved Researching the Blues on Merge Records in 2012, Jeff has been keeping superfans satiated, digging deep into the archives and putting out three releases on our own mailorder-only label, Redd Kross Records. Among those is an extended version of our 1984 all-cover tunes concept record Teen Babes From Monsanto. We will be performing that whole record as part of our set on this tour. Dale Crover from the Melvins recently joined Redd Kross as our drummer, and we couldn’t be more excited about having him. Dale’s power and energy is like rocket fuel for the band, and I think his fans will be surprised and excited to hear him flexing his “groovy” chops."
What does the future hold for Redd Kross; with the addition of Dale Crover on drums could this signal a more active period ahead for the band?
"Yes, definitely! We’ve already started work on a new record. It is tentatively titled Octavia. It will be our eighth record. Dale is a big inspiration. He is a real working musician that has never retooled or changed his course. His enthusiasm for the band has been a great catalyst already. Look out for much more activity from us in the future."