The Fine Art of Self Destruction

Jesse Malin

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 28, 2003)
• Original Release Date: January 28, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Artemis Records
• ASIN: B000083MGA
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,497 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Jesse Malin segued from a decade as frontman for NYC's D Generation, a band whose glam-metal pose was as ironic as it was misunderstood, to this reincarnation as shrewd, stripped-down Gotham singer-songwriter. Comparisons to Bruce Springsteen have already been floated, but Malin's sensibilities here are as subtly shaded and introspective as the Boss's are broad and declamatory. Midwifed by producer/ex-Whiskeytown frontman Ryan Adams, Malin's affection for the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Steve Earle is obvious, but filtered through a savory, pop-conscious mélange of musical textures that evoke everything from Motown to Tex-Mex. Malin's lyrical sense is no less evocative, with simple lines conjuring up worlds of possibilities. It's a debut whose heartfelt country-by-way-of-Delancey-Street songs may bolster notions that irony is indeed dead in the post-9/11 world, but also one whose honesty of voice and purpose ensures the wake will be brief. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

The Fine Art of Self-Destruction features 12 original songs written and sung by Malin (ex-D Generation). Ryan Adams (Whiskeytown) contributes guitar and vocals on almost every track and Melissa Auf der Maur (Hole, Smashing Pumpkins) contributes background vocals. The album was released on October 22 in the UK where is has already garnered critical acclaim in Q (4 *'s), NME, Mojo and Uncut (album of the month for November), among others. The London Saturday Times said, "(Ryan) has turned producer on a spectacular debut by his New York friend and neighbor, Jesse Malin. Adams reckons that Malin is a 'genius'. Adam Duritz of Counting Crows says that this is the best album he has heard all year. Believe the hype. Malin writes vivid songs with killer tunes and sings them with scary conviction. There is simply nothing more than you could demand from a great rock record. Buy it. 5 out of 5 *'s."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than you might expect., January 29, 2003

By	Matt coppens (Grand Rapids, MI) - See all my reviews

Jesse Malin was the lead singer of the great glam-punk band D Generation, and before that he was the lead singer/guitarist in New York hardcore band Heartattack, who played in the early 80's. After hearing about this release I was excited, but skeptical. Sure, I've been a Jesse Malin fan since I saw D Generation open for the Ramones in 1995. But I didn't think he was capable of this kind of album. He hooked up with Ryan Adams, who produced and played guitar and keyboards on this album. The results are magnificent. This album is awesome. Kind of reminds me of an early Springsteen record, or the best of Ryan Adams material. You can still tell it's the same guy who wrote the songs in D Generation, but I think he's better now, and I loved his punk material.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, an album with actual songwriting.., June 20, 2003

By A Customer

..and it doens't sound like anyone else. Jesse's voice and point of view are completely unique. I can say that if you like Bruce Springsteen or Neil Young or Joe Strummer, you will probably like this, but he doesn't sound just like any of these. It's sort of what you would get if you locked someone in a room with only these records for about five years. Make that a very small room in Queens.

I dare anyone not to be moved by Soltaire or Brooklyn. There is a balance of both the slower more contemplative songs and the more rocking songs like Wendy as well.

Actually, it was Jesse's record that made me go out and buy the new Lucinda Williams record.

This record isn't good because of Ryan Adams or some of the other contributions - it stands just fine on it's own.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Malin Scores A T.K.O., August 2, 2003

By	Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I had read a bit about this CD, ordered a copy, and then read some of the extremely negative reviews before it arrived. I didn't know what to expect, but find I've been pleasantly surprised. No, Malin is not the next Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young or Lou Reed as the hype misleads. But he has created a strong set of tunes that bear up well with repeated listening. Malin was in the glam/punk band D Generation that made 3 CDs in the 90's. After their breakup, he started writing tunes that were inspired by the work of Steve Earle & others. Ryan Adams liked the songs so much that this is his first attempt in the role of producer.

My favorite track, currently in my own personal top ten, is "Riding on the Subway." Malin's flutter burst style rhythm guitar combined with Toby Dammit's original percussion makes this track completely rock, Another favorite is the great rocker "Wendy" with its bubbly chorus, guitar storm and distinct lyric, ...The other blockbuster tune to my ear is "T.K.O." with its soulful snarl, Joe McGinty's pounding piano, and Malin's lyric...The other tracks on the CD are good with the opener "Queen of the Underworld" having been a smash in the British charts, the acoustic ache of "Brooklyn," and the quintessential Christmas blues in "X-Mas." I find "The Fine Art of Self Destruction" to be a survivor's tale filled with strong songs from wall to wall. My advice is to discount the hype, the negative reviews of those who expected something else, and just listen for what Malin has done, because it's excellent. Enjoy!