photo from MySpace
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Afternoon Show host Kevin Cole, is Rigor Mortis
by Wussy from the 2008 album Left for Dead on Shake It Records.
Wussy is a Cincinnati quartet that began as a partnership between Chuck Cleaver and songwriter Lisa Walker that began when Walker first joined the former Ass Ponys guitarist and vocalist onstage for a post-Ponys solo gig. Their splendid debut, Funeral Dress, was mostly Cleaver’s baby, spotlighting his songwriting and vocals. The sophomore album, Left For Dead, strikes a different tone; the distorted, twangy garage-rock is still there, but it’s heavily fronted by Walker. Her added input in the songwriting process creates mystery where direct simplicity reigned previously. Left For Dead also features tighter production courtesy of John Curley (Afghan Whigs, Staggering Statistics). With the album now in records stores, Wussy plan to tour in the new year, including a stop at SXSW in March. Check their MySpace page for updates and for other gigs and for new about an upcoming EP in the spring. The following clip shows a live and lively rendition of Rigor Mortis,
performed live in Philadelphia last year:
