Fine Art of Self Destruction

Originally released in 2002, Jesse Malin's classic solo debut is reissued with a bonus disc of the entire album re-recorded and reimagined. The Fine Art of Self Destruction is Jesse Malin's debut solo album. Released on December 24, 2002 in the UK and was produced by Ryan Adams. 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 melange 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.

2LP - To celebrate the album’s 20th Anniversary, The Fine Art of Self Destruction is reissued and paired with a bonus disc of alternative versions, reimagined and re-recorded with Malin’s longtime band. The bonus album was produced by Derek Cruz and engineered by Geoff Sanoff, who worked on Jesse’s recent albums Sunset Kids and Sad and Beautiful World.