“Who is Michael McDermott? You’ve got a lot of albums by him on your Ipod.”
I get this question a lot for several groups/artists, and McDermott is near the top of that list.
Who is Michael McDermott? If you know him at all, it’s probably because of this song:
McDermott released 620 W. Surf, his critically acclaimed debut album in 1991 on Giant Records. McDermott found himself tagged as that particular moment’s next big thing, an artist that could be “the next Springsteen.” This label has been known to sink many rising young stars, although every once in a while, you’ll have someone like the Gaslight Anthem that manage to slip past the hype and prove that they actually have the goods.
I consider Surf and its followup Gethsemane to be essential listening, and once you’ve ventured that far, you might as well stick around for Mcdermott’s self-titled album that followed those two albums in 1996. Make it that far, and chances are that you’re like me, and you own the entire McDermott catalog.
Like Springsteen, McDermott is prolific, recording 10 songs for every one song that he releases, introducing a new cast of characters with each one, often woven together with plenty of lyrical self-examination. McDermott’s life since 1991 has seen its share of turbulent ups and downs, culminating in the release of Noise from Words, which was potentially McDermott’s darkest release to date.
After Noise, the title of McDermott’s new album Hey La Hey seemed almost cheery, which makes a lot of sense, if you know McDermott’s current backstory. The demons have been sent packing, and best of all, McDermott got married to singer/songwriter Heather Horton earlier this year, in May. All’s well that hopefully seems to be ending well, and that comes through loud and clear on Hey La Hey.
Mcdermott spoke to the Chicago Tribune recently about the new album:
“Sometimes you just have to find your bottom,” says McDermott from Nashville, where he lives part-time with his wife, singer-songwriter Heather Horton. (The two still maintain a residence in Chicago.) “Fortunately, I came walking out the other side and met an amazing woman. I’m in a different place now than I was a year ago.”
Although it’s not completely lyrically upbeat, there is an overly happy vibe that runs throughout Hey La Hey, and there’s a new spring to be found in McDermott’s musical step in every song. You can tell it’s going to be a good ride from the beginning of album-opener “So Am I,” with acoustic guitar, harmonica, and a vocal from McDermott that finds him instantly in great voice. Horton backs McDermott vocally throughout the album, and even takes a lead vocal two tracks in on “Hard to Break,” and although it’s an interesting move to veer away from McDermott on the second track, it’s a great tune that fits right in on the album. “The Great American Novel” and “The Year That It All Went Wrong” are signature tracks from McDermott that seem destined to become fan favorites, and while we’re on the subject, “I Wanna Know Why” is one of the best opening singles I’ve heard from McDermott in a while, a total winner that made me instantly want to hear the rest of the album.
And perhaps it will do the same for you – check it out here:
Michael McDermott – I Wanna Know Why
Here are a few more tracks to help convince you to investigate the rest of McDermott’s great catalog:
Michael McDermott – One Way To Go – from Ashes (2004)
Michael McDermott – 20 Miles South of Nowhere – from Last Chance Lounge (2000)
Michael McDermott – Summer Days – from Michael McDermott (1996)
Michael McDermott – Need Some Surrender – from Gethsemane (1993)
Hey La Hey is available digitally now, and hits stores on Tuesday (8/11.)
photo credit for B/W McDermott photo: Niva Bringas
I believe one of your adverts caused my internet browser to resize, you might want to put that on your blacklist.
Hey, do you have a facebook fanpage?
I have not checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are really good quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend. 🙂
I am very impressed by the time you put in to making blog posts and you are an inspiration to everyone on this community.
Awesome post , I am going to spend more time researching this topic
I for example the efforts you have put in this,
thanks for all that the great blog posts.
Thoughts talk within just around the web control console video clip games have stimulated pretty professional to
own on microphone as well because , resemble that the perfect “difficult guy” to positively the mediocre ones.
Basically fundamental problems in picture gaming titles.
Drug Recovery
Great post, you have pointed out some great points , I also think
this s a very first-rate website.
Can I merely say that of the relief to lookup out one who actually knows what theyre dealing with on that the web.
You definitely discover how to bring a difficulty to light to make it critical.
Workout . actually need to check out this and understand why side of your story.
I cant believe youre no more well-known whenever you definitely
contain the gift.
You produced some decent points there. I looked on line to
the issue and discovered most people is going in addition to using your site.
I for example that the valuable information you hand over in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
I’m quite certain I’ll figure out tons of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
you could have a fantastic weblog here! would you
would such as to make some invite posts on my weblog?
I visited a lot of website however I conceive this one contains something special in it in it
Aw, this was the actually quality publish.
In theory Let me create for example this because well?
?§o? spending time because well as actual effort to make a great
post! in spite of this so what can I say! We procrastinate a large amount and in no manner
seem to search out some thing carried out.
I think this site has got some very good info for everyone : D.
I just like the valuable information you offer in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
I’m quite certain I will learn a lot of new stuff right here!
First-class luck for the next!
I truly appreciate this post. I?ve been seeking everywhere for this!
Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have
made my day! Thanks again
I am generally to blogging i genuinely appreciate your
posts. This content has actually peaks my interest.
My goal is to bookmark your website and keep checking
feasible information.
There have been several fascinating points in time on this page then again I don’t recognize if these center to heart.
There’s some validity but I am going to take hold opinion until I
check into it further. Fine article , thanks and we want much more!
Included with FeedBurner likewise
oh well, American Dad is mostly a nice tv series.
my sixteen year old daughter just loves watching it”
Thanks, I are searching for info about this topic
for ages and yours is that the best Ive discovered so far.
What platform and theme have been you using if I may ask?
Where can I buy them? .
I your writing style genuinely loving this internet site .
Merely a smiling visitor here to share that the love (:, btw outstanding
design . “Audacity, more audacity and always audacity.” by Georges Jacques Danton.
I discovered your website site via internet and appearance some of your early posts.
Maintain that the really excellent operate. I merely additional
the Feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking for toward reading more out of you at a later time!
…
Greetings! I recognize this is kinda off topic then again I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa?
My site addresses lots of that the same subjects because yours and I believe we
could vastly benefit from each other. If you are interested
feel at no cost to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing out
of you! Wonderful blog by that the system!
This is the fitting blog for anybody who desires to
obtain out about this topic. You notice a large amount it can be nearly onerous to argue
with you (not that I truly would want…HaHa). You undoubtedly
put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years.
Nice stuff, simply great!
After research a quantity of of that the weblog posts on your web site now, and I really for example your method of blogging.
I bookmarked it to my bookmark website record and will be checking back soon.
Pls try my web site as effectively and let me identify what
you think.
Good blog! I truly love how it can be easy on my eyes
and that the data are well written. I’m
wondering how I might be notified whenever an extra post
has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the
trick! Have a great day!