Q & A With Jesse Malin

• 29th Jan 2007

Glasswerker Gaz Morris caught up with New York City's Jesse Malin after his recent Liverpool gig.

Jesse reflects on the change of venue, from his regular spot at the Academy, to the Barfly. ''Well, I wasn't sure at first u'know. The size of the venue and the layout, it was a little slow to get started, but yeah we got a thing goin, we had a good time'.

Onstage Malin had confessed to looking forward to being back playing in Liverpool all week, when pressed on what it is that makes Liverpool so special, he is quick to acknowledge the city's musical leanings 'I first came here on the “Fine Art Of Self Destruction” tour I went out in the evening, and I stepped into a club and it was like Whoa!!, like stepping into 1964, it was like Quadrophenia or something. I mean, this city is INTO music'

After joking that he is into “About ten songs that I listen to over and over”, I challenged him to list the ten greatest songs ever written. This was met with a deep intake of breath, a smile and then quite instantaneously:

“Ok”

Heart Of Gold- Neil Young
Wild Horses- The Rolling Stones
London Calling- The Clash
Blitzkrieg Bop- Ramones
Johnny B Goode- Chuck Berry
Change is Gonna Come- Sam Cooke
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road- Elton John
Here Comes A Regular- Replacements
Pay To Cum- Bad Brains
Blowin' in the Wind- Bob Dylan

Throughout tonight's performance Malin referenced numerous British bands and cultural references to the delight of many in the crowd. When asked about Liverpool's four most famous sons, he shows an extensive knowledge of The Beatles band and solo records. His favourite ten is a pretty inclusive bunch consisting of

Revolution (the loud one!!)
A Day In The Life
In My Life
Helter Skelter
Don't let Me Down
Rain
Paperback Writer
Happiness Is a Warm Gun
All You Need Is Love

Malin's Merseyside fanbase can rest assured that Liverpool is one city him and his band will return to on the Glitter in the Gutter Tour in April,

''This city likes to party, I've spent a few birthdays here actually. There are a lot of places I don't like, believe me, but Liverpool is not one of them''.