JESSE MALIN The Fine Art Of Self-Destruction (Artemis) Rating: NNN Rating: NNN
The wistful, pouting face under a mop of badly over-coiffed punk rock hair peering at you from the cover of The Fine Art Of Self-Destruction is almost as off-putting as the title. So, given my low expectations, I was surprised to discover that this isn’t all that horrid. Ryan Adams plays producer (and some guitar) on this solo debut from the former D Generation frontman. Very pared-down, roots rock ‘n’ roll songwriting with folk and country touches, full of narratives about life in New York City. The tunes are well crafted, but the singing gets a bit whiny in a Corey Hart kinda way. Melissa Auf Der Mar contributes backing vocals, if anyone cares.