Jesse Malin’s catalogue gets another tribute with Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1, a 26-track collection due September 11 through Wicked Cool Records. The first of two volumes, with the project expected to encompass close to 80 songs recorded by Malin’s friends, collaborators and musical community. Volume Two is set to include contributions from Thurston Moore, Willie Nile and others.
Where the 2024 tribute Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin was a high-profile benefit project built around names including Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, Elvis Costello, Billie Joe Armstrong, Dinosaur Jr., The Hold Steady and Tom Morello, I Would Do It For You takes a more grassroots approach. Its contributors span punk, rock, Americana and New York’s underground scene, reflecting the breadth of Malin’s musical relationships rather than assembling another collection of major-name covers.
The first volume focuses on Malin’s solo career and his earlier work with D Generation. Valley Lodge open with “Too Loose”, originally recorded by D Generation for their 1996 album No Lunch, while other selections include Amanda Cross’ “Shining Down”, Bebe Buell’s “Dance With The System”, Gogol Bordello’s “Here’s The Situation”, Sami Yaffa’s “Black Haired Girl” and The Dead Milkmen’s “She Don’t Love Me Now”.
Produced by Lyle Hysen, the project is also intended to support Malin’s healthcare as he continues his recovery following the spinal stroke he suffered in 2023.
Friends of Jesse Malin – I Would Do It For You Vol. 1 is available on vinyl, CD and digital.