Jesse Malin Archives - KUT & KUTX Studios

If you fancy yourself as a rock and roll historian, there’s a high likelihood that you already know the name Jesse Malin. One of the earliest purveyors of the New York hardcore sound, Malin began mounting his place as a pop culture icon in the ’80s with Heart Attack before becoming a glam punk powerhouse in the ’90s as singer of D Generation. Malin went solo at the turn of the millennium and has since shared a stunning nine full-lengths.

But longterm success rarely comes without significant hurdles. Last May Malin suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed from the waist down. All things considered, Jesse’s doing okay; he’s gaining strength in his legs and on a daily regimen of physical therapy to get him back onstage doing what he loves the most. That’s of course a costly endeavor, so thankfully those who’ve felt Malin’s impact are giving back in a big way. And that’s through Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin – out September 20th.

With all proceeds benefitting Jesse Malin’s Sweet Relief Fund, this loving tribute album pulled in heavy hitters like Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams and Elvis Costello, Dinosaur Jr., Spoon, and so, so, so many more. Including some more modern acts who can dutifully introduce Malin’s immense work to the younger generations. By that we’re referring to industry darling Jack Antonoff’s indie pop project Bleachers, who brought a super fresh take to the Glitter in the Gutter cut “Prisoners of Paradise”.

So if “Prisoners of Paradise” captivates you and you want to help with Jesse Malin’s recovery, pre-order Silver Patron Saints on vinyl.

Back in 1943, Woody Guthrie garnered some serious attention by painting an ambitious message on his acoustic guitar: “this machine kills fascists“. Fast forward about four score to the present year and a different global conflict, where a new generation of musicians are picking up where Woody left off. Take for instance, New York’s Jesse Malin, whose 2010 crowd pleaser “All the Way From Moscow” makes a passing reference to Gogol Bordello’s Ukrainian-born frontman, Eugene Hütz. Hütz on the other hand, teamed up with Billy Strings and Les Claypool last month for a tribute to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky entitled, “The Man With The Iron Balls”. But just like how Woody Guthrie’s songs have provided timely commentary well after his passing, sometimes revamping a classic track can make more of a statement than working up something entirely new. Hütz and Malin had already bonded over a mutual adoration for The Pogues in the early days of their friendship, which led them to revisit the title track of 1988’s If I Should Fall from Grace with God. The lyrics are obviously still up for interpretation, but considering that the proceeds from this Bandcamp exclusive benefit The US-Ukraine Foundation, we have a feeling we know where their heads are at. All politics aside, “If I Should Fall from Grace with God” is a passionate, 21st century reimagining of The Pogues perfect for longtime fans or newcomers.