Today I downloaded Jay Reatard’s new album, “Watch Me Fall” from Itunes. I never heard of Jay Reatard’s solo stuff but I have heard his older music with the Reatards band before, though. When I listened to “Watch Me Fall”, the songs on the disc are very short. He wrote songs for like 1 or 2 minutes long or over. I don’t think he ever wrote a song that’s over 4 minutes long. The kid was a fuckin’ genius. I loved his music. I’m not saying that ’cause he died, I really mean it by heart. The songs on the disc are actually very mellow. He still has this punk sound of course, but it’s so different than his earlier music. The songs are pretty rockin’ and tight. He may not be the greatest singer ever, but the way I see it with music, no one needs to be a great singer to write great songs. Vocals are not important to me. Never was. I don’t care if the singer sings really really good or sucks really bad, as long as they can write killer songs, I’m a fan. His voice fits the music and entertaining to hear. “Watch Me Fall” is a fantastic record.

You won’t be able to find this album in the record stores since Jay Reatard was an indie artist, not a major label act…but I’m sure you can order it online or download it from Itunes. Jay Reatard was a true punk music artist. Green Day and Blink 182 is not punk. Jay was. Jay kept the old school punk sound which is what punk is supposed to sound like today. We lost a great talent and people don’t realize how much of a genius this kid really was. RIP Jay.

Kev