This legendary punk rock songwriter from Memphis, Jay Reatard, died one year ago today. Yes, that’s right, today is his 1 year Anniversary death. I have the album, “Watch Me Fall” on my Ipod and man, he kept me hooked. I just love his music, he is addicting to listen to.
RIP, Jay. When is this guy ever going to get a nod for the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame? He’s got a long way to go to get a nomination for the Hall of Fame, but I think he’ll get there 20 years from now.
Kev
The legendary Memphis garage rocker, Jay Reatard, died of an alcohol and cocaine overdose. Those who thought he was healthy and clean, thought wrong. Keep in mind that some people don’t go public about their alcohol and drug problems. I kind of had a feeling it was going to be drugs since he died that young.
I can’t stop listening to his newest album, “Watch Me Fall”, it’s really incredible stuff.
Jay Reatard was buried near Isaac Hayes’s grave.
Reatard’s manager, Adam Shore, confirmed his label will be releasing his previous and unreleased albums in the near future. Before he died, Reatard was also working on a new solo record as a follow up for “Watch Me Fall” which only 6 songs were completed for the new album. So expect a lot more of Reatard’s new music to be released which I will be excited about.
More on it here:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/feb/03/medical-examiner-cites-cocaine-toxicity-alcohol-de/
Kev
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
Doing research on Jay Reatard’s past, he definitely was a very healthy guy. He never did drugs or drank alcohol his whole life. So why would a young 29 year old suddenly pass away for no reason? Murder could explain this reason. Memphis police are in search of a suspect who could be responsible for Jay’s death.
If it is murder, I hope his killer is found and brought to justice.
Jay seemed like a very happy guy living life to the fullest. Still kind of sad about him being gone and can’t believe it.
http://www.nme.com/news/jay-reatard–2/49241
Kev
A punk rock musician from Memphis, Tennessee, Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. or better known as “Jay Reatard” was found dead in his home in Memphis. The rocker lived his whole life in Memphis. He first started his music career with his first band, The Reatards, which inspired his staged name, Jay Reatard. He also played in a few other bands called Lost Sounds, Bad Times, and the Final Solutions. After Jay’s band, The Reatards, quit on him sometime around Oct. of 2009, Jay released a new solo album not too long ago, titled, “Watch Me Fall” released August 4, 2009. While Jay Reatard was only 29 years old, from the sounds of things, it looks like he never did drugs as he was a pretty healthy guy. Before his death, he was sick with flu like symptoms. Jay’s record label, Matador Records confirmed his death.
Jay Reatard was a talented musician, and unique. I liked his music. It’s a shame he was taken so soon since he just released a brand new record. At least, he was born in Memphis and died in Memphis. I think that’s what he would have wanted. Now that he’s gone, maybe his new album “Watch Me Fall” will sell well. Maybe even make no. 1 in the Billboard Top 200 if he’s lucky.
While most of today’s punk music sucks so much, Jay Reatard was a true punk music artist of today’s generation. So sad. Kind of devastated. 😦
Kev
K'Brocking 