Vic Chesnutt, 1964 - 2009

photo by Jem Cohen (2007)

"He was a man who made a decision. This decision broke hearts but set him free." - Patti Smith

It is with sadness and respect that we report on the death of singer/songwriter Vic Chesnutt, who passed away on December 25th 2009 at the age of 45.

Disabled in a car accident at the age of 18, Vic went on to craft 15 albums of haunting, beautiful music showcasing his vulnerable, cracked voice and unique view of the world. His work attracted the admiration of fellow musicians including Smashing Pumpkins, Patti Smith, Victoria Williams, and R.E.M. - who's frontman Michael Stipe would go on to produce Vic's first 2 albums.

Burdened with ill-health and the resulting debts of his treatment, the L.A. Times pointed out his case as 'a clear example of the institutionalized cruelty of the American healthcare system'.

Vic Chesnutt passed away on December 25th, "surrounded by devastated friends and family" (according to friend and producer Jem Cohen), following a coma induced by taking an overdose of muscle relaxants. He is reported to have owed more than $70,000 in medical debts.

Friend Kristin Hersh has set up a donations page in order that Vic's fans, friends and supporters can aid Vic's family in paying off these debts. If you have been touched by Vic's music or his life, please consider making a donation at the link below.

Donations.


Patti Smith has posted a moving tribute to Vic here.

Stream or download a 2009 interview with Vic from NPR, for free here.

Download six free songs from Vic's own website here.

Holiday Podcast news, archives, and music

Happy Holidays to all our readers and listeners, and very best wishes for a prosperous new year.

Due to other commitments I've been unable to put together a holiday special in time for this year's festivities, but I'm pleased to tell you that the Insomnia Cafe podcast will be back for a full season beginning in January. We have some great episodes and exciting guests lined up (stay tuned for further info), so I hope you'll join me in 2010.

As always, if you are an independent musician or poet interested in having your work included in our show, you're welcome to send a sample along to insomniacafepodcast@gmail.com

Our iTunes page is always available here.

Don't forget, our 2007 and 2008 holiday special episodes are both still available for free download (Season 1, Episode 7 and Season 2, Episode 6), so if you're in the mood for Holiday favorites from the likes of Darlene Love, Adrienne Pierce, Serena Matthews, Crash Test Dummies and even Twisted Sister, be sure to check them out!

Shortly, I'll be naming my favorite album of 2009, so stay tuned to the blog to find out my pick.

In the meantime, here are two videos in support of a couple of this year's best festive offerings. They are, from the always enchanting Tori Amos' 'Midwinter Graces' album; 'Star Of Wonder' and from Bob Dylan's eclectic (and somewhat unfairly maligned) 'Christmas In The Heart', the insane frenetic polka of 'Must Be Santa'. Hopefully these will put a smile of your face and get you into the spirit of things, if you weren't already!

Thanks as always for your continued support.

- Michael








Tori Amos - Star Of Wonder (Live)
From the album Midwinter Graces





Bob Dylan - Must Be Santa
From the album Christmas In The Heart

Johnny Cash's 'American VI' to finally be released?

The Guardian reports that the long-awaited sixth and final installment in Johnny Cash's critically acclaimed 'American Recordings' series may finally see the light of day in early 2010.

As of this posting, Amazon is listing the title 'American VI: Ain't No Grave' with a release date of 23 February.

Click here for the Guardian's coverage.

James Gurley - Big Brother & The Holding Company's guitarist has passed away.

James Gurley, the guitarist of reknowned 60s psychadelic rock act Big Brother And The Holding Company has passed away of a heart attack, 2 days shy of his 70th birthday.

The influential group was a central part of the 1960s counter culture forged in San Francisco that would go on to define the decade musically. Particularly noted for their first two albums (1967's self titled effort, and the following year's 'Cheap Thrills'), the band's legacy would often, somewhat understandably be overshadowed by that of their dynamic vocalist, the irresistible Janis Joplin, who cut her teeth as a member of the band.

However Big Brother's creative, vivid arrangements were far from pedestrian, and their often avant garde playing held a marked (though often unacknowledged) influence over both their peers and their followers. As of 2009, BBHC continues to tour to widespread acclaim.

James Gurley's musicianship, both through recordings and through influence will of course continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Tributes from the surviving original members of the band, Sam Andrew, Peter Albin, and David Getz can be found here:

http://bbhc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=769

DOWNLOAD: Smashing Pumpkins - Song For A Son

Listen to and download the Smashing Pumpkins excellent new track, 'Song For A Son' - the first of 44 songs that will comprise the free album 'Teargarden By Kaleidyscope'.