July 2023 James McNew
That Skinny Motherfucker With The High Voice
We had a quick chat with James McNew of Yo La Tengo on his collection of Prince covers under his solo name Dump
One of my initial questions was going to be how did the project come about, what was your approach to recording? Did you want it to come together quickly and did you have any specific ideas of what sounds you wanted?
It was just for my own amusement at first. I tried looping a break and it accidentally came out in 7/4… but I liked it. So that became the core of “1999,” with no premeditated thought of a collection of Prince covers. As I struggled to use the machine, I decided to do “When You Were Mine” - got the loop wrong on that one, too - and “Raspberry Beret” (finally got it).
What I like most about the album is hearing that kind of writing style through that kind of sound, this was also my introduction to a couple of songs, like An Honest Man and Another Lonely Christmas. Looking back on it now, which tracks worked best for you ?
I was pleased with “1999,” especially once Morgane Lhote’s organ part was added. “An Honest Man” and “Another Lonely Christmas” came out ok, too.
What was the initial response to the cassette you gave friends ? At what point was there the idea to release it as an album??
I don’t think I played it for anyone except Dennis Callaci, founder of Shrimper records and huge Prince fan. He was the one who encouraged me to let him release it as a cassette, and later to record a few more tracks for the CD.
Did anything not make it on that you attempted but didn’t either include or finish? It’d be interesting to know what other songs you might have tried , like is there an anniversary bonus disc with ‘I wanna be your lover’ and ‘Money don’t matter tonight’ coming…?
There is not. Nope, no outtakes.
I think of Prince’s style as being really loose and flowing but the songs are also quite precise and tightly crafted. Do you think recording the songs as opposed to just learning to play them gives you any extra insights into the material??
It’s like trying to find a middle ground between yourself and, let’s say, Superman. I already had a lifelong emotional connection to the songs, so I just took it from there and tried to translate them into my musical language, as spontaneously as possible.
Is there a peak Prince period for you ??
Hmm, tough to beat “Sign Of The Times” era… I was excited about where his music was headed right before his death.
Aside from cover versions being interesting interpretations I also like how they’re used as a tool for when you first learn an instrument. Do you remember any cover versions you attempted whilst you first were learning ?
It’s a great way to learn about how songs work, both as a beginner and as a veteran. I’m sure my mom can still hear me learning how to play “Smoke On The Water.”
Prince wrote a lot of things for other people, is that something that interests you ?
Me writing for other people? Sure, as long as The Bangles’ expectations are low. I love all the stuff he wrote/ performed/ produced for other artists.
Thinking about cover versions led me to thinking about other versions and approaches to material, like re-workings and alternate versions, do you ever cover or re-work any of your own material ??
Constantly. Nothing is ever truly finished, and everything is always open to change.
I was imagining Prince doing a Yo La Tengo covers album and what tracks he might choose, any thoughts..! Maybe now with AI that’s something I could soon hear.. I’d like to hear his version of Green Arrow
I do not think he would have considered us proper musicians worthy of his time. But sure, a 20-minute “Pass The Hatchet” as well.
Because of your and Yo La Tengo’s affinity and history with cover versions would you mind sharing with us some of your favorite covers?
I’m very fond of Bobby Womack’s version of “Everyone’s Gone To The Moon,” $75 Bill’s version of “Friends And Neighbors,” and Will Oldham’s version of “Brokedown Palace.”
