PHOTO: YOUTUBE
Lost recordings of John K Samson's band before the Weakerthans finally see the light of day
Dud, John K Samson's short-lived trio from 1996, has had its catalogue released for the first time, 30 years later. All profits from the digital and limited vinyl release will go to Islamic Relief’s Palestine appeal.
Recorded in November 1996 with engineer (and future Weakerthans member) John Sutton, the seven songs collected as May Not Go (Unrealized Recordings from 1996) capture Dud at a fleeting moment between Samson Fellows’ departure from Propagandhi and the formation of The Weakerthans. The Winnipeg-based group also included drummer James Ash of I-Spy and vocalist/guitarist Mike Koop of The Bonaduces and Cheerleader, while Samon Fellows played bass and sang.
The band played fewer than five shows before splitting, and the recordings sat unfinished for decades. They have now been mixed and mastered by Paul Hodgert at One Friday Music, with ADAT transfers by Lloyd Peterson at Paintbox Recording, and artwork by Matt Milkowski.
The pressing is intentionally limited, and every physical order includes a vinyl sticker featuring an original drawing created for the 1996 sessions. US vinyl orders are available through Bitter Melody Records’ Big Cartel, with streaming and Canadian orders via the band’s Bandcamp page. Proceeds go to Islamic Relief’s Palestine appeal, working to deliver life-saving aid to vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza.
May Not Go (Unrealized Recordings from 1996) is out now via Bitter Melody Records
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