Jean Smith deals with lyrics and vocals. David Lester plays the guitar. On "The Observer" CD Jean also plays piano, keyboard, synth, guitars, percussion and sax.
Influences
Au Pairs, Stiff Little Fingers, Phil Ochs, abstract painters, non-rhyming poets, smiling strangers, well-wishers, whale watchers, trades people, librarians, touring bands, behind-the-scenesters, Poison Girls, Gang of Four, X-Ray Spex, The Clash, The Jam, PiL, UT, Buzzcocks, Joy Division, Scrawl, beat happening, Chris Knox, Can, The Slits, The Kinks, Bob Dylan, Sun Ra, Pere Ubu, Young Marble Giants, feedtime, Fugazi, Minor Threat, Tall Dwarfs, The Velvet Underground, The Clean, Raincoats, The Stooges, Shoplifting, Wax Mannequin, Swearing at Motorists, Al Green, Rolling Stones, Lester Young, Meredith Monk, Jimmy Cliff, Ry Cooder, Pretenders, Neil Young, CCR, Yo La Tengo, Xiu Xiu, Robert Johnson, Van Morrison, Eno, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Joni Mitchell, Nina Hagen, friends and colleagues.
Songs in the player are mostly about my experiences online dating. "I'll Call You" is what a guy, not all guys, might write in their profile if he were being truthful.
Mecca Normal began in 1984. We have released 13 CDs on KIll Rock Stars, Matador, K Records, Smarten UP! Records
"The most visionary of punk's political bands, Mecca Normal see things in a different light. Because their tactics are more evocative than provocative, the Vancouver, Canada, duo hasn't gotten as much attention as its fans and colleagues in Fugazi and Bikini Kill. But through seven albums over nine years, vocalist Jean Smith and guitarist David Lester have presented a consistent, evolving and luminous challenge to the reigning social order." – Rolling Stone, 1995
Jean Smtih and David Lester began Mecca Normal in 1984.
Janis Zeppelin is the twelfth CD -- early recordings, covers, experimental pieces and a long version of In January -- Janis Zeppelin is on Smarten Up! Records.
1. Like A Rolling Stone
2. Ain't Goin' Out That Door
3. I Went Away For A While (1984)
4. It's Called Rock 'n Roll (1984)
5. In January (21 min)
6. I Don't Need To Hold Your Hand
7. Pocket Of Scribbly Gums
8. This Is My Summer Vacation
9. I Don't Get It
10. Don't Look In The Mirror
11. War Between the Neighbours
12. Elemental Steamer
Mecca Normal is paradoxically intuitive and highly stylized. Smith is an extraordinary rock poet delivering compact short stories from her next book. Lester's adventurous guitar playing creates a sonic equivalent to Smith's voice -- a language all his own.
"Arguably the greatest rock band without a rhythm section ever, the duo of acid-voiced singer Jean Smith and guitar hero David Lester must be seen to be believed." Douglas Wolk
Attraction is Ephemeral from The Observer CD on Kill Rock Stars. A self-portrait film by Jean Smith. Mecca Normal shots by Marilyn Freeman and Thomas Boettner.
The Caribou & the Oil Pipeline -- film by Jean Smith
"Attraction is Ephemeral" -- Live at Union Docs, Brooklyn, May 7, 2006.
Filmed by Joly for Punkcast.
"The Observer" -- Live at Silverlake Lounge, LA, April 27, 2006. Filmed by David Arnson.
"The Gruesome Acts of Capitalism" -- updated second edition. A book of statics by David Lester (Arbeiter Ring Publishing). Profit from sales goes to the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture ($1000+ raised so far).
Available in the US through AK PRESS
WOW! How coincidental that I just found an old mixed tape, circa 1989(?), with 'Smile Baby' on it and then I find you on myspace! Loved you guys then, love ya now! YAY!
“A stunning book. I found myself dreaming conversations with some of the writers—engaging in the conversation they begin here.”
- Dorothy Allison, author of ‘Bastard Out of Carolina’
“This intimate book gives you all the tools for self-emergence. Grabbing a pen, a crayon, a camera can be the means to an artistic process that will help you figure out who you are, and how you fit in."
- Janeane Garofalo, comedienne
"Finally! A compendium of articulate artists who detail their personal struggles to rise above the traumas so many young women are usually forced to face alone. LIVE THROUGH THIS showcases a diverse sisterhood of outsiders who have bravely chosen to tackle their demons, confront their tormentors, and in turn create art which is both extremely intimate, yet desires to inspire others to find the undeniable power of their own voice."
- Lydia Lunch, author of 'Paradoxia: A Predator's Diary'
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