Several more details have surfaced since CoS originally reported on the upcoming benefit album for Kiwi punk-legend Chris Knox. To begin, the music world experienced the untimely passing of up and comer Jay Reatard, whom kicks off Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox with a cover of “Pull Down the Shades”. You can check out a one-minute sample via the Stroke official website. The recording may be the last non-live release by Reatard, and choosing to cover “Pull Down the Shades” seems eerily ironic to conclude one’s career.
In less depressing news, the two-disc covers album will also feature a cover of Tall Dwarfs’ “Sign the Dotted line” performed by the lyrical force, and decade-long recluse, Jeff Mangum. Mangum provides his emotionally charged vocals to the song, wishing “everything to turn out fine.” To preview the song in its entirety, visit Stereogum.
While the stroke has proven to be life-altering, Knox has refused to simply give up on his musical career. Knox is rumored to be working on a new Tall Dwarfs album “that includes singing but no words.” Seemingly, Knox possesses the fortitude and inspiration to work on his recovery, plus has the support of his many adoring fans and the countless artists who had the chance to contributed to this benefit album, or may simply be keeping him in their thoughts. The album is set to be released on February 23rd, and all proceeds will go to help with Knox’s rehabilitation costs. So, do the right thing and help support someone that has helped push music globally, and don’t find someplace to download the album for free.
Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox Tracklist:
CD1:
01. Jay Reatard – “Pull Down the Shades”
02. The Checks – “Rebel”
03. The Bleeding Allstars – “Ain’t It Nice”
04. Peter Gutteridge – “Don’t Catch Fire”
05. The Chill – “Luck or Loveliness”
06. David Kilgour – “Nothing’s Going to Happen”
07. The Crying Wolf – “All My Hollowness to You”
08. Stephen Merritt – “Beauty”
09. Portastatic – “Nostalgia’s No Excuse”
10. The Mint Chicks – “Crush”
11. Jay & Sam Clarkson – “I’ve Left Memories Behind”
12. Sky Green Leopards – “Burning Blue”
13. Shayne Carter – “The Slide”
14. Pumice – “Grand Mal”
15. Hamish Kilgour – “Knoxed Out”
CD2:
01. Boh Runga – “Not Given Lightly”
02. Red & Zeke – “Bodies [ft. Bill Doss and Neil Cleary]”
03. Jeff Mangum – “Sign the Dotted Line”
04. Bill Callahan – “Lapse”
05. Genghis Smith – “Growth Spurt”
06. Yo La Tengo – “Coloured”
07. A.C. Newman – “Dunno Much About Life But I Know How to Breathe”
08. Alec Bathgate – “Glide”
09. Don McGlashan – “Inside Story”
10. Sean Donnelly – “The Outer Skin”
11. Lambchop – “What Goes Up”
12. The Mountain Goats – “Brave”
13. The Tokey Tones (and Friends) – “Round These Walls”
14. The Bats – “Just Do It”
15. Bonnie “Prince” Billy – “My Only Friend”
16. The Finn Family – “It’s Love”
17. Jordan Luck – “Becoming Something Other”
18. The Verlaines – “Driftwood”
19. Lou Barlow – “Song of the Tall Poppy”
20. The Nothing – “Napping in Lapland”
21. Tall Dwarfs – “Sunday Song”
