#262 with Kurt Morris: Razorcake Podcast
As I write this, it’s been two weeks since Jason Molina died. I’m not sure if many Razorcake readers know who he was, but Jason fronted Magnolia Electric Co., and played under both the moniker Songs: Ohia and his own name. I talked with him a few times when I worked at SC Distribution, and he was always funny and down to earth. His passing hit me harder than I thought it might, especially because I had seen a picture of him a few weeks before and he appeared healthy and happy. But his battle with alcoholism got the best of him and he passed away at the age of thirty-nine—way too young. Unfortunately, rock and roll (and especially punk rock) has often mingled with self-destruction, addiction, and suicide.
With Jason’s passing in mind, I thought I’d put together a podcast of artists who have passed away in order to honor them and celebrate the music they left behind. Some of these artists passed with too much potential not yet realized and others left a great collection of tunes. In the case of bands, I included acts whose singers passed away.
Seeing the outpouring of love and appreciation for Jason and his music reminded me once again of the power music has to help people and change their lives in big and small ways. More than just about any other thing, music (and especially punk rock) has shaped who I am. I don’t play an instrument or sing in a band, but I don’t know where I’d be without it. The reason I keep doing these podcasts, writing for Razorcake, and sharing music with others is because I believe in it. When people die or life hands you a raw deal, things may not make sense. But the music endures.
Thanks for the great songs, Jason. Rest in peace.
–Kurt
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Tracklisting:
Dead Boys, “Sonic Reducer” (Young Loud and Snotty)
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Wesley Willis, “Cut the Mullet” (Greatest Hits Vol. 2)
Cramps, “Human Fly” (Gravest Hits)
The Ramones, “Suzy Is a Headbanger” (Leave Home)
Johnny Cash & Carl Perkins, “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” (Unearthed II: Trouble in Mind)
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Flipper, “Sacrifice” (Not So Quiet on the Western Front compilation)
Boilermaker, “Thinner Runs Through Her” (Leucadia)
Jay Reatard, “We Who Wait” (Blood Visions)
Joy Division, “Transmission” (Substance 1977-1980)
The Heartbreakers, “Born to Lose” (L.A.M.F.)
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Magnolia Electric Co., “The Dark Don’t Hide It” (Trials and Errors)