Recorded in ’98, never released, here’s the final Smoking Popes record. Ten non-ironic covers of Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, The Byrds, and more.
Smoking Popes hailed from Chicago, wrote smart, delicately melodic powerpop, made deceptively simply “punky” chords sound sweet, and this is their tribute.
Mike Felumlee was the drummer of Smoking Popes and Alkaline Trio. This is his solo album. He wrote it all (‘cept a cover) and performed it all (‘cept guests).
Singer Josh Caterer (ex-Smoking Popes) has one of those Voices (with a capital V), like Morrissey, a voice you hear once and can recognize instantly forever.