The first volume of the 2015 Michael Knott Tribute album was designated as a collection of the more independent artists. Volume 2 was more focused on the artists with professional recording experience (with the exception of a few that submitted two songs that were included on both compilations). Volume 0 is the ever evolving extra volume of tribute and cover songs for those that released their songs elsewhere and did not submit them for the tribute. Submissions for Volume 3 are being accepted now.

You can listen to the album below, or read the extended liner notes for various songs.

Extended Liner Notes

Click on the song title to read what each artist had to say about Knott or the song they recorded.

01) The Radiant Dregs – Am I Winnin’ Somethin’
02) Stellar Mass – Make Me Feel Good
03) Mike Indest – I Can’t Wait
04) Eddie Parrino – Jane
05) Hidden From Blackout – Grace
06) Spy Satellite – Chaser
07) Jeffery Nordstrom – Pound Of Flesh
08) Rob Gallas – Crack
09) Kerry Pritchard – Deaf And Dumb
10) Leper – Brittle Body
11) Paravell – I Am No Christ
12) Eymard – GGG (instrumental)
13) And How – Bubbles
14) Josh Rude – Sometimes
15) Straightners and Fasteners – Not A Cussword
16) Marina Wilson – Burnin’ On Fire (spoken word)

The Radiant Dregs – Am I Winnin’ Somethin’

The Radiant Dregs went on an unusually long hiatus between Boo (2009) and Silver Chord (2012). Near the end of that dry spell there were two things that re-lit the spark and encouraged us to start writing and making music again. The first was the spontaneous recording and enthusiastic response to our song “Savior” which was supposed to be the last song recorded on our ancient Korg 4-track recorder. The second was the possibility of being part of a tribute project for one of our biggest influences and favorite artists… Michael Knott.

As soon as we received confirmation that we had a place on the Knott tribute we took up the difficult task of choosing a track. As any artist who was part of this project can attest, flipping through Knott’s vast and musically diverse catalog can be completely overwhelming. We eventually narrowed it down to something from Strip Cycle.

I was hanging with a group of kids who were obsessed with Tooth & Nail records when Strip Cycle was released. They bought literally everything T&N put out. Strip Cycle was no exception and I was thrilled that my friends were suddenly enjoying and looking into one of my favorite artists. I remember telling them that I had been a fan for a long time. When I met Cindy years later, Strip Cycle was the first Knott album I played for her. It is full of memories and nostalgia for us.

After experimenting with a few songs we settled on “Am I Winnin Somethin’?” as a fitting tribute. We always loved the ironic lyrics and the fine line between sarcasm and reality portrayed in the song. Musically we chose to keep it as simple and lo-fi as possible. My guitar playing was quietly set in the background so that Cindy’s vocals and the lyrics would be the primary focus. Using some artistic license she laid down the vocal tracks and we were very happy with the results. After hearing it mastered we knew we had made the right song choice. For those playing Dregs trivia, this was the final song recorded on our dying 4-track recorder.

The thing about Mike Knott that really sets him apart from most of his peers is his willingness to be completely honest about his music and lyrics. Pain, loss, fear and doubt are not often subject matter in religious music circles but Knott has never hesitated to jump headlong into these topics and push the limits of what is acceptable. Our hope is that our feeble little effort in some way captures that spirit and holds true to the integrity of Knott’s art.

Shine a Light

In Memory of Michael Knott

Down The Line Basement Tapes : A Tribute To Michael Knott Volume 1

Extended Liner Notes