Pete Yorn: Pete Yorn

They say rock is dead, but nobody told this fellow.

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The career of New Jersey’s Pete Yorn has followed an enigmatic path since his debut album Musicforthemorningafter emerged in 2001, carrying a whiff of power-pop cordite.

Despite being pally with Neil Young and Scarlett Johannson, he retains a non-celebrity edge on this very solo item, with producer Frank Black imploring him to rock out and be damned.

His desire is to connect on songs that explore the divide between personal ambition and artistic endeavour.

Building from acoustic introspection to electric thrash, Yorn’s style is tempered by lyrical expertise, especially when he sets out for the country on Wheels, while the raw Sans Fear and Velcro Shoes balance the confessional Rock Crowd.

Max Bell

Max Bell worked for the NME during the golden 70s era before running up and down London’s Fleet Street for The Times and all the other hot-metal dailies. A long stint at the Standard and mags like The Face and GQ kept him honest. Later, Record Collector and Classic Rock called.