The Paranoid Style to Release ‘Known Associates’ with Lucinda Williams Cover
The rock band The Paranoid Style, led by singer-songwriter and journalist Elizabeth Nelson, will release their new album, Known Associates, on . Ahead of the release, the band has shared a cover of Lucinda Williams’ “Passionate Kisses,” originally appearing on Williams’ 1988 self-titled album and later a hit for Mary Chapin Carpenter in 1992.
The song, according to a description, explores the desire for a complete life – “Is it too much to demand? I want a full house and a rock ‘n’ roll band.”
Nelson discussed Williams’ influence in an interview with Magnet, reflecting on an anecdote from Williams’ memoir regarding a recording session with Steve Earle. Nelson recounted how Williams insisted on re-recording a vocal take until she achieved a certain, indefinable quality, despite Earle’s frustration with what he considered already excellent takes. Williams, Nelson relayed, pointed out the double standard: “If Bruce Springsteen wants to sing 400 takes, he’s an uncompromising genius. If I want to do that, I’m just a woman acting insane.”
Nelson connected this experience to advice for emerging female artists. “That’s the thing I’d tell the up-and-coming ladies to be aware of,” she said. “Even a lot of well-intentioned dudes are going to try and make you feel like you’re being difficult for simply standing up for yourself. You’ll be second guessed constantly. You’ll have to quiet those voices in your mind.” She further cited a lyric from the Paranoid Style’s song “Tearing The Ticket” – “They told me I’d never make it/I told them where to stick it” – as embodying Williams’ spirit: “If they don’t believe, then fuck ’em.”
Known Associates follows a series of advance tracks released by the band. Listeners can hear “Elegant Bachelors,” “White Wine Whatever,” “It’s A Dog’s Breakfast (For LR),” and “Tearing The Ticket” alongside the new cover.
Known Associates is available for pre-order on Bandcamp and will be released on via Bar/None Records.
