We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Admiral Dot.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—four weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell last week, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. (You can imagine how those “creative” types can get.) This week, we were anxious to discuss the recording progress the band has made, as well as its new YouTube channel and March 13 show at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. But despite repeated calls, emails and texts, Bissell never got back to us. Either he’s still pissed (there’s a lot of that going around these days—we’re even in Bob Pollard’s doghouse because of this; thanks a lot, Roob) or the Wrens are actually hard at work. Stay tuned.
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One reply on “Wrens Watch, Feb. 16, 2009”
So, I went to Colorado for a week to examine snow. Is the new Wrens album out yet? Be careful joking with Mr. Bissell. I understand he’s sensitive, like me.
Peace out, John