Even James Jackson Toth’s most rabid fans probably can’t keep track of the prolific singer/songwriter’s output. The Lexington, Ky.-based Toth has issued numerous solo and group efforts (including cassettes, CD-Rs, limited-edition vinyl, etc.) under his own name as well as such monikers as WAND, Wooden Wand And The Vanishing Voice, H.P. Witchcraft, the Jescos and the Blood Group. His latest release is Wooden Wand‘s Death Seat (Young God), an impressive 12-track album produced by YG label head and Swans frontman Michael Gira and featuring musical contributions from members of bands such as Lambchop, Silver Jews, Mercury Rev, Glossary and Fire On Fire. Toth is heading out on European and North American tours in the new year, but in the meantime, he will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our Q&A with him.
Toth: This one is probably obvious, but let me explain. I’ve enjoyed bourbon for over half of my life, but only since moving to Kentucky have I become something of a snob about it. The proximity to all sorts of delicious local single-barrel whiskeys practically demands snobbery. Lord knows I’ve practically kept Jim Beam and Evan Williams in business for years, but now I’ve been irreversibly spoiled and I can’t seem to drink any bourbon whiskey that isn’t top shelf. I’m prepared to take out a second mortgage if necessary, but a bottle of Old Pogue, Rowan’s Creek, Pappy Van Winkle (the 23 year is expensive but tastes like a fuckin’ whiskey Werther’s), Four Roses, Blanton’s, Baker’s or Eagle Rare is never too far out of reach.
Video after the jump.
