On Sept. 5, 1982, the Dream Syndicate played a 2 a.m. gig at the studios of L.A.’s KPFK-FM. Broadcast live, the raw, ragged set documented on The Day Before Wine And Roses (Omnivore) found the quartet—singer/guitarist Steve Wynn, guitarist Karl Precoda, bassist Kendra Smith and drummer Dennis Duck—blazing and brooding its way through songs from its self-titled debut EP, covers and tracks that would end up on the seminal The Days Of Wine And Roses LP, released a month and a half later. A reconvened version of the Dream Syndicate has been playing shows since 2012. Wynn is also busy with his national pastime-themed band, the Baseball Project, whose third record, the aptly titled 3rd (Yep Roc), is due later this month. Wynn is also guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand new Q&A with him.
Wynn: It shouldn’t be surprising to say that Leonard Cohen has lived a remarkable and fascinating life; I knew that going in. This book tells a tale far more interesting than anything I had imagined. All of Cohen’s guises, from ladies’ man to poet to seeker to drifter to procrastinator to family man, are laid out in fine fashion with loads of testimonials from those around him. A compelling and lengthy ride, much like Cohen’s life itself.
Video after the jump.
