117. Joe Casey Discusses Tyvek, Fast Metabolism

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Vocalist and songwriter Joe Casey of Protomartyr pays YMAAA a visit and introduces Al to a band with which he is completely unfamiliar. Joe talks about Detroit-based punk band Tyvek and their 2007 album, Fast Metabolism, which is a compilation of some of their earliest singles and EPs. Joe explains why he chose this album for the show and discusses his personal connections to Tyvek and why they have been an inspiration to him. Joe also talks about Protomartyr’s upcoming sixth album, Formal Growth in the Desert, and answers some questions about the tour for the album.

Al referred to a video that Joe did for Amoeba Music’s What’s In My Bag series. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIYyJD24Ppg&t=4s

Joe and Al talked extensively about Protomartyr’s video for “Elimination Dances.” You should definitely check it out. It’s really cool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uf98p7Dsdk

Joe talked about the difficulties that Protomartyr had in scheduling an album release event date in Detroit. Update: They scheduled it, and it happened on May 27…before the Tigers-White Sox game at Comerica Park!

Be sure to follow Protomartyr on Twitter and Instagram: @protomartyrband

They also have a very nice website, http://protomartyrband.com/, and a Bandcamp page: https://protomartyr.bandcamp.com/.

Al is on Twitter at @almelchiorBB, and this show has accounts on Twitter and Instagram at @youmealbum. Be sure to follow @youmealbum to find out in advance about upcoming guests and featured albums for this podcast.

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1:13 Joe joins the show

2:05 Joe explains how Tyvek inspired him and helped him get Protomartyr started

6:31 Kevin Boyer influenced Joe’s musical tastes and lyric writing

10:34 Joe explains why he picked Fast Metabolism for this episode

11:48 Tyvek received some flak over the cover for their first album

16:39 Joe talks about the specifics of why he loves listening to Fast Metabolism

17:55 Joe discusses his favorite tracks from the album

21:43 What makes “Honda” a blueprint for other punk songs?

25:39 Al talks about some lyrics he enjoyed

28:46 Joe talks about the art of writing about a specific place

31:00 Al sees “Air Conditioner” as being different from the other songs on the compilation

33:20 It’s important to Joe to remind people to listen to overlooked bands like Tyvek

34:39 Joe shares some updates on Tyvek

35:48 Making artwork is a reason why Joe wanted to be in a band

37:10 Joe talks about the development of the concept for Protomartyr’s “Elimination Dances” video

41:45 We have another new Protomartyr video to look forward to 

42:56 Joe explains why Protomartyr recorded Formal Growth in the Desert in West Texas

44:27 Joe answers Al’s questions about Protomartyr’s upcoming tour

Outro is from “Elimination Dances” by Protomartyr.

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