John Dwyer (Oh Sees) and his crew doing Michael Yonkers compositions.Bug On Yonkers by Damaged Bug “I first heard Michael Yonkers via the Microminature Love reissue (Sub Pop) and was immediately hooked. I started collecting any piece of his legend that I could…some true, some likely not.He had hand-built all of his gear.He had broken his back.He was part of experimental surgery that left him in lifelong pain.He was a dancer.He was still kicking around making some of the oddest and most contrary-to-contemporary-popular-norms type of music.(A man after my own heart)And then I heard Goodby Sunball, recorded and released in 1974, the year I was born. I had and have a very deep connection with this set of songs.I wasn’t sure why, but when I finally met Michael, I understood.He was kind and seemingly a pretty regular guy.But he was also a weirdo. A rare bird, waving the true freak music flag,and it didn’t matter what kind of music he made, I loved it all.So, this record was recorded as a way to reboot and reconnect with some songs that have heavily inspired me over the years.It was hard to pick from his vast catalog, so I just sort of jumped in, with Tom Dolas, Nick Murray, and Brigid Dawson as my band (along with a bevy of others along the way) and these are the tunes that stuck to the wall.I will forever be grateful to Mr Yonkers for bringing me a little joy with his music and inspiring weirdos everywhere.” - John Dwyer, Feb 2020here is a poem from Michael Yonkers himself, today:people think that music is all about vibration.whatever...music don't work that way.be that as it may.people think that one can just destroy into creation.whatever...creation don't work that way.be that as it may.people think that knowledge is about investigation.whatever...knowledge don't work that way.be that as it may.people think that love is all about infatuation.whatever...love don't work that way.be that as it may.people think that they can work their way into salvation.whatever...salvation don't work that way.be that as it may.people think forgiveness is about conciliation.whatever...forgiveness don't work that way.be that as it may.people think that music is about proliferation.whatever...music don't work that way.be that as it may."whatever" ... Michael Yonkers released July 24, 2020John Dwyer: Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Synth, Flute, Shakers & Noise MakersTom Dolas: Keyboards, DrumsBrigid Dawson: VocalsNick Murray: DrumsBrad Caulkins: SaxophonesLaena Myers-Ionita: ViolinBrian Bamps: ArtworkCover photo by Michael YonkersAll Original Songs written by Michael Yonkers
