The Melvins are without a doubt one of the most influential bands within the rock, grunge and metal scene. Their latest musical exploit is an album full of covers, entitled Everyone Loves Sausages. Mat Davies sat down with drummer Dale Crover and they discussed the new record, their sense of humor and curating festivals.
Thank you for taking the time to talk to Ghost Cult magazine. How pleased are you with how Everyone Loves Sausages has turned out?
We’re pleased as grape flavored punch! All the guest stars on the record did a great job and no one acted like a jerk!
A covers album is a bit of a departure for you. How did you select the songs you wanted to cover? I don’t think many people will be expecting you guys to be doing Roxy Music or Queen, would they?
It shouldn’t be much of a surprise really. We’ve always, always, always done cover songs. There are covers on almost every record we’ve made. Some of the song choices were no brainers, like Jello Biafra doing Bryan Ferry, or Mark Arm doing Scientists. Some covers were by bands that we like, but you’ve probably never heard of, like the Pop O Pies.
Can you take us through the creative process that you go through: how do you bring together your ideas, inspirations and thought processes into the artistic whole that is evident on the record? How do you manage to keep your sense of humour?
First off, the Melvins are like no other. Most bands are way too conservative when it comes to being creative, or doing something left of center. Not us! We are the Music Makers…. the dreamers of dreams! Forever stuck in the eighth grade.
How would you describe your music to someone who was coming to you for the very first time?
I cringe at the thought! I’m always very vague when someone asks what we sound like. Usually it’s some square, or someone’s parents who asks that question. How can you really describe something to someone if they don’t speak the same language as you?
What have been the high points and low points of being in the band so far?
There’s 30 years of highs, lows and inbetweens. I’ll give you one of each; High- Playing with Yoko Ono. Low- Getting felt up by customs officials at the US/ Canadian border.
You have a pretty sizeable tour coming up- what are the highs and lows of being on the road so much?
Touring isn’t for everyone. I’ve seen people have major freak outs about stupid shit. I’ve been on tour with people who are miserable fucks, and they make sure you know it! Touring is not always comfortable. You don’t have a lot of personal space. You deal with dumbfucks every day; its how you deal with it that will make it fun, or make it a drag. I like fun. Touring is a lot more fun than saying “Welcome to McDonalds, can I take your order?”
You’ve been around for a while now and have achieved so much- what else is there for you guys to do? What ambitions do you still have for the band?
To make more crazy records, more art, more shows, more, more, more, more!
What’s been the record you are proudest of making? What makes it so?
That’s hard to say since we’ve made so many. There’s not one that I dislike. I’m proud of our whole catalog.
You’re often cited as being, quite rightly, an inspiration for many bands but what other bands/artists have you been taking inspiration/ enjoyment from of late?
Tom Waits, Redd Kross, the new David Bowie just to name a few.
As winter ends, thoughts will soon turn to the festival season. If you were a promoter, who would you have on your ultimate line-up?
We curated the ATP festival a few years back, which was absolutely the best festival I’ve ever been to! So many great bands! The Damned were awesome! Meat Puppets, Os Mutantes, Boss Hog, Junior Brown, Butthole Surfers, Tweakbird, Dirtbombs just to name a few. We asked Pete Townshend, who said no. Never heard back from Venom. Really wanted Blondie too. We would’ve asked Hendrix but he was busy.
It’s our round- what’s your poison?
Bosco and Tanqueray!
Mat Davies