Ready for the good shit? The longest-running mixtape in existence returns Oct 25 with two new volumes, Desert Sessions vol. 11 & 12, after a 16 year hiatus. This new collection finds a pack of seasoned demons brewing up a deliciously fun kaleidoscope of sound, with Josh Homme (QOTSA) as producer/cupid for a carousel of guests in the desert. Vol 11: Arrivederci Despair and Vol 12: Tightwads & Nitwits & Critics & Heels features collaborations with Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Les Claypool (Primus), Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint), Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters), Mike Kerr (Royal Blood), Carla Azar (Autolux, Jack White), Matt Sweeney, comedian Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows) and newcomer Libby Grace, among others.
Spanning twelve volumes over the course of two decades, Desert Sessions has featured a carousel of icons and misfits, squeezing out of their comfort zones and typical costumes, collaborating with one another to create some of the most unique music of their lives. Some of these tracks have found their way into other recordings as Queens of the Stone Age songs, like “Hangin Tree” or “In My Head” or “Powdered Wig Machine” or “Make It Witchu,” which is a far better version than you’ll find on Era Vulgaris. Whatever the case, the Desert Sessions series has always had a very special place in the hearts & minds of anyone with an appreciation for this corner of the music world. It’s a reframing of the personalities of musicians we’ve come to believe should be seen in a certain light, whether by virtue or habit.
Episode 50 of the Antiquiet Podcast features a track-by-track review of the album, as well as a breakdown of all the players in the project – including the mysterious Töôrnst Hülpft. Dig in.
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