Swami to release Hot Snakes' 'Peel Sessions'

Swami has announced some more information about the Hot Snakes Peel Sessions we mentioned earlier.

The record, due out April 26th, will include four live tracks recorded during the October 11th, 2004 session with John Peel, the last session from the legendary DJ. The label added some interesting information about the recording:

The session itself was a bit of a culture shock for the Hot Snakes. Surprised by the fact that the studio engineers and technicians donned English lab coats and protective eye gear (which is actually typical BBC broadcasting uniform) was a quite a bit different from the laid back approach of the band's previous studio experience. Organized piles of antiquated equipment lined the studio walls and appeared to be in mint condition compared to the relatively newer amps the band brought with them.

You can click Read More for the rest of the story and the track listing.

Update: I've added the artwork and track listing.


Hot Snakes - Peel Sessions

  • Automatic Midnight
  • No Hands
  • Brain Trust
  • Mystic Decade

    • On their first trip to the UK, Hot Snakes were asked by legendary disc jockey John Peel to come into the BBC studios at Maida Vale and record a session for his radio show. The band went in on Oct. 11 2004 and cut 4 songs live. The sound that was captured is a realistic snapshot of the Hot Snakes sound with rougher edges and spontaneous energy. Unfortunately for the world, Hot Snakes were to be his last guests as John Peel died on vacation in Peru a week later.

    The legacy of John Peel expands from the 60’s to present day and surely beyond. His will to champion maverick music from the underground and to constantly stay abreast with new noise made him an antenna to a world of music that would most likely slip through the cracks. Hot Snakes are grateful to have hade the opportunity to be a speck in his massive scope of reference.

    The session itself was a bit of a culture shock for the Hot Snakes. Surprised by the fact that the studio engineers and technicians donned English lab coats and protective eye gear (which is actually typical BBC broadcasting uniform) was a quite a bit different from the laid back approach of the band’s previous studio experience. Organized piles of antiquated equipment lined the studio walls and appeared to be in mint condition compared to the relatively newer amps the band brought with them.

    Vocalist and guitarist Rick Froeberg was instructed to plug into a 15 foot high amplifier that was used on The Beatles "Hey Jude", Jimi Hendrix’s "Purple Haze" and "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones (the sound of all three compositions are instantly recognizable from the first down stroke). Bass player Gar Wood plays a German made stand up acoustic bass from 1898 last used on the London Philharmonic’s recording of the original Star Wars theme and adds a supple low end not found on Hot Snakes records. Mario Rubalcaba used the makeshift drum set with massive pedigree comprised of John Bonham’s kick and snare drum, Keith Moon’s toms, Ringo’s drum stool, and Mo Tucker’s cymbals.

    Although awestruck by the amount of museum quality equipment on hand, John Reis decided to keep with his existing sound and use his Peavey "Sapien" full stack which had to be flown over to England by purchasing 2 passenger tickets and having it ride along side the band in the cabin to avoid a fluctuation in temperature which could harm the tone. The result of using this fascinating and historical equipment is a reinterpretation of the band’s sinister pulse captured on the fly.