The Damnwells

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New record, “One Last Century.” Free from thedamnwells.com. Out Now!!

By Matt Burgess • Jan 8th, 2009 • Category: Lead Story

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As of February 10, 2009, we will be offering the new Damnwells record, One Last Century, for free download from the website. Click Here (opens in new window) to download the record for free.

A few words regarding this free record.

I suppose the hardest thing to explain to people is why I’m giving this record away. “You’re just going to give it away?” seems antithetical to the human brain. “Is this just a bunch of b-sides or something? Some ‘give away’ material you don’t mind releasing into the ether?” No. Quite the contrary. I have never worked so hard or put so much of myself into a collection of recorded songs. It is for just this reason that I want to give it away. To me it makes perfect sense. I just want people to hear this music, and I don’t want them to have to enter into some kind of contractual agreement with a third party to do so. Download the record, copy it and give it to your friends, lovers, and enemies. Whatever. It’s so hard these days just to get the actual music into people’s houses and cars, let alone their ears. Besides, I know everyone’s broke, maybe I can supply the soundtrack. So, I just want to give this music away because I want people to hear it. I should have done this years ago. I’m starting over.

Enjoy,

Alex Dezen

Matt Burgess is Matthew Burgess, aka Burgo (whichever you prefer, really). A Damnwells fan, he likes listening to music, mangling his guitar, and working towards getting worldwide recognition for his fabulous pastas. He lives in constant fear of being found out.
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91 Responses »

  1. HEHE Teddy’s wearing his Slow Runner Shirt in that Picture!

  2. I’m assuming this is going to be a digital-only release (at least for the time being).

  3. !!! :)

  4. ah glorious, how wonderful

  5. yayyyyyyyyyyyy!

  6. How about setting up a ‘tip jar’ for those of us that want to pay for it?
    Also, will a physical release be available at shows in the future?
    Thanks!

  7. Giving away your music is a tremendously generous and gracious gesture Alex; I wish there were more people in the world with your integrity…I mean that in the context of both a musician as well as an individual. I hope you will consider putting up a paypal link where you could accept donations without any obligation from the people downloading your music to give. I am well aware of the difficulties and adversities that artists encounter; unfortunately as you surely must know, the music industry is far from a meritocracy. Your music truly touches many people Alex and I know that there are fans out there just like myself who hope that you will continue to make music that enriches our lives.

  8. Is the DVD available anywhere? It showed at several film festivals but not in my neck of the woods.

  9. Yeah! :)

  10. i’m very excited about this. so very excited! :D

  11. I am so excited to listen to the new record! It’s Kwanza in February!

  12. Heard you for the first time when you opened for the Old 97s @ First Ave. in Minneapolis…….you blew the 97s off the stage, man. I hope this free release opens up some great opportunities for the band, you deserve it. Thank you for sticking to your guns and continuing to put out quality ALBUMS, not just a single or two and some bullsh*t filler. Bastards Of the Beat and Air Stereo are both great albums, I cannot wait to hear the new one. Best of luck in all that you do…..stay safe out there on the road.

  13. According to the Paste site, the CD will be available at 9am on Tuesday morning. So, while you anxiously await (it feels like Christmas Eve, doesn’t it?), why not spend 40 minutes listening to an interview I just did with Alex about the new CD.

    http://atomicned.com/?p=293

  14. Alex you’re a musical treasure. I found you indirectly and am hooked. I’m very grateful for the music and will be coming from Toronto with friends to see you in NYC. Cheers

  15. The new record is gorgeous! I’m so happy to have new Damnwells!!

  16. The new album is amazing, its been out for three hours and i have already played it 3 times through, great work fella’s

  17. I’d listen to “Bastard Of Midnight” all day – but that would mean I wouldn’t get to hear “55 Pictures”… Love the new album!

  18. mad props to the Damnwells for trusting in karmic return and loving your music enough to give it away.

    mad props.

    I will also agree that a virtual tip jar is needed…i got 10 bucks waiting for you.

  19. the download link on the Paste site isn’t working right now. Could you ask them to fix it?

  20. Alex, you just made the craziest week of my life melt away. This new album is incredible, and it will be on repeat for the foreseeable future. You want people to hear your music? Deal. Washington University in St. Louis will know you.

  21. To all the Damnwells,

    Three years ago I took my 15 year old son down to the 9:30 club in DC to see the Fray. I was the oldest guy in the club that night and my son was the youngest. You guys opened up and blew us away. You were the best band in the club that night, no doubt about it. We became Damnwell fans and appreciate your music very much. My son is 18 now and recording his own music, I’m just 3 years older. Somehow I’ll convince him to go with old man and see you guys when you come back to the IOTA this spring. Thanks for the music.

  22. **sigh**with satisfied smile on face**

  23. Alex,

    As someone who has played and recorded music for 12 years (not professionally, but i love it), i understand the effort it takes to record an album. I cannot express the appreciation i have for you, the various members of the Damnwells, and the music that is created. Thank you for “One Last Century.” Although you are allowing people this album for free, i would purchase it in a heartbeat, and i know i am not the only one. Please do not ever stop playing music because you don’t think people want to hear it. You’d be dead wrong.

    I’m spreading the word.

    P.S. Come to Seattle when you can. I’ll bring everyone i know.

    Cheers.

  24. Hey,

    I just wanted to state that I’m absolutely LOVING the new album.

    You and Angela should do an acoustic show in La Crosse, WI at some point (it’s only about 3.5 hours from Iowa City!). ;)

    Thanks for releasing this. It is amazing!

    Nags

  25. Alex and band,

    thank you for the music! I have been a fan for years. My wife and I saw you play in Cambridge last year at the middle east and are looking forward to your return trip to TT the Bears this year! Every song on your new CD is excellent and would like to know where I can send a donation for the music towards your expenses :) Thanks, Jim

  26. I have been listening to this album nonstop since I downloaded it yesterday. I can’t wait to buy a copy – thanks for sharing this with your fans!

  27. hey guys I’m really loving this CD. thanks.

  28. Love your new album. I mean its been on repeat for days…. come to Los Angeles!

  29. FANTASTIC CD
    I hope this tactic of yours reaches people and record labels will finally get just how great you are! THe new cd is great ,thanks .Hope you are coming to sacramento soon,would even give up my springsteen tickets to see ya .

  30. Love the new album!

    Any chance it’ll ever be released on a physical CD? MP3s are ok, but there’s nothing like an official CD in my collection with full artwork, lyrics, etc.

  31. The record sounds great. Congrats Alex.

  32. THANKS! IT SOUNDS GREAT!

  33. WXRT Chicago is playing “55 Pictures” on the radio right now!!!! They even talked about where to find the record and how to download it for free. Hopefully this will help get your music to the masses!!!!!!!

  34. Alex, this is damn good work. I need to find a way to pay for this, though, I’m hoping you’ll be selling physical copies at shows.

  35. Found you guys through Pandora and caught your show at the Double Door 12/6/08. You guys were great. As far as your new CD – excellent. Have college daughters that are spreading the word about you. Can’t wait till you hit Chicago again. Thanks for the music, I’ll be mentioning you to all who will listen.

  36. Got this reccomended from those Slow Runner boys, and fuck, am glad I took the time to get it! AWESOME! Went and got the first album too, Bastards of the Beat. Great stuff, am on the hunt for the rest of your material now:-)
    I second the opinion that this needs to have a CD release propper, definitly!

    THANKS from the UK,
    LewX

  37. I just wanted to say thank you for the album, you ought to be crazy :)
    I stumbled upon your music when listening to internet radio and fell in love with it immediatelly.
    Really, I would want to pay you for this stuff. You should at least have offered it the way radiohead did, asking the buyers to pay the price they think the album is worth.
    I can’t even support you by coming to your shows, unless you come to Europe once (I’m from Germany) (anyway, if possible, please come :)
    So I’m saying thank you for your music. Really!

  38. What a great gift! I’ve been listening to Air Stereo and think its great! I’ve heard “I will keep the bad things from you” and that is one great tune!

  39. Respect!

  40. anyone else listen to this at work and get caught singing out loud??

    i’m glad we have heavy carpet that muffles my incessant foot tapping. especially to 55 pictures.

    the bridge of down with the ship is lovely. jesus could be right was unexpected and brilliant. i’m getting married to come to me (the youtube version, that alex nailed.)

    and i do like other bands. sometimes.

  41. [...] The Damnwells – One Last Century [free download of the entire album on The Damnwells website!] [...]

  42. [...] The Damnwells – One Last Century [free download of the entire album on The Damnwells website!] [...]

  43. This is great man!! thanks!!

  44. sounds great
    FYI heard about you on FUV Fordham, missed the live show at Mercury. SUrely good.
    Too many guys above- maybe need to get in touch with your musical female.
    Nick

  45. alex,

    BEAUTIFUL effort!! simply no ho-hum songs at all!, good recording! great musicians, arrangements; everything!
    i didn’t have any damnwells experience till i heard a song on wbjb, lincroft, nj which was, ‘like it is’. i immediately ‘worshipped’ it! i’m going to spread the damnwells gospel like i were a music evangelist to everyone who will listen.

    PUKE ON THE MUSIC BUSINESS!! i bow down to those who can produce real art and not be “bent out of shape by society’s pliers” by those without souls!!

    if i end up making the show in virginia at iota i’ll happily throw a ten-dollar bill up on the stage!! -where would one send money anyway? -GREAT music!! i owe you one! -come find me when you need money! one can’t exist without money!,
    i know!! i’m doing it NOW!!

  46. damnwells…thank you for a truly incredible show saturday night. i did not have to stand woefully outside the mercury lounge, after driving 11 hours from detroit – i can’t thank you enough. please come to detroit!!

  47. Alex et. al.,

    I’m so happy I found out about your new album! I heard “Newborn History” from “Bastards of the Beat” about a year ago and couldn’t stop listening. I fell in love and bought every Dammwells CD I could find on Amazon! It’s all such great stuff. I listen to you guys over and over. Now this new album is here, just as awesome as the rest of your stuff, and it’s free?! I can’t believe it. You’re the best. I’m searching your website for a “donate here” button — I feel like I should be paying for this! I like “Chad from Feb 3″ ’s idea of a “tip jar” for you guys… you deserve it!

    Keep making great music.
    –Marcus

  48. Yeah!! Finally a Chicago show, close to home (only 4.5 hours drive) and I actually bought a ticket early. Detroit show next, maybe?! Maybe? Please?

  49. Hi, do you know if the offer for physical copies of the album at http://www.looneytunescds.com/rel/v2_viewupc.php?storenr=45&upc=601183303225 is legit??

  50. Mansions in Heaven my man….you’re music, and that of the band, is truly some of the most well-thought, and temporally melodic I’ve heard in quite a few years…..

    From a huge music hound, to you and your colleagues…..I’ll miss the band, if you’re disbanding….and if not…will always be waiting for more.

    Cheers.

  51. I’ve had ‘One Last Century’ for about a month now since I heard about it in Paste magazine. I guess the fact that you were giving it away even though you thought it was the best record you’ve ever made made me listen to it that much more closely.

    Great record. I would gladly send you $10 for it. If you put something on the website where we can send money, then “the check’s in the mail.”

    Thanks again.

  52. [...] seen much press about it, so I thought I’d plug it. You can still download it for free from http://www.thedamnwells.com/welcome . Any thoughts from others who have heard it? No comments for this entry [...]

  53. I don’t know, but I emailed about getting a physical copy too last night and got this reply:

    will be available very soon through the website…sign up for the mailing list to get updates. THANKS

  54. Love it, love it, LOVE IT! Thanks so much for the free download! You just gained one more true fan. Absolutely beautiful music :)

  55. [...] them stranded, but they continued on an independent route. The Damnwells new album One Last Century is freely available as mp3 download from their site. I highly recommend [...]

  56. Awesome.

  57. If you want to give back in an indirect way, consider donating to Paste mag, which helped promote the free distribution of this Damnwells release (and from which I have since DLed a bunch of free MP3s, discovered Tent Revival and got a free copy of their demo, etc etc)

    Everyone probably got the email about it. It took me a few clicks through Paypal, and you can donate as little as $20.

  58. I can’t believe that artist are starting go freebie. Is it for the good or the bad? I don’t know. But i do know that everybody needs money. Maybe it’s a good thing that you’re giving the music free. People will use you’re music more often feeling safer not getting sued or getting their video on youtube or similar put down for no reason. And it’s good publicity. people will want to come to you’re live shows more often. But still it feels wrong needing to giving something for free, and can still be charge with a small price and still give it away to the people.

  59. Thank you so much for the great download! Im really excited to hear it all of your work speaks directly to my life and experiences…I am going to Chicago( my home town) to see you this month. I live in detroit now and nobody Ever comes to this shithole! I am challenging you guys to step out of your comfort zone and check it out…you have a pretty deep fan base just in my friends here! so you Keep the fire burning and continue being REAL!!! Thanks once again!!! PEACE!

  60. it’s my monthly beg for a detroit show! please consider coming to Ann Arbor – the Ark is the BEST venue and it’s a college town; you’d go over extremely well. Please…..

    really, really looking forward the show at schuba’s.

  61. Greetings,

    What a fantastic release and spirit of generosity!

    I am seriously enjoying this “album.”

    Many thanks, indeed and all the best!

    ~RGLT

  62. I was greatly moved by your music. Imagine my amazement after trying to purchase this album from Amazon, itunes, etc. to do some more digging and find you have made it available to the public for free.

    Please continue all you are doing.. it is just terrific work. Congratulations.

    Richard H. Fox
    Brooklyn, New York

  63. This is a wonderful idea. I already got the CD, but giving it away (still) is cool too. I’ve been a fan since I’ve heard Sleepsing, and I’m always looking for new Damnwells music.

  64. Hello again! It’s my monthly beg for a Detroit/Ann Arbor show! Really looking forward to Schubas on the 25th :)

  65. [...] New record, “One Last Century.” Free from thedamnwells.com. Out Now!! [...]

  66. PLEASE come to Seattle.

  67. Alex,
    I stared at this free offer in disbelief! Thank you so much for gracing my ears with your music. I met you years ago at a teen arts festival in jersey and I’ve been in love with the damnwells ever since. Thanks so much!!!

    peace,
    Xenia

  68. [...] { June 23, 2009 @ 5:39 pm } · { music } My new obsession! Their whole album is download-able (for free!) here. [...]

  69. Listen for Ann Arbor, MI’s 107.1 to play acoustic Damnwells in the next couple of weeks on the Acoustic Brunch show with John Bommarito!!

  70. Listen to Ann Arbor’s 107.1 on Sunday, July 19th to hear The Damnwells, 10am EST. !!!!

  71. I just want to say Thanks for the album! I love you guys! I first saw you open for The Fray and although they were great I loved you guys more! I’ve also been obsessed with your song The Bastard of Midnight since you first had it on your Myspace so I’m really excited that I can have it all to myself now! I hope you guys will keep making music for a long long time to come! AAAAND I really hope you’ll come out and play a little further west sometime soon!

  72. http://www.annarbors107one.com
    Acoustic Brunch
    Sunday Mornings 10 am-12pm with John Bommarito

    Studio A2 performances, Rare Acoustic versions and familiar songs from the past come together for your listening enjoyment. Grab the paper, some coffee, a comfortable chair and enjoy a couple of hours of fine music.

    The Opening Theme is performed by local musician and all around great guy Jason Dennie. The song is “Five Points” visit http://www.myspace.com/jasondennie1 for more information

    Coming July 19: ARTISTS YOU CAN SEE IN CONCERT SOON & REQUESTED MUSIC FROM THE DAMNWELLS

    Your suggestions? john@annarbors107one.com

  73. Can’t stop listening, got it on repeat, doubt I’ll even turn it off.

  74. i love it…great work you guys..awesome.and thanlks a million. the songs keep going around n round in my head.btw.dont u guys wanna go around the world..if you do please please drop by india!!.people should travel across different states!!don just sit there!!!go for their shows!!!

  75. Is there any more information about captcha code in your hand? May I know more?

  76. Thank you very much, I love such a helpful post!

  77. Just saw you at music hall of williamsburg and brought my boyfriend. what a tremendous show – the harmonies, guitars, drumbeats, lyrics, singing, bass, sound, mix – man, it was all working. i’ve been a big fan since bastard of the beat, which i love, love, love. the bo’friend was blown away by the music – he bought the video and we are watching it right now. can’t wait for you to come and play again in the nyc area. thanks for the free download, BTW – i am digging it. enjoy teaching. thanks for the wonderful night!

  78. Love this band like no other.

  79. Many many thanks for the soundtrack to my Sunday and the opportunity to hear you guys again. You are not only talented-you are generous as well and am looking forward to more shows in NYC!

  80. Just happened to watch Chaos Theory. So-so movie, but I was moved to sit through the credits to find out who was playing those incredible songs.

    WOW.

    Poked around a bit and found my way here. So happy to have discovered this band. Now, come back to LA so I can see you live.

    Keep up the good work.

  81. It is clear that we have a lot to know at this moment and in my opinion, your points in Features are nice.

  82. Looking forward to listening! You should be collecting donations – let us be your patrons! I’m not going to not download a free record, but I want to keep you guys doing what you do best – making beautiful, moving music that I can listen to on repeat and never tire of. You should make a trip to the pacific northwest soon (seattle! but portland would do) – I would invite all of my friends and it would be glorious. Keep it up!

  83. Loved Air Stereo! Had the credit card ready to go for One Last Century, only to find you are giving it away! Thank you! Unlike other bands that I pick and choose tracks o my liking, EVERY one of yours is unbelievable! I do not get out to see many bands live (by lifestyle – not by choice), but I will make it a point to see you in Chicago! I hope you do a live WXRT studio broadcast. Any plans for playing Milwaukee?

  84. [...] made their third album, One Last Century, available free to all on the Internet in exchange for an email address. They used those email addresses, and social [...]

  85. Killer album! Free? Even better! Please come to Ottawa or London Ontario!
    Looking forward to it!
    Keep up the amazing artistry!

  86. [...] I bought one and I can’t wait to see it! Download their last, self-produced album for free @ their website. I think I’ve covered all the bases… ▶ No Responses /* 0) { [...]

  87. Love you guys! Wish you got more airplay. One station in Louisville (base city) plays you, 91.9 listener supported WFPK. From April-Sept they do Waterfront Wednesday (last Wed of the month), a large afterwork concert featuring three different national acts mostly independent from 6pm-10pm. I think you guys would pack them in, you’re awesome! Plus, exposure, exposure, exposure.

  88. Wow, great idea, you are great and the music is beyond reproach. Keep it up and don’t give up. 2010 will be a big year.

  89. [...] Track after track of catchy rock tunes wonderfully rendered. And did I mention the band released it as a free download? This mostly unheralded band seems incapable of recording a bad tune. Best song: Kind of a toss-up [...]

  90. WXRT 2009 Listener Poll- Chicago / “One Last Century” is listed in the Best Album of the Year category. My vote is in – get your’s in at http://www.wxrt.com

  91. [...] 3. The Damnwells – One Last Century My fears that The Damnwells were done were unjustified and proven false when the band released this FREE album in February. The older carryovers (”55 Pictures”, “Bastards of Midnight”, “Down with the Ship”) were my favorites initially but I grew to love the collaborations Alex Dezen did with his wife, Angela (”Dandelion”, “Like it Is”), just as much as anything the band has previously done. Download:One Last Century (full CD) [...]

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