A lot has happened since Brian Jonestown Massacre made their 1992 debut with the single “She Made Me/Evergreen.” A total of 18 albums were recorded by the various incarnations of the San Francisco-based outfit, led through the journey of ups, downs and unexpected sideways jaunts by songwriter/producer Anton Newcombe. Now, from Newcombe’s Berlin studio – and from the flames raging within, emerges BJM’s 19th release Fire Doesn’t Grow On Trees.
“When you are compelled to do the right thing, when you live by some internal code, and you don’t shy away from standing up to, and in the face, of adversity, or against the mob, or the man, no matter what that might mean to ‘your fame or prospects,’ it’s doing the right thing,” says Newcombe, sharing the insight behind the title. “…That’s a fire inside you, and it doesn’t grow on trees. I create my own culture because it is what I need and what I feel isn’t being provided. It doesn’t exist unless I participate.”
BJM’s Texas tour dates include a show in Austin tomorrow night, Thursday April 28, at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater. Doors at 7 p.m., and Mercury Rev opens the show.