original music

The Jerrys Drop New Single “Think for Myself”

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The Jerrys have released a new single, “Think for Myself,” their first new music since last year’s full-length Ready or Not. Fans of power pop will like this one, complete with big guitars, handclaps, and attitude.

I’m not a big fan of people thinking for me, so once I decided on a song title, writing the rest was easy. Each of us has our own life, and each of us gets to make our own decisions. While writing “Think for Myself,” I kept recalling Eric Burdon singing “It’s my mind and I’ll think what I want,” and I thought, yeah, that’s me. Don’t push me.

I’m happy to say that after a short absence, Robert Porche has rejoined me and Jim Losby on the new single. Both Robert (drums, backing vocals) and Jim (bass guitar) have appeared on numerous recordings of The Jerrys, and we’re working on more releases for 2023 and beyond.

Listen to “Think for Myself” below.

“Think for Myself” is out now.

The Jerrys Release New Album, Ready or Not

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In February, The Jerrys released “Alicia” ahead of their upcoming album. That single, the band’s first new music in three years, was quickly followed by another, “Love Me Now and Leave Me Never,” a 007-inspired spy rocker. Today, The Jerrys are releasing Ready or Not, their first studio album since 2011’s Let’s Groove, as well as a third single from the album, “Lean on Me.”

I liked Ready or Not as an album title for a couple of reasons. For one, I’d barely started recording the album when I had to put my studio in storage between moves. My wife and I had sold our house but hadn’t found another yet, so we lived with my father-in-law for a few months. By the time we found a place of our own and settled in, I joked the album would have to be released “ready or not.” Also, I’d written a raga and a country song that I wanted to include on the album, so I was thinking “here they come, ready or not!”

Listen to “Lean on Me” below.

Ready or Not is out now.

Update on The Jerrys’ New Album

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A few weeks into spring, The Jerrys‘ new album is coming along nicely. Writing, playing, and producing a full-length album takes hundreds of hours, but I enjoy the work and the challenges that confront me along the way. I ditched my career to do what I love, and I’m doing what I love more than ever. If one were to say I’m living the dream, I couldn’t disagree.

At least a few tracks have been recorded for each of seven new songs (more songs are planned), and I’ve written titles and lyrics for six of those. Among the new tunes are a James Bond theme song (“Love Me Now and Leave Me Never”), a song about my better half (“Alicia”), and a song about a guy, his girl, and his guitar (“Just Us Three”). The first two are rockers (as is “Lean on Me,” another new track), while the latter recalls the style of The Everly Brothers.

I’ll provide another update on the (as-yet-untitled) Jerrys album in the summer, as well as news on the single that will be released in advance of the album. Until then, there’s a lot more studio work to do. One thing is certain: If anyone has half as much fun listening to the finished album as I’m having making it, it will be The Jerrys’ best effort yet.

New Lyric Video: Anna Marie

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Here’s the new lyric video for “Anna Marie” by The Jerrys. The song is from the EP, The Wind Cries Jerrys.

Anna Marie

You turn round and tell me you love me
After all that we’ve been through.
You run round like you’re miles above me
Make a scene like you always do.

Why you do it to me, Anna Marie?
What’s the use in trying?
Why you do it to me, Anna Marie?

You get wound when I say do you love me.
I get sick when I hear you say
You’re not lying when you’re lying about me.
You look best when walking away.

Why you do it to me, Anna Marie?
What’s the use in crying?
Why you do it to me, Anna Marie?

You shut down when you’re tired of me.
You say stop when I say hello.
First you say no, then you say no.
Then you say no and then I go oh no.

Why you do it to me, Anna Marie?
What’s the use in trying?
Why you do it to me, Anna Marie?
What’s the use in crying?
Why you do it to me, Anna Marie?
What’s the use in trying?

Words and music ©2017 by Jerry Schwartz

The Jerrys Set to Make New Music

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After a year that left little time for creative pursuits, The Jerrys have begun making new music and plan to release a new album of original songs. While it’s too early to set a release date, a single will be released from the album in early 2021. Until then, check out past releases, including The Jerrys at WZRD, last year’s full-length album featuring songs recorded live in the studio at WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM.

New Album: The Jerrys at WZRD

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The Jerrys at WZRD album cover

New Album, The Jerrys at WZRD, Now Available

The Jerrys have released their first-ever live album, The Jerrys at WZRD, recorded live in the studio at WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM. Ten songs that aired live on the station during four separate appearances from 2012-2018 comprise the track listing:

1. I Even Love You More Than Elizabeth Hurley (At WZRD Chicago)***
2. Ann Taylor Girl (At WZRD Chicago)****
3. New Wave (At WZRD Chicago)*
4. Space Cadet (At WZRD Chicago)****
5. Be Yourself (At WZRD Chicago)***
6. Let’s Groove (At WZRD Chicago)**
7. The King of I Don’t Care (At WZRD Chicago)*
8. Every Girl (At WZRD Chicago)**
9. Bigger Than Oprah (At WZRD Chicago)*
10. What the World Could Use a Lot More Of (At WZRD Chicago)**

*Original broadcast, 2012; Jerry Schwartz (guitar, lead vocal) and Robert Porche (drums, backing vocal)
**Original broadcast, 2014; Jerry Schwartz (live guitar and live vocals with public appearance mixes)
***Original broadcast, 2016; Jerry Schwartz (guitar, harmonica, lead vocal), Robert Porche (drums, backing vocal), and Jim Losby (bass guitar, backing vocal)
****Original broadcast, 2018; Jerry Schwartz (guitar, harmonica, lead vocal) , Robert Porche (drums, backing vocal), Jim Losby (bass guitar, backing vocal)

All words and music by Jerry Schwartz

The Jerrys at WZRD is available on the band’s website and at CD Baby. Check it out!

 

The Jerrys on Thursday Night Live at WZRD

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The Jerrys Live at WZRD April 2018

The Jerrys played on Thursday Night Live at WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM on April 26, 2018. The 10-song set included new music from The Wind Cries Jerrys, covers of songs by Tommy James & the Shondells and The Kinks, and power pop songs pulled from the Jerrys’ catalog:

1. Be Yourself
2. Anna Marie
3. I Even Love You More Than Elizabeth Hurley
4. Ann Taylor Girl
5. New Wave
6. Hanky Panky
7. Space Cadet
8. Chicago USA
9. Every Girl
10. Where Have All the Good Times Gone?

Those familiar with the Chicago punk scene will recognize the drum head as the one used for Silver Abuse, as Robert Porche also plays with that band. Stay tuned for a new and improved drum head, as well as a possible live album later this year from The Jerrys.

Listen to The Jerrys Live at WZRD

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WZRD Wizard logo

The Jerrys will play live at WZRD Chicago on April 26

My band The Jerrys will play live in the studio at WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM on April 26. I hope you’ll tune in at 10 PM Central as Robert Porche (drums, backing vocals), Jim Losby (bass guitar, backing vocals), and I play ten songs live, including songs from the newly released EP, The Wind Cries Jerrys.

You can listen to the show via radio (88.3 FM on your radio dial), via live stream, or via any radio app on your phone (TuneIn is available on Android and iTunes, and it’s free).

New EP, The Wind Cries Jerrys, Now Available

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The Wind Cries Jerrys cover art

New music from The Jerrys!

The Wind Cries Jerrys, a six-song EP containing all new music from The Jerrys, is now available on CD as well as downloads and streaming. From power pop (“Ms Wonderful,” “Chicago USA,” “Anna Marie”) to uke-pop (“Another Glorious Day”) to strummy goodness (“Doo-Doo-Doo-Doo”) to who-knows-what (“I Think About You”), it’s all here. Listeners compare The Jerrys to The Beatles, Boyce and Hart, The Who, Matthew Sweet, Tommy Keene, and The Shoes.

The first song on the EP was released as a free download last year: “Chicago USA” is the latest song about that city, as well as a tribute to “Downtown” and “I Know a Place,” both made popular by Petula Clark. Here’s the full track listing:

01. Chicago USA (2:33)
02. Doo-Doo-Doo-Doo (4:03)
03. I Think About You (2:59)
04. Ms. Wonderful (2:48)
05. Another Glorious Day (3:49)
06. Anna Marie (2:36)

Several friends helped out on various tracks, and I am grateful to Robert Porche (drums), Jim Losby (bass guitar), and John Oakley (lead guitar) for sharing their talents. They’re awesome.

As of this date, full digital distribution (iTunes, Spotify, etc) is still a few days away, but you can head over to CD Baby or the band website to buy the CD or download the EP or individual tracks. Get the latest from The Jerrys!

Update on The Wind Cries Jerrys EP

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The release date for The Wind Cries Jerrys, a six-song effort by The Jerrys, has been moved to early 2018. Originally scheduled to release this month, the EP took more time to record than I’d planned—backing vocals in particular. The good news is that, after recording 43 tracks during the past week, all recording has been completed, and it’s on to mixing and mastering. Here’s the track listing:

  1. Chicago USA
  2. Doo-Doo-Doo-Doo
  3. I Think About You
  4. Ms. Wonderful
  5. Another Glorious Day
  6. Anna Marie

Earlier this year, “Chicago USA” was released ahead of the EP and is available to stream or download. Check it out, and stay tuned for more music from The Jerrys.