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Raucous rocker Jay Reatard passed away in his Memphis home last week. The garage-rooted punk-rocker, who erupted onto the music scene last year with Watch Me Fall, reportedly died in his sleep. Reatard (born Jimmy Lee Lindsey, Jr.) began his career in music at 15-years-old, recording lo-fi demos and sending them away to labels. His lo-fi roots remained prominent throughout Reatard’s career, blending with garage-punk and the aural dichotomy of DIY ingenuity.
Last year, Beck sought Reatard to record a cover of his song “Gamma Ray” for the song’s B-side. The Pixies also asked Reatard to open for them during their Doolittle tour, showing the broad range of artists that respected his innovative style. The music world was clearly shaken by the unexpected passing of the young musical pioneer, and I’m no exception. I’m fortunate enough to have seen Jay Reatard in such intimate venues as Chicago’s Empty Bottle, and will always remember his fueled, energetic performances — they’re impossible to forget.
R.I.P., Jay.
Photo: Rob Walbers
