Send us a text

This episode is all about the seminal punk band The Raincoats. Al is joined by The Raincoats’ co-founder Gina Birch and by author/journalist Audrey Golden, who wrote Shouting Out Loud: Lives of The Raincoats, which was published by Da Capo this July. Audrey and Gina discuss The Raincoats' 1981 sophomore album Odyshape, with Audrey talking about why the album holds a special place for her, and how The Raincoats have inspired generations of artists, from Kurt Cobain to Sleater-Kinney to Big Joanie. Gina discusses how the album marked an important period in her career as a musician, and she delves into her contributions on several of the album's tracks. Audrey also explains how she wound up writing a book about The Raincoats. Gina talks about the two solo albums she has released under her own name, including Trouble, which was released by Third Man Records in July.

You can explore Audrey’s work, event schedule and more at audreyjgolden.com.

Audrey’s socials…

@audreyjgolden on Instagram and Bluesky

To check out Gina’s music, videos, tour info, merch and more, go to ginabirchmusic.com.

Gina’s socials…

@gina.birch on Instagram

@ginabirch on YouTube

The first episode of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—is now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes, posts and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.

Another way to support YMAAA is to buy the Custom Music Connector PDF guide. In just a few quick minutes, you can learn more about what your favorite music and your loved ones’ favorite music have in common. Learn more at https://almelchior.gumroad.com/musicconnector.

To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.

2:15 Audrey and Gina join the show

2:56 Audrey explains why she chose Odyshape for this episode

6:54 Gina talks about The Raincoats’ first trip to New York and the instruments they bought from Manny’s

14:17 Audrey recounts how The Kitchen Tapes were her introduction to The Raincoats

17:52 Gina sees Odyshape as the album where she "found her wings” as a musician

20:57 Gina talks about the three songs from Odyshape on which she sings lead vocals

25:00 The Raincoats often sound like they are playing unconventional time signatures, even when they’re not

30:41 How much does punk rock have to do with an attitude about musicianship?

43:23 Audrey talks about Caroline Scott’s contributions to Odyshape and how they have added to The Raincoats’ legacy

48:26 Gina points out the dialogue she and Vicky Aspinall have on “Family Treet”

49:49 The title and artwork of Odyshape may have confused some listeners

52:26 Audrey explains how she wound up writing and researching a book about The Raincoats

57:29 Audrey discusses learning about The Raincoats’ political impact through her book research

1:03:09 Gina expresses gratitude for the moments where she has been profoundly impacted by art

1:04:17 Gina talks about the important role that The Slits played in her life

1:07:12 DAWs made it easier for Gina to do solo work

1:10:03 Gina reveals the origins of “I Play My Bass Loud”

1:13:04 Gina talks about her live band, Gina Birch and The Unreasonables, and playing songs from Trouble live

1:16:18 Audrey and Gina discuss their upcoming events

Outro music is from “Doom Monger” by Gina Birch.

Support the show