The Detroit Cobras
Right Now EP
scum stats: 500 on colored vinyl (available at the merch table) 1000 on black vinyl
At this point the Detroit Cobras exist more so as an idea than anything else. And to me...that's totally okay.
With the passing of Rachel Nagy in 2022, the band lost the only lead singer they'd ever had, through more than 25 years of being together and having cycled through dozens of other members. Guitarist Mary Ramirez is the only constant member left in the fold. New singer Marcus Durant takes an unenviable task of having to fill Rachel's shoes and does so with his own style.
He's existing in a plane that is neither rehash or imitation, but better in line with a continuation of an approach, an ethos, that is quite honestly refreshing in light of the entire situation.
The songs, historic unheard classics covered in a no frills, straight ahead rock and soul style...they hold up here. And the band carries the weight ably. Good feelings and good vibes.
The band is on tour in Europe now and that's likely the only place you'll ever get the colored vinyl of this sumbitch. I don't even have one.
If you'd like to score a free copy of the black vinyl, place a comment here before midnight central time July 4th. Write about whatever...just make it good. Possible topics: how to continue creativity in the light of a dear soul's passing - an idea that transcends it's actual implementation - particular love for the Detroit Cobras - why a random 7" in the mail would make your day.
Never heard of them. Would like the record to expand my horizon.
One thing I appreciate about my 2nd ex-wife was her love of The Detroit Cobras. We had a memorable night with them at The Exit/In. I’d love to keep my collection going with this EP.
Ways to do it – retain the amazing by hiring a handpicked replacement as an employee who takes his marching orders and will be replaced at the nearest ailment regardless of tenure – AC/DC, lose the feel but go all in radio-hits so you can always lay claim to victory by increased sales – Van Halen / Rainbow – become a new band with a different direction but everyone agrees this is preferable to not existing and loves you for it – Minutemen-Firehose: but at the end of the day in my old age I have to admit I am happy no one goes away that isn’t ready. DCobras deserve to live!
I’m curious Ben if given your musical knowledge do you know is this the first time a male singer has replaced a female singer (or vice versa) in a band?
Replacing a lead singer can be a challenging endeavour that some bands have successfully done…AC/DC…while others not so well…INXS. There have been many bands that have done this over the years while keeping the same band name….Van Halen, Queen, Stone Temple Pilots,…..others have morphed from one band into another band like Mother Love Bone becoming Pearl Jam….some bands choose not to continue after a tragic loss of their lead singer…The Tragically Hip…..but I can not think of any bands where the lead singer has changed form male to female or Vice Versa up until you presenting this change in The Detroit Cobras.
Well Ben…Do you know of any other bands that have successfully made this transition? Checking out both singers from The Detroit Cobras it sounds like they have found a worthy successor.
I saw them live in LA last year with Marcus and he does a great job. It’ll never be the same but the Cobras are still worth watching and listening. Tremendous band!
Getting a 7in the mail would make my day to the point I could die
So grateful to have seen them many moons ago, outdoors…
As well as all of the outstanding local musicians from the Sympathetic Sounds disc…. Thank you for keeping the music alive….!!!
Found the Cobras entirely by accident. Loved them ever since that happy accident.
Vinyl’s sweet music,
A gift of joy to receive—
What a pure delight.
As I’ve grown up my dad has always taught me to constantly expand your horizons, to not box yourself into liking only one kind of music, film, or any art period. Most importantly, what I’ve been taught has come in handy with making friends with all sorts of people who’ve seen so much in life, you never know who it may be you’re talking to, there is a lot of amazing human beings alive right now, some who have sadly passed away, they have much to say and show meet them sometime.