Ikey Owens
self-titled
scum stats: there's a lot of variants here, salsa verde, orange habanero, purple haze and, surprisingly, an exclusive specific for Third Man on yellow vinyl.
In short, for nearly ten years Third Man put a lot of time and money and effort into trying to release this album. The verbiage shared with its release, finally accomplished by Unit E Records, dances around the specifics. Since they don't mention those exact details, I find no reason to air them here. But find me in person, get me on a roll, bend my ear, flatter me even and I'll be sure to tell you all the insight.
Regardless, Ikey Owens, he of many musical endeavors and best known to me as keyboardist magnificent for Jack White solo, had this album in the can when he passed away ten years ago. And we were happy, proud even, to take up the yoke to bring it to the masses. We put a 7" single in the limited edition version of our "The Magic Of We" book. We worked. Hard.
Alas, the challenges were insurmountable. So it's a tad bittersweet to see this thing come out and not have been the engine behind it. I think this would've bothered me way more ten years ago. So if this journey has helped give me anything, it is perspective.
As for the sounds...I don't smoke weed, but I imagine someone who does could very much zone out to this one. Lots of space. Lots of extended songs. Explorations. Ain't nothing wrong with that.
Really feeling this today. The effort, the energy, the dedication it takes to make something and release it. Seems so simple until it’s time to get busy and make it happen. RIP Ikey and thanks TMR for everything you do.
Can’t believe it’s been 10 years. RIP Ikey.
You were amazing and you are missed.
Third Man UnitE(s)
Jack White Live at Bonnaroo 2014, one of my favorite Vault releases. Those 3 Lps!!!!! My turntable loves them!
10 years ago, I was 10 going on 11. There’s many musicians that have a beautiful talent, they’re even better when they seem like good people, ikey added his piece to God’s puzzle for sure.
Hey, I don’t know him yet so Let’s give Ikey to Mikey, he hates everything. Oh look, he likes it, he likes it!!! Well, that was more that 10 years ago, but it was the first thing popping into my head. But then, if was “Life” that he was talking about. I have to agree, I love life myself and having Ikey in my collection may be a plus. The more rounded my music collection becomes, the more rounded I become as an individual. This is why I love TMR, you have me dipping my toes into new music all the time. I love you all for that.
My favorite Ikey related memory was attending the celebration of life his family put on after his death at cheer up charlie’s in Austin. It was a night filled with music from friends and family and just a damn good time. The night was really special and the music was incredible, so was the weed. It was one of those special times and I felt lucky to be in the circle of celebration.
Hummingbird centre toronto front row 2012. We where graced with the presence of the buzzards backing Jack that evening. Balls deluxe!!! A fantastic set of musicians all around but I couldn’t keep my eyes off Sir Ikey. Master at his craft. I was blown away. When I heard of his passing I was gobsmacked! A few cold ones where raised in his honour and more than a few tears shed. A true loss to the music world. R.I.P.
It was almost 10 years ago that I went to the newly opened Third Man store in Detroit with my relatively new significant other (now my wife). Ten years ago was an extremely significant milestone era in my life, and the last decade has been the happiest of my lifetime. Ten might be my III !
My wife and I have been to all three TMR storefronts, does that count for anything?