Mecca Normal

Mecca Normal is fully engaged on all fronts -- music, graphic novel, lecture, political art museum, films, posters, paintings, novels -- they're not some boring band trying to re-form to cash-in, because, quite frankly, they never bothered to cash-out… things go better with clout. As Mecca Normal, Jean Smith and David Lester have a 30+ year history. It's all online somewhere. Search it down.

Malachi Ritscher (1954-2006) was an American musician, free speech and anti-war activist who for many years made high quality recordings of other musicians (often jazz and experimental) performing live in Chicago. He would give a copy to the performers and sometimes these would become official releases. After the U.S. invaded Iraq, he became a vocal opponent of the war at demonstrations and was twice arrested. Like monks opposing the Vietnam war, his final act of protest culminated in an act of self-immolation.

These recordings were made in Olympia at Dub Narcotic Studio with Calvin Johnson, who has recorded numerous other Mecca Normal albums and singles.

This is Vol. CXXXII in 's International Pop Underground Series.