Preorder Medium Raw, Early James’ upcoming release on Easy Eye Sound Recordings, available here on ‘Well Done’ Brown Vinyl & CD, and make plans to join us in the record shop on Saturday, January 11th at 4:30 PM (aka BEER:30) for an intimate instore performance & album signing! You can read more about our upcoming event with Early James on our site here.

Early James’ new album, Medium Raw, produced by Dan Auerbach and recorded at Buddy Jackson’s Honky Château, stands as his most compelling work to date. The collaboration with Auerbach infuses the album with a gritty authenticity, capturing Early James’ soulful storytelling and powerful vocal delivery. The production incorporates a field recording approach, giving the album an organic, lived-in feel that enhances its emotional depth. Medium Raw delves deep into the heart of Americana, blending blues, rock, and folk influences with an unfiltered edge.

A gifted lyricist in the Southern Gothic tradition, Early James weaves dark narratives that resonate with raw emotion, while blending the whimsical with the profound. His signature, sly storytelling is evident across the album’s twelve tracks, each a testament to his unyielding passion with a musical landscape that pushes boundaries.

Tracks like “Steely Knives” feature haunting lines such as, “Can’t you see them eyes like steely knives / It cuts me to the bone,” showcasing Early’s ability to craft poignant, vivid imagery. In “Nothing Surprises Me Anymore,” he muses, “They say truth is stranger than fiction / Now that’s a fact,” and “I guess God’s a twisted skywriter / Chemtrails in Comic Sans,” blending wry humor with his sardonic wit. Songs such as “Tinfoil Hat” and “Go Down Swinging” echo the expressive style of Tom Waits and Marc Ribot.

In addition to Early James’ musical prowess on guitar, the impressive lineup of musicians, including Jeffrey Clemens on drums, Sam Bacco on percussion, and longtime collaborator Adrian Marmolejo on bass, brings a dynamic energy to the recording, complementing his distinct voice and evocative lyrics. This album is a must-listen for fans of authentic, heart-wrenching Americana, promising a visceral listening experience that is both gripping and unforgettable.

Medium Raw is available to order here now on ‘Well-Done Brown’ Vinyl LP and CD. All who preorder the album on vinyl or CD for mail order will receive a signed copy! We hope all who place an order for local pickup will join us on Saturday, January 11th for our special event with Early James when he’ll be performing in the record store and signing albums. Come on out so you can grab your copy and get it signed as well!

Preorders for local, store pickup will be available at Grimey’s on Saturday, January 11th.

Preorders for mail order will ship out from Grimey’s after Saturday, January 11th.

*Preorders for store pickup will be held for three months after release date. Please pick up your Medium Raw preorder no later than April 11th, 2025.