On ‘Unkind‘ New Yorker John Brodeur confesses to being less than nice “I have paid you no mind / I have been reckless and obscene“, and then somewhat undercuts this apology by adding “that ain’t something I want to be remembered by.” John Brodeur explained the origin of this epic breakup song: “This was one of the first things I started writing after my wife and I separated. It’s about taking a broader look at a difficult situation, and owning up to one’s role in making that situation difficult. It’s probably the most honest thing I’ve ever written – an apology by way of an admission.”
Producer-guitarist and Aimee Mann associate Michael Lockwood helmed the recording. “I met Michael through some mutual friends in Los Angeles,” says Brodeur, “and he played guitar on a couple of our live shows there. We hit it off great and I was already a fan of his work, so it just made sense to record something together.” In turn, Lockwood enlisted Mann herself to play bass, along with some of her longtime band members, including Patrick Warren, whose gorgeous string arrangement, in tandem with Lockwood’s fluid and melodic guitar lines, give an emotional lift to Brodeur’s weary, longing vocal.
John Brodeur is currently preparing a new Bird Streets album featuring production by Patrick Sansone (Wilco) and Michael Lockwood (Aimee Mann), due for release in late 2022. As a live act, Brodeur and Bird Streets have recorded sessions for Daytrotter and BreakThru Radio, and toured with an eclectic mix of artists including Juliana Hatfield, Alana Davis, Royston Langdon (Spacehog) and They Might Be Giants.
