© Kelly Jeffrey, 2010, Lee Ranaldo in front of “Walking Men 99”, NYC

This photograph was taken by Canadian photographer Kelly Jeffrey in front of the public artwork “Walking Men 99” (by Israeli artist Maya Barkai; NYC) during an interview for a film about the Canadian group The Nihilist Spasm Band.

“When I saw the photo I just said ‘album cover’ to me and I knew I had to create a set of songs to go with it. I already had a couple started and you might say the photo helped motivate me to complete the album, which is “Between the Tides and the Times” and comes out March 20.” (Lee Ranaldo)

Many thanks to Lee for sending me a hi-res version of the photograph and allowing me to publish it here on my blog. On top of that, he also provided me with this background story — taking time for fans after being in the biz for over 30 years is something that I highly respect, thank you very much Lee!

For those of you who don’t know him: Lee Ranaldo is an amazing writer, producer, visual artist, singer, guitarist & co-founder of one of my favourite bands, Sonic Youth. Find more information on his website.

His first song-based solo full-length album, “Between the Tides and the Times”, is coming out on March 20, 2012, and can be preordered here.

Official video: Lee Ranaldo - Off The Wall
Free Audio sample: Lee Ranaldo - Off The Wall