Tell Me About That Song: Jon Spencer, Vocalist of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
A lot went into writing your favorite song--but how much do you really know about it? This week Jon Spencer, vocalist and guitarist of New York City three-piece The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, delves into the 2000 election, Rolling Stone and giving a musical middle finger. 
Song: "Talk About The Blues"
From Album: Acme
Release Date: 1998
When it was written: Probably 1998
Where it was written: Calvin Johnson's original Dub Narcotic studio (the one in his house), Olympia, Wash., the original Waterworks studio NYC and in my head.
Favorite line in the song: "Make up your own mind, do your own thing."
Which part was the hardest to come up with: It was all pretty easy. Songs either come or they don't. The basic riff is from a loose jam recorded by Calvin during the Sideways Soul sessions. I looped it back in NYC and free-styled the lyrics to create a structure and demo. Later Dan The Automator polished it up and made it sound big.
If you could go back and change anything, what would it be: I dunno . . . the 2000 election?
Odd fact about song: It is one of the few Blues Explosion songs that is built from samples. (Samples of us, mind you.)
What was your inspiration for writing the song: In particular, an interview I did for Rolling Stone magazine which was featured in their "Blues" issue. The interview went OK and the piece came out fine but the experience triggered this musical middle finger. In general, lame-brain critics accusing the JSBX of being a minstrel show and racists.
What is the meaning behind the song: Music is art, not land or property. It belongs to everyone. Rock'n'roll especially is a mongrel breed. Squares can still go get fucked.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion will be performing Aug. 17 at Neumos
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