AKRON, OH (April 25, 2023) – Coming on the heels of their 2022 Don-Dixon produced live album, Hotsy Totsy!, Akron, Ohio-based Brian Lisik & Hard Legs’ (Lisik, guitarist Robb Myers and drummer Martyn Flunoy) latest single – due May 19 from Cherokee Queen Records – is a blistering version of The Replacements classic, “Alex Chilton,” every bit as raw and off-the-cuff as both the song’s subject and its composers.
“Well, first of all we are Replacements fans,” Lisik said of the band’s decision to record its take on Paul Westerberg, Tommy Stinson and Chris Mars’ ode to the legendary Big Star and Box Tops frontman. “This certainly isn’t the first cover song I’ve ever performed, or even the first I’ve ever recorded, but it is the first one I’ve ever put out as a single.”
Recording it came about almost by accident, Lisik said.
“Robb suggested we do it at a show a while back and it stayed in the set. When it showed up during recording, it kind of set the tone for the whole new album,” he said. “And I messed up some of the words, which makes it a proper ‘Placemats cover.”
“Alex Chilton” will also be included in Brian Lisik & Hard Legs upcoming full-length release, due fall 2023 and featuring guest appearances from members of The Bizarros and Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.
Hotsy Totsy!, co-produced by Dixon (Smithereens, REM, Counting Crows, Matthew Sweet, Let’s Active) was named one of the top releases of 2022 by the Canton Repository. Lisik has toured throughout the Midwest and East Coast, sharing stages with acts such as Jesse Malin, Tim Easton, Chris Knight, Tommy Womack, Nicole Atkins and Two Cow Garage, and has appeared on Fox 8 in Cleveland, WDVX-FM Knoxville’s “Blue Plate Special” show and WMOT-FM in Nashville’s “Finally Friday.”
“a winning formula of catchy phrasing, jangly guitar riffs and great pop hooks” – No Depression
“tasty bare-bones hash of timeless folk-pop and rockabilly, shaggy garage-rock edge and power-pop sparkle” – Elmore
“Lisik brings a Paul Westerberg knack for ticked-off power-pop anthems atop ravenous energy reminiscent of college rock’s late 80s/90s glory days” – Glide
For more information, please visit Brian Lisik’s website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.
Publicity: Mike Farley/Michael J. Media Group/608-848-9707/ mike@michaeljmedia.com
