Grass Punks

Grass Punks is the 2014 album by Tom Brosseau, released on Crossbill Records and the first album in his North Dakota Trilogy. It was produced and recorded by Sean Watkins in Hollywood, California from 2011 to 2012.

Album insight

The album's cover shot was taken in a Los Angeles Metro Rail car by Andrew van Baal in 2011 while on the set of the short film Wonder Valley. Album design and layout was created by long time Brosseau collaborator, DLT, and became the template for the next two releases Perfect Abandon (2015) and North Dakota Impressions (2016) in what's known as the North Dakota Trilogy.

Only 9 songs on the album, and because the overall time didn't exceed a certain max, Crossbill Records was able to release the vinyl version at 45 rpm.

Grass Punks was released in the U.K. on Tin Angel Records and features an additional track, "Running From Zombies".

Marilyn Hagerty

In "Stuck On The Roof Again" the narrator finds himself in the unfortunate situation of getting stranded on the roof after a gust of wind blows his ladder down while he's clearing away snow from the eaves and shingles. Legend has it this very incident happened to American journalist Marilyn Hagerty, friend of Tom Brosseau and also Grand Forks, North Dakota resident, who eventually was able to flag down a passer-by for help. Tom Brosseau told the story of the song while appearing on the NPR Music program, Tiny Desk Concerts, with Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton.^[1]

Track listing

1. "Cradle Your Device"
2. "Stuck On The Roof Again"
3. "Tami"
4. Today Is A Bright New Day"
5. Love High John The Conqueror Root"
6. "Green Shampoo"
7. "Gregory Page Of San Diego"
8. "I Love To Play Guitar"
9. "We Were Meant To Be Together"

Personnel

• Tom Brosseau – acoustic guitar, vocals
• Sean Watkins – acoustic, tenor, and electric guitar; bass, backing vocals, mandolin, synth pad
• John Rausch – mastering and mixing

References