Mary Lou Lord
Encyclopedia
Mary Lou Lord is an indie folk
musician, busker
and recording artist.
's subway
stations (particularly on the Red Line
, as noted by the name she chose for her music and lyric publishing company, On the Red Line Music, administered by BMI
.)
Lord became friends with Nirvana
front man Kurt Cobain
in the fall of 1991, before the group's rise to mainstream fame. The nature of Lord and Cobain's relationship was later rumored to be of a romantic nature. This claim was refuted by Cobain and Lord, and both perpetuated and refuted by Courtney Love
.
Lord toured three separate times with Elliott Smith
during the 1990s. Smith also wrote and helped Lord record a song called "I Figured You Out" in 1997.
Her recordings have been a mixture of covers (including songs by Elliott Smith and Richard Thompson) and original material, with a number of songs written by, or in collaboration with, Nick Saloman of the British band The Bevis Frond
.
Her recording of Daniel Johnston
's "Speeding Motorcycle" (which originally featured on her self-titled 8-song Kill Rock Stars
release) was featured in commercials for Target
stores, after which her label reissued the song as the lead-off track of a CD single which also included two demo recordings from the sessions for Got No Shadow.
In 2001, Lord released Live City Sounds. This was a self-released disc of Mary Lou playing live in the Boston subway. The disc was later re-released after Mary Lou signed to Rubric Records
.
She announced in 2005 that she suffered from a rare vocal cord affliction known as spasmodic dysphonia
. She thereafter became more involved in A&R
work and started a new management company with Kevin Patey, Jittery Jack Management.
King Vinyl (2002)
Indie folk
Indie folk is a music genre that arose in the 1990s from singer/songwriters in the indie rock community showing heavy influences from folk music scenes of the 50s, 60s and early 70s, country music, and indie rock. A few early artists included Lou Barlow, Beck, Jeff Buckley and Elliott Smith...
musician, busker
Busking
Street performance or busking is the practice of performing in public places, for gratuities, which are generally in the form of money and edibles...
and recording artist.
Biography
Mary Lou Lord first gained notice playing acoustic guitar and singing in and around BostonBoston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
's subway
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, often referred to as the MBTA or simply The T, is the public operator of most bus, subway, commuter rail and ferry systems in the greater Boston, Massachusetts, area. Officially a "body politic and corporate, and a political subdivision" of the...
stations (particularly on the Red Line
Red Line (MBTA)
The Red Line is a rapid transit line operated by the MBTA running roughly north-south through Boston, Massachusetts into neighboring communities. The line begins west of Boston, in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Alewife station, near the intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway and Route 2...
, as noted by the name she chose for her music and lyric publishing company, On the Red Line Music, administered by BMI
Broadcast Music Incorporated
Broadcast Music, Inc. is one of three United States performing rights organizations, along with ASCAP and SESAC. It collects license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers and distributes them as royalties to those members whose works have been performed...
.)
Lord became friends with Nirvana
Nirvana (band)
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
front man Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Donald Cobain was an American singer-songwriter, musician and artist, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the grunge band Nirvana...
in the fall of 1991, before the group's rise to mainstream fame. The nature of Lord and Cobain's relationship was later rumored to be of a romantic nature. This claim was refuted by Cobain and Lord, and both perpetuated and refuted by Courtney Love
Courtney Love
Courtney Michelle Love is an American rock musician. Love is the lead vocalist, lyricist, and rhythm guitarist for alternative rock band Hole, which she formed in 1989, and is an actress who has moved from bit parts in Alex Cox films to significant and acclaimed roles in The People vs...
.
Lord toured three separate times with Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith
Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and resided for a significant portion of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he first gained popularity...
during the 1990s. Smith also wrote and helped Lord record a song called "I Figured You Out" in 1997.
Her recordings have been a mixture of covers (including songs by Elliott Smith and Richard Thompson) and original material, with a number of songs written by, or in collaboration with, Nick Saloman of the British band The Bevis Frond
The Bevis Frond
The Bevis Frond is a British musical group whose range covers hard edge to melancholy vintage indie rock to poetic, "classic-rock" songcraft with a thick Walthamstow accent. Nick Saloman is the band's frontman and songwriter...
.
Her recording of Daniel Johnston
Daniel Johnston
Daniel Dale Johnston is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and artist. Johnston was the subject of the 2006 documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston. He currently lives in Waller, Texas....
's "Speeding Motorcycle" (which originally featured on her self-titled 8-song Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
release) was featured in commercials for Target
Target Corporation
Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
stores, after which her label reissued the song as the lead-off track of a CD single which also included two demo recordings from the sessions for Got No Shadow.
In 2001, Lord released Live City Sounds. This was a self-released disc of Mary Lou playing live in the Boston subway. The disc was later re-released after Mary Lou signed to Rubric Records
Rubric Records
Rubric Records is an independent record label based in New York, New York which began life in 1999. It was founded by David Gwiazdowski and Kenny Sehgal of New York, New York band Kreisor.-Catalogue:* Alchemysts* Analogue II* Barnyard Playboys...
.
She announced in 2005 that she suffered from a rare vocal cord affliction known as spasmodic dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia is a voice disorder characterized by involuntary movements of one or more muscles of the larynx during speech.- Types of spasmodic dysphonia :...
. She thereafter became more involved in A&R
A&R
Artists and repertoire is the division of a record label that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists. It also acts as a liaison between artists and the record label.- Finding talent :...
work and started a new management company with Kevin Patey, Jittery Jack Management.
Albums
- Real - Deep Music (1992)
- TSWL (To Sir With Love) - EW Productions/Demo tape (1993)
- Mary Lou Lord - Kill Rock StarsKill Rock StarsKill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
(1995) - Got No ShadowGot No ShadowGot No Shadow is an album by Mary Lou Lord, released in early 1998."His Lamest Flame" is a reference to the Elvis Presley song " His Latest Flame"....
- The WORK GroupThe Work GroupThe Work Group is a collective incorporating three main businesses. The head office is based in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. They are primarily an Employment Service Provider with different focuses for each business, including Disability Employment Services and Job Services Australia...
(1998) - Live City Sounds - Self-released, (2001) / reissue: Rubric RecordsRubric RecordsRubric Records is an independent record label based in New York, New York which began life in 1999. It was founded by David Gwiazdowski and Kenny Sehgal of New York, New York band Kreisor.-Catalogue:* Alchemysts* Analogue II* Barnyard Playboys...
(2002) - Baby Blue - Rubric RecordsRubric RecordsRubric Records is an independent record label based in New York, New York which began life in 1999. It was founded by David Gwiazdowski and Kenny Sehgal of New York, New York band Kreisor.-Catalogue:* Alchemysts* Analogue II* Barnyard Playboys...
(2004)
EPs and singles
- Some Jingle Jangle Morning (When I'm Straight) 7" vinyl single - Kill Rock StarsKill Rock StarsKill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
(1993) - Martian Saints! EP - Kill Rock StarsKill Rock StarsKill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
(1997) - Mind the Gap EP - The WORK GroupThe Work GroupThe Work Group is a collective incorporating three main businesses. The head office is based in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. They are primarily an Employment Service Provider with different focuses for each business, including Disability Employment Services and Job Services Australia...
(1997) - The Pace of Change EP - The WORK GroupThe Work GroupThe Work Group is a collective incorporating three main businesses. The head office is based in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. They are primarily an Employment Service Provider with different focuses for each business, including Disability Employment Services and Job Services Australia...
(1998) - Lights Are Changing EP - The WORK GroupThe Work GroupThe Work Group is a collective incorporating three main businesses. The head office is based in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. They are primarily an Employment Service Provider with different focuses for each business, including Disability Employment Services and Job Services Australia...
(1998) - She Had You single - The WORK GroupThe Work GroupThe Work Group is a collective incorporating three main businesses. The head office is based in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. They are primarily an Employment Service Provider with different focuses for each business, including Disability Employment Services and Job Services Australia...
(1998) - (Untitled) EP - Kill Rock StarsKill Rock StarsKill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
(1999) - Mary Lou Lord/Sean Na Na Split EPMary Lou Lord/Sean Na Na Split EPReleased in 2001 by indie label Kill Rock Stars, this split EP features three songs each by Sean Na Na and singer/songwriter Mary Lou Lord.-Track listing:# Mary Lou Lord - "Bang Bang"# Mary Lou Lord - "Hard Road"# Mary Lou Lord - "Aim Low"...
- Kill Rock StarsKill Rock StarsKill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
(2000) - Speeding Motorcycle EP - Rubric RecordsRubric RecordsRubric Records is an independent record label based in New York, New York which began life in 1999. It was founded by David Gwiazdowski and Kenny Sehgal of New York, New York band Kreisor.-Catalogue:* Alchemysts* Analogue II* Barnyard Playboys...
(2001)
Compilation and soundtrack contributions
- Stars Kill RockStars Kill RockStars Kill Rock is a 1993 album by various artists and was released on the Kill Rock Stars label.-Track listing:# Tiger Trap - "Supreme Nothing"# Godheadsilo - "Nutritious Treat"# Frumpies - "Fuck Kitty"# Jack Acid - "Cheap Tragedies"...
: "Camden Town Rain" - Kill Rock StarsKill Rock StarsKill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
(1993) - A Slice of Lemon: "Eternal Circle" - Kill Rock StarsKill Rock StarsKill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
/Lookout Records (1996) - Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John LennonWorking Class Hero: A Tribute to John LennonWorking Class Hero is a 1995 tribute album to Beatles singer/songwriter John Lennon. It gets its name from a Lennon song of the same name. The album was produced by Lindy Goetz through Hollywood Records in support of the Humane Society of the United States...
: "Power to the PeoplePower to the People (song)"Power to the People" is a song written by John Lennon, released as a single in 1971 by John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band on Apple Records, catalogue Apple R5892 in the United Kingdom and Apple 1830 in the United States. It peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on the British singles chart...
" (with The Minus 5The Minus 5The Minus 5 is an American rock band, headed by musician Scott McCaughey and featuring R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck.-Band history:Formed in 1993, McCaughey designed the Minus 5 as a pop collective, with each record the group put out featuring a new lineup...
) - Hollywood RecordsHollywood RecordsHollywood Records is an American record label owned by Disney Music Group, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.-History:Hollywood Records was founded in 1989 by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner with the idea of expanding the music operations of the company and to develop and promote...
(1995) - Saturday Morning: Cartoons' Greatest Hits: "Sugar, SugarSugar, Sugar"Sugar, Sugar" is a pop song written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim. It was a four-week 1969 number-one hit single by fictional characters The Archies. Produced by Jeff Barry, the song was originally released on the album Everything's Archie. The album is the product of a group of studio musicians...
" (with SemisonicSemisonicSemisonic is an American alternative rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1995. The band consisted of three members: Dan Wilson , John Munson , and Jacob Slichter...
), - MCA RecordsMCA RecordsMCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...
(1995) - Safe and SoundSafe and SoundSafe and Sound may refer to:*Safe + Sound, a 1995 album by DJ Quik*Safe & Sound , a 2006 album by Juneau*"Safe & Sound", a song by Five Man Electrical Band from their 1971 album Good-byes and Butterflies...
: "Polaroids" - Big Rig Records / Mercury RecordsMercury RecordsMercury Records is a record label operating as a standalone company in the UK and as part of the Island Def Jam Motown Music Group in the US; both are subsidiaries of Universal Music Group. There is also a Mercury Records in Australia, which is a local artist and repertoire division of Universal...
(1996) - JabberjawJabberjawJabberjaw is a 30-minute Saturday morning animated series created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears and produced by Hanna-Barbera and aired from September 11, 1976 to September 3, 1978 on ABC.-Premise:...
: Pure Sweet Hell: "Birthday Boy" - Mammoth Records (1996) - Yo Yo A Go Go: "Helsinki (live)" - Yo Yo Recordings (1996)
- Everybody Wants SomeEverybody Wants SomeEverybody Wants Some may refer to:*"Everybody Wants Some!!", a song from Van Halen's 1980 album Women and Children First*"Everybody Wants Some" , a song by Danger Danger from their 1991 album Screw It!...
: "Jump" - CherryDisc (1997) - 107.1 KGSR / Radio Austin - Broadcasts Volume 6: "His N.D. World" (live) - KGSR (1998)
- Zero EffectZero EffectZero Effect is a 1998 mystery film written and directed by Jake Kasdan . It stars Bill Pullman as "the world's most private detective" Daryl Zero and Ben Stiller as his assistant Steve Arlo....
Motion Picture Soundtrack: "Some Jingle Jangle Morning" - Sony Music (1998) - Wicked Good Sampler Vol. IV : "On the Avenue" - Sony Music (1998)
- SXSW Volume 5: "I'm Talking To You" (live) - SXSW (1999)
- Transmission 1: Tea at the Palaz of HoonTea at the Palaz of Hoon"Tea at the Palaz of Hoon" is a poem from Wallace Stevens's first book of poetry, Harmonium. It was first published in 1921, so it is in the public domain....
: "The Outdoor Miner" - Cosmodemonic Telegraph Inc. (2000) - Rubric 01: "From Galway to Graceland" - Rubric Records (2000)
- Gordon GanoGordon GanoGordon James Gano is an American musician. He is best known for being the singer, guitarist and songwriter of American alternative rock band Violent Femmes.-Early life:...
: Hitting The Ground: "Oh Wonder" - Cooking Vinyl (2002) - For a Decade of Sin: 11 Years of Bloodshot Records: "Cold Company" - Bloodshot Records (2005)
King Vinyl (2002)
- Joe Harvard: Country Eastern – AERIA Records (2008)