Miner Street Recordings

This drum set set makes many hearts go pitter-patter. A short-list of its many secrets:

1) Amy Morrissey ( ) puts 15 mics on it, which, believe it or not, all have their purpose and all get used at some point or another. “Less is more”, as Amy always says.

2) The kit’s a 1976 Tama Superstar “Super Maple” (13”, 14”, 16”, 24”). It was bandmate uncle’s kit. He gave it to Matt in 1997 or so, which he traded to us when an old Gretsch kit was given to us by our Manayunk landlord.

3) In 1976, Superstars were the top of the line. We know it’s a 76 because that was the only year the shells were 4 ply and needed support rings (which you can see in the tom pics). By the way ... see drummer Tim Lynam’s cotton balls in the 14 in rack tom? (Never thought of that before... try it. It really works).

4) Our Dream Bliss 20 in crash ride... Drummers love this one. Many have bought their own after experiencing ours but they all say ours is better. We don’t take it for granted. In one of his first appearances gave it to after he signed an endorsement deal with another company. Thanks, Eric. It’s used every session all these years.

5) The hi-hats aren’t hi-hats. Got them at a Sam Ash sidewalk sale in 1999 or so. One’s a 16” medium weight orchestral cymbal, the other’s a 16” paper thin A. They record perfectly and never sound overwhelming in a snare mic (or rack tom for that matter).

6) Dark K Crash? gave it to us after the making of Los Halos “Leaving Va.” album, at Miner Street Manayunk all the way back in 2003. It doesn’t look pretty, but somehow every now and then it’s still the best crash in the room, even if it’s seen better days. We’ve never had a broken cymbal that still sounded great. 7) “el Alma” - one of only two recordings from 2026’s “mirror in the hallway” LP where used this kit, but it’s a great great great one.

There’s a collective uneasiness these days that feels inescapable. It’s palpable and ever present. Music is one of the very few things we have that can transcend the madness, even if it’s just for a moment. It can provide healing and clarity when nothing makes sense; when you’re lost, heartbroken, isolated. It’s the distinctly human experience of being in a shared space and connecting to one another through that beautiful exchange of energy and vibrations.

It’s been a difficult past few years. There are many days I feel completely overcome with grief. If you’ve lost someone you love, you know that feeling all too well. In my experience, songs are often the only true antidote to alleviate that unbearable sadness. I hope to see some of your lovely faces at a show this year and, no matter where you are, if you’re struggling, just know that you’re not alone.

4/26 - Decatur, GA Eddie's Attic
5/08 - Conroe, TX Red Brick Tavern
5/09 - Dallas, TX Opening Bell
6/03 - Columbus, OH Woodlands Tavern
6/05 - Lake Orion, MI 20 Front Street
6/06 - Arlington Heights, IL HeyNonnyAH
6/07 - St. Louis, MO Blue Strawberry
6/19 - Boston, MA City Winery
8/12 - Knoxville, TN Open Chord
9/21 - Annapolis, MD 49 West

📷: Delia Amendolia

The Dead Milkmen — J-Card Press This is the story of the Dead Milkmen, their hometown of Philadelphia, and the world of punk rock they’ve spent four decades unraveling.

The vocals you hear right now were recorded on this, our 1974 MCI 400 console (yes, the very one…). Today was yet another dream day with the great , generously getting us one step closer to being able to access maybe as many as 32 of these incredible Jensen 115k loaded mic preamps, not to mention its custom designed quad eight EQs. Results thus far are extraordinarily promising (talkback mic sounds beautiful…ha). Come see it, as well as its humble caretakers , . This week’d be good!

Had a dream we were back in 2005. There was a mysterious buzz coming from our MCI console (the famed former Sigma Sound Studios NY board) and was there figuring it out with Amy and Brian like it was nothin’. What a great f**kin’ dream!

Loud-ass huge guitars captured by w a billion mics for ‘s couple of new songs. ‘Get weepy just thinking about them….

Rest in Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall.

Still here - Miner Street Fishtown Move-In Day was 20 years ago today (Aug 29, 2025). Amy and couldn’t be more grateful for the time we’ve had and the future we fully intend to keep having in this incredible sunshine-filled studio. Special thanks to the folks like who helped that hot hot day. The A-sides “Let’s become diamonds…” was recorded in the days shortly after. Major thanks to everyone who’s entrusted us with their music over the years. It means the world to us. Please come back soon! .is.back

I’m playing an early show at Fergies Friday with The No-good Crowd. Happy Hour. 6-8pm. You should totally come. It’s free.