Coco Hames will release her self-titled debut on March 31. In the meantime, check out this irresistible cover of Bash & Pop’s “Tiny Pieces,” a lost ’90s gem penned by Tommy Stinson of alt-rock legends The Replacements. “It’s a really unique song,” says Hames, who delivers it as a duet with John McCauley of Deer Tick, the pair making like a dissolute Gram and Emmylou. “I love the way John approaches and understands music, his own and others’. I’d wanted to do an interesting cover on this record, and I just love John’s voice—particularly in the way we play off each other.” 

Hames says she had no agenda with her debut solo release, apart from fashioning an album that would resist easy genre tags. “I grew up listening to ’60s pop like Dusty Springfield, but also classic country music like Patsy Cline, and things that bridged both worlds, like Bobbie Gentry. I guess I’m a fan of artists who can move between styles pretty seamlessly,” notes Hames. “Somehow, with this record, the end result doesn’t fit into any one category. Which is an exciting thing to me.”

Playing guitar, piano, and electric harpsichord on her solo record, Hames was aided in her effort by bassist Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs), drummer Julian Dorio (The Whigs), and lead guitarist Adam Meisterhans (The Weight). Other contributors include veteran keyboard/organ wizard Dave Amels of Reigning Sound and vocalists Carey Kotsionis (Bobby Bare, Jr.) and Lillie Mae Rische (Jack White). 

Listen to her previously released tracks “I Do Love You” and “When You Said Goodbye.” Pre-order Coco Hames now on CD and LP in the Merge store, or digitally here. The first 250 LP orders in our store will receive limited-edition opaque green vinyl! All pre-orders will include a free Coco Hames button, while supplies last, and will ship to arrive on or around the release date of March 31.

Coco Hames on tour:
Mar 31 Nashville, TN - Grimey's (6pm, free & all ages)
Sep 19 London, UK - The Old Blue Last