Picnic Table Blues

by Joe Fahey

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about

When I was asked to contribute a song to this project, the first thing I thought about was this very wonderful era when my band, Carp 18, used to practice at this space on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis in the early 90s.

It’s where we first met many other wonderful musicians and bands including Slim Dunlap. We were huge fans of The Replacements, of course, so it was very exciting to meet Slim and hear him jamming with other bands such as The Gear Daddies and The Sycamores.

He was a true guitar hero and, as we soon found out, an incredible songwriter, story teller and family man as well. Occasionally, Slim would join us around the picnic table out behind the building where we would take our breaks from all that grueling practice. He’d tell these wonderful stories, heartfelt and funny and he would share some advice about music and performing.

Over the years I would run into Slim at shows or elsewhere and he’d always ask about the band and we’ve had some nice conversations. He has always been a very kind and giving mentor to many of us in the band community and he is truly loved.

Thank you Slim.

STS-17

lyrics

it’s 12 below outside right now
the snowdrifts look higher than a mile
that picnic table’s buried deep
and that just makes me smile

makes me think of summertime
about a million years ago
when we were almost young enough
to get away with rock & roll

at our practice space on Lyndale
we had a picnic table too
we’d sit around with the other bands
and catch up on the news

it’s where I met Slim Dunlap
and that was a-ok
he was kind to all of us
and he still is to this day

sometimes he’d sit out there with us
tell us stories from the road
like the time when the van caught fire
or his encounter with a Stone

the building it’s long gone now
but the memories remain
you should always check the jukebox
before you play your set in vain

he shared some good advice
about surviving up on stage
just learn some of that Hank Thompson
it might save your hide some day

a pedal made from a band-aid box
and a sparkle in his eyes
we’d see him rock the clubs at night
songs that made you laugh and cry

I was driving with my family once
saw Slim standing in a yard
it was his cozy little hideaway
he waved us to stop the car

we met each other’s families
he told my infant laddie
you’re gonna be a guitar player
‘cos you fingers like your daddy

it’s 11 below outside right now
the snowdrifts look higher than a mile
that picnic table’s buried deep
and that just makes me smile

makes me think of summertime
about a million years ago
when we were almost young enough
to get away with rock & roll

credits

released April 2, 2014
“Picnic Table Blues” by Joe Fahey © 2014 Rough Fish Music

Joe Fahey: Vocal, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums
Recorded, produced and mastered by Joe Fahey at Rough Fish Sound, Fridley, MN

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about

Slim Town Singles Minnesota

Slim Town Singles is a cooperative, ongoing musical tribute to Minnesota's hometown musical hero and former Replacements guitarist Bob “Slim” Dunlap. All proceeds from sales of Slim Town Singles support his care and recovery from a debilitating stroke suffered in February of 2012. Slim has given a lifetime of love, support and music to the Minnesota music community. Now is our chance to give back. ... more

slimtownsingles.com

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