Mike St. Jude & The Valentines

'Oh, You Slay Me' is a posthumous release essentially (for a number of reasons), and likely the last collection of “new music“ I’ll release under the Mike St. Jude & The Valentines moniker, though only time can tell. Thank you to everyone who listens to it.

At times it felt like we made this record against all odds. From the word go when Dave and Ed and Scott and I started playing together in 2017, making a record was top of mind. Two years later we got the chance with Ben Gmetro at the helm, and some bumps and bruises and a new drummer, Jason, in toe (and what toes at that). Jason joined the group when the chips were down, helped us get back on our feet again and cut the record.

Then came the pandemic and everything got quiet. Then we lost our beloved friend Dave and it was utter silence. But what we had created together was too powerful to languish. At last we broke the silence, could face the music and get it done.

I’m proud to have played with these guys on this record, and I’m proud to have played alongside Dave on what has sadly turned out to be his last recording. The record is dedicated to Dave, whose musicianship at the time we made it seemed to get stronger every day. He was honing his chops daily as a music instructor at School of Rock, and it shows. He and Ed (also a music instructor at School of Rock) were an unstoppable force together. They put in so many hours playing music every day (in addition to their other musical projects) that there was nothing they couldn’t play or interpret, and fast with feeling. In my mind they will forever be connected as The Gladwell Twins.

The band sounds great on this record. Everyone gave their best, including the auxiliary crew - Ben, Matt, Alex, Leia, & Kristin. Many thanks to them for helping get it over the finish line and keeping the atmosphere light and full of laughs. That light and musical spirit comes across, even during some of the heavier moments. I am so grateful to them.

Shout out also to Mark Klein who mastered the record and made it sparkle and shine. Mark has mastered all three Valentines records now, and he’s more than just a hired audio engineer. He’s a friend to the band, a true collaborator and confidant.

On behalf of everyone who worked on this record, I hope you dig it. Thank you for listening, being a fan and following “The Val’s”.

-Mike