WRENS WATCH

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Pat Morita.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, Jan. 9, 2009, marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003's The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—50 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 47 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Forty-two weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Forty-one weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 40 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 35 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 33 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo 32 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Thirty-one weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 30 and 29 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Twenty-eight weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails 27 weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Twenty-six weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you 25 weeks ago, it's a really good song. Twenty-four weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly 23 weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Twenty-two weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens, but he didn't. Twenty-one weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. Twenty weeks ago, 19 weeks ago and 18 weeks ago, we got nothing. Seventeen weeks ago, we did find out that the Wrens had shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken, N.J., scheduled for December 3 and 4, but we didn't learn this from Bissell. Sixteen weeks ago, Bissell emailed us a number of times, but he didn't answer any Wrens-related questions. We did find out that he was scheduled to play a solo benefit show in Brooklyn on October 28 with They Might Be Giants and Nada Surf (they should have called it Nerd Aid), but again, we didn't learn this from Bissell. Fifteen weeks ago, when asked what was new with the Wrens, Bissell responded, "Nothing. No things. At all. No recording, no new songs, no get-togethers." Fourteen weeks ago, we learned that the first Maxwell's show would feature a setlist voted on by fans via the Wrens website (we requested "Brand New Apartment"), while the second would be comprised of as many news songs the band could play. You got the feeling the first show would probably be much longer than the second one. Thirteen weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say the Wrens had added a third Maxwell's show (December 4 at 7:30 p.m.), for which they'd play The Meadowlands from start to finish. When we told him that Greg mentioned to us that the band has been working on 120 new songs, Bissell replied, "You know how it is, applying the uncertainty principle, both are true. Until you try to confirm either one. So yeah, remember, Kevin's been demoing the last year or two for the first time? He's now got more than 100 songs, some totally fleshed out, some just sketches, many really good. And he and Greg have been going over them a couple nights a week. So yeah, from one perspective, the record's almost done. Nevertheless, we have not recorded a note, so the record is both well under way and yet not even begun." Uh, that clears things up. Twelve weeks ago, all we found out was that the Wrens had a Washington, D.C., show scheduled for November 20 at the Black Cat. Eleven weeks ago, when we asked if there would be other shows that weekend, Bissell responded, "No, not this time. You know us. It's like the Army Reserve: one weekend a month and just two weeks a year. Without the 'two weeks a year' part." Ten weeks ago, Bissell responded to our emails, but he said nothing of interest, other than he'd have some news soon. Nine weeks ago, Bissell emailed to say the Wrens would be selling a limited-edition CD-R at the Maxwell's shows that includes "really old pre-Silver songs and at least one new one." We asked for a copy but still haven't heard back. Eight weeks ago, Bissell told us the band rehearsed twice and worked on getting its, uh, studio up and running. Seven weeks ago, we got nothing. Six weeks ago, Bissell emailed to say that while the Wrens continue to not record, they have been getting together to rehearse for their live shows. He added, "And believe it or not, after a 20-year DIY spell, we're taking on management. So in the future, I'll have staff to reply to your emails." We hope he's kidding about that last bit. Turns out, he was. Five weeks ago, Bissell emailed us only to say, "Happy Thanksgiving." What a guy! Four weeks ago, Bissell called to tell us the band recorded all three of its Maxwell's shows for an upcoming live EP. He also made some mom jokes. Three weeks ago, Bissell didn't even email. Two weeks ago marked the one-year anniversary of Wrens Watch, and we were sad to report the band seems no closer to finishing its new album than it was this time last year. In celebration, we had a look back at the very first Wrens Watch. We were so much older then, we're younger than that now. This week, we are happy to report that Jersey Films has bought the rights to Wrens Watch and will soon be turning it into a major motion picture. The cast thus far includes acting newcomer Mike Huckabee as Bissell, Jon Favreau as MacDonald, and Jim True-Frost as both Whelan brothers (a la Nicolas Cage in Adaptation). It will mark the directorial debut of Secaucus, N.J.-based actor Dan Resin. We'll be busy working on the screenplay, which will mean that new updates to Wrens Watch will become much less frequent. Given nothing seems to be going on with a new Wrens album, it shouldn't really matter.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Angus Young.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003's The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—47 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 44 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Thirty-nine weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Thirty-eight weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 37 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 32 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 30 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 29 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Twenty-eight weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 27 and 26 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Twenty-five weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails 24 weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Twenty-three weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you 22 weeks ago, it's a really good song. Twenty-one weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly 20 weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Nineteen weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens, but he didn't. Eighteen weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. Seventeen weeks ago, 16 weeks ago and 15 weeks ago, we got nothing. Fourteen weeks ago, we did find out that the Wrens had shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken, N.J., scheduled for December 3 and 4, but we didn't learn this from Bissell. Thirteen weeks ago, Bissell emailed us a number of times, but he didn't answer any Wrens-related questions. We did find out that he was scheduled to play a solo benefit show in Brooklyn on October 28 with They Might Be Giants and Nada Surf (they should have called it Nerd Aid), but again, we didn't learn this from Bissell. Twelve weeks ago, when asked what was new with the Wrens, Bissell responded, "Nothing. No things. At all. No recording, no new songs, no get-togethers." Eleven weeks ago, we learned that the first Maxwell's show would feature a setlist voted on by fans via the Wrens website (we requested "Brand New Apartment"), while the second would be comprised of as many news songs the band could play. You got the feeling the first show would probably be much longer than the second one. Ten weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say the Wrens had added a third Maxwell's show (December 4 at 7:30 p.m.), for which they'd play The Meadowlands from start to finish. When we told him that Greg mentioned to us that the band has been working on 120 new songs, Bissell replied, "You know how it is, applying the uncertainty principle, both are true. Until you try to confirm either one. So yeah, remember, Kevin's been demoing the last year or two for the first time? He's now got more than 100 songs, some totally fleshed out, some just sketches, many really good. And he and Greg have been going over them a couple nights a week. So yeah, from one perspective, the record's almost done. Nevertheless, we have not recorded a note, so the record is both well under way and yet not even begun." Uh, that clears things up. Nine weeks ago, all we found out was that the Wrens had a Washington, D.C., show scheduled for November 20 at the Black Cat. Eight weeks ago, when we asked if there would be other shows that weekend, Bissell responded, "No, not this time. You know us. It's like the Army Reserve: one weekend a month and just two weeks a year. Without the 'two weeks a year' part." Seven weeks ago, Bissell responded to our emails, but he said nothing of interest, other than he'd have some news soon. Six weeks ago, Bissell emailed to say the Wrens would be selling a limited-edition CD-R at the Maxwell's shows that includes "really old pre-Silver songs and at least one new one." We asked for a copy but still haven't heard back. Five weeks ago, Bissell told us the band rehearsed twice and worked on getting its, uh, studio up and running. Four weeks ago, we got nothing. Three weeks ago, Bissell emailed to say that while the Wrens continue to not record, they have been getting together to rehearse for their live shows. He added, "And believe it or not, after a 20-year DIY spell, we're taking on management. So in the future, I'll have staff to reply to your emails." We hope he's kidding about that last bit. Turns out, he was. Two weeks ago, Bissell emailed us only to say, "Happy Thanksgiving." What a guy! Last week, Bissell called to tell us the band recorded all three of its Maxwell's shows for an upcoming live EP. He also made some mom jokes. This week, Bissell didn't even email.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Sammy Davis, Jr.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003's The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—45 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 42 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Thirty-seven weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Thirty-six weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 35 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 30 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 28 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 27 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Twenty-six weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 25 and 24 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Twenty-three weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails 22 weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Twenty-one weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you 20 weeks ago, it's a really good song. Nineteen weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly 18 weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Seventeen weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens, but he didn't. Sixteen weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. Fifteen weeks ago, 14 weeks ago and 13 weeks ago, we got nothing. Twelve weeks ago, we did find out that the Wrens have shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken, N.J., scheduled for December 3 and 4, but we didn't learn this from Bissell. Eleven weeks ago, Bissell emailed us a number of times, but he didn't answer any Wrens-related questions. We did find out that he was scheduled to play a solo benefit show in Brooklyn on October 28 with They Might Be Giants and Nada Surf (they should have called it Nerd Aid), but again, we didn't learn this from Bissell. Ten weeks ago, when asked what was new with the Wrens, Bissell responded, "Nothing. No things. At all. No recording, no new songs, no get-togethers." Nine weeks ago, we learned that the first Maxwell's show will feature a setlist voted on by fans via the Wrens website (we requested "Brand New Apartment"), while the second will be comprised of as many news songs the band can play. You get the feeling the first show will probably be much longer than the second one. Eight weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say the Wrens have added a third Maxwell's show (December 4 at 7:30 p.m.), for which they'll play The Meadowlands from start to finish. When we told him that Greg mentioned to us that the band has been working on 120 new songs, Bissell replied, "You know how it is, applying the uncertainty principle, both are true. Until you try to confirm either one. So yeah, remember, Kevin's been demoing the last year or two for the first time? He's now got more than 100 songs, some totally fleshed out, some just sketches, many really good. And he and Greg have been going over them a couple nights a week. So yeah, from one perspective, the record's almost done. Nevertheless, we have not recorded a note, so the record is both well under way and yet not even begun." Uh, that clears things up. Seven weeks ago, all we found out was that the Wrens have a Washington, D.C., show scheduled for November 20 at the Black Cat. Six weeks ago, when we asked if there would be other shows that weekend, Bissell responded, "No, not this time. You know us. It's like the Army Reserve: one weekend a month and just two weeks a year. Without the 'two weeks a year' part." Five weeks ago, Bissell responded to our emails, but he said nothing of interest, other than he'd have some news soon. Four weeks ago, Bissell emailed to say the Wrens would be selling a limited-edition CD-R at the Maxwell's shows that includes "really old pre-Silver songs and at least one new one." We asked for a copy but still haven't heard back. Three weeks ago, Bissell told us the band rehearsed twice and worked on getting its, uh, studio up and running. Two weeks ago, we got nothing. Last week, Bissell emailed to say that while the Wrens continue to not record, they have been getting together to rehearse for their upcoming live shows. He added, "And believe it or not, after a 20-year DIY spell, we're taking on management. So in the future, I'll have staff to reply to your emails." We hope he's kidding about that last bit. Turns out, he was. This week, Bissell emailed us only to say, "Happy Thanksgiving." What a guy!

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Martin Scorsese.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003's The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—43 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 40 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Thirty-five weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Thirty-four weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 33 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 28 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 26 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 25 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Twenty-four weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 23 and 22 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Twenty-one weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails 20 weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Nineteen weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you 18 weeks ago, it's a really good song. Seventeen weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly 16 weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Fifteen weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens, but he didn't. Fourteen weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. Thirteen weeks ago, 12 weeks ago and 11 weeks ago, we got nothing. Ten weeks ago, we did find out that the Wrens have shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken, N.J., scheduled for December 3 and 4, but we didn't learn this from Bissell. Nine weeks ago, Bissell emailed us a number of times, but he didn't answer any Wrens-related questions. We did find out that he was scheduled to play a solo benefit show in Brooklyn on October 28 with They Might Be Giants and Nada Surf (they should have called it Nerd Aid), but again, we didn't learn this from Bissell. Eight weeks ago, when asked what was new with the Wrens, Bissell responded, "Nothing. No things. At all. No recording, no new songs, no get-togethers." Seven weeks ago, we learned that the first Maxwell's show will feature a setlist voted on by fans via the Wrens website (we requested "Brand New Apartment"), while the second will be comprised of as many news songs the band can play. You get the feeling the first show will probably be much longer than the second one. Six weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say the Wrens have added a third Maxwell's show (December 4 at 7:30 p.m.), for which they'll play The Meadowlands from start to finish. When we told him that Greg mentioned to us that the band has been working on 120 new songs, Bissell replied, "You know how it is, applying the uncertainty principle, both are true. Until you try to confirm either one. So yeah, remember, Kevin's been demoing the last year or two for the first time? He's now got more than 100 songs, some totally fleshed out, some just sketches, many really good. And he and Greg have been going over them a couple nights a week. So yeah, from one perspective, the record's almost done. Nevertheless, we have not recorded a note, so the record is both well under way and yet not even begun." Uh, that clears things up. Five weeks ago, all we found out was that the Wrens have a Washington, D.C., show scheduled for November 20 at the Black Cat. Four weeks ago, when we asked if there would be other shows that weekend, Bissell responded, "No, not this time. You know us. It's like the Army Reserve: one weekend a month and just two weeks a year. Without the 'two weeks a year' part." Three weeks ago, Bissell responded to our emails, but he said nothing of interest, other than he'd have some news soon. Two weeks ago, Bissell emailed to say the Wrens would be selling a limited-edition CD-R at the Maxwell's shows that includes "really old pre-Silver songs and at least one new one." We asked for a copy but still haven't heard back. Last week, Bissell told us the band rehearsed twice and worked on getting its, uh, studio up and running. This week: nothing.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as David Ben-Gurion.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003's The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—41 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 38 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Thirty-three weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Thirty-two weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 31 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 26 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 24 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 23 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Twenty-two weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 21 and 20 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Nineteen weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails 18 weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Seventeen weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you 16 weeks ago, it's a really good song. Fifteen weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly 14 weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Thirteen weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens, but he didn't. Twelve weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. Eleven weeks ago, 10 weeks ago and nine weeks ago, we got nothing. Eight weeks ago, we did find out that the Wrens have shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken, N.J., scheduled for December 3 and 4, but we didn't learn this from Bissell. Seven weeks ago, Bissell emailed us a number of times, but he didn't answer any Wrens-related questions. We did find out that he was scheduled to play a solo benefit show in Brooklyn on October 28 with They Might Be Giants and Nada Surf (they should have called it Nerd Aid), but again, we didn't learn this from Bissell. Six weeks ago, when asked what was new with the Wrens, Bissell responded, "Nothing. No things. At all. No recording, no new songs, no get-togethers." Five weeks ago, we learned that the first Maxwell's show will feature a setlist voted on by fans via the Wrens website (we requested "Brand New Apartment"), while the second will be comprised of as many news songs the band can play. You get the feeling the first show will probably be much longer than the second one. Four weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say the Wrens have added a third Maxwell's show (December 4 at 7:30 p.m.), for which they'll play The Meadowlands from start to finish. When we told him that Greg mentioned to us that the band has been working on 120 new songs, Bissell replied, "You know how it is, applying the uncertainty principle, both are true. Until you try to confirm either one. So yeah, remember, Kevin's been demoing the last year or two for the first time? He's now got more than 100 songs, some totally fleshed out, some just sketches, many really good. And he and Greg have been going over them a couple nights a week. So yeah, from one perspective, the record's almost done. Nevertheless, we have not recorded a note, so the record is both well under way and yet not even begun." Uh, that clears things up. Three weeks ago, all we found out was that the Wrens have a Washington, D.C., show scheduled for November 20 at the Black Cat. Two weeks ago, when we asked if there would be other shows that weekend, Bissell responded, "No, not this time. You know us. It's like the Army Reserve: one weekend a month and just two weeks a year. Without the 'two weeks a year' part." Last week, Bissell responded to our emails, but he said nothing of interest, other than he'd have some news soon. This week, Bissell emailed to say the Wrens would be selling a limited-edition CD-R at the Maxwell's shows that includes "really old pre-Silver songs and at least one new one." We asked for a copy but still haven't heard back.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Mickey Rooney.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003's The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—39 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 36 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Thirty-one weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Thirty weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 29 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 24 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 22 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 21 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Twenty weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 19 and 18 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Seventeen weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails 16 weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Fifteen weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you 14 weeks ago, it's a really good song. Thirteen weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly 12 weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Eleven weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens, but he didn't. Ten weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. Nine weeks ago, eight weeks ago and seven weeks ago, we got nothing. Six weeks ago, we did find out that the Wrens have shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken, N.J., scheduled for December 3 and 4, but we didn't learn this from Bissell. Five weeks ago, Bissell emailed us a number of times, but he didn't answer any Wrens-related questions. We did find out that he is playing a solo benefit show in Brooklyn on October 28 with They Might Be Giants and Nada Surf (they should call it Nerd Aid), but again, we didn't learn this from Bissell. Four weeks ago, when asked what was new with the Wrens, Bissell responded, "Nothing. No things. At all. No recording, no new songs, no get-togethers." Three weeks ago, we learned that the first Maxwell's show will feature a setlist voted on by fans via the Wrens website (we requested "Brand New Apartment"), while the second will be comprised of as many news songs the band can play. You get the feeling the first show will probably be much longer than the second one. Two weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say the Wrens have added a third Maxwell's show (December 4 at 7:30 p.m.), for which they'll play The Meadowlands from start to finish. When we told him that Greg mentioned to us that the band has been working on 120 new songs, Bissell replied, "You know how it is, applying the uncertainty principle, both are true. Until you try to confirm either one. So yeah, remember, Kevin's been demoing the last year or two for the first time? He's now got more than 100 songs, some totally fleshed out, some just sketches, many really good. And he and Greg have been going over them a couple nights a week. So yeah, from one perspective, the record's almost done. Nevertheless, we have not recorded a note, so the record is both well under way and yet not even begun." Uh, that clears things up. Last week, all we found out was that the Wrens have a Washington, D.C., show scheduled for November 20 at the Black Cat. This week, when we asked if there would be other shows that weekend, Bissell responded, "No, not this time. You know us. It's like the Army Reserve: one weekend a month and just two weeks a year. Without the 'two weeks a year' part."

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Roman Polanski.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003's The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—37 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 34 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Twenty-nine weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Twenty-eight weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 27 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 22 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 20 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 19 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Eighteen weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 17 and 16 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Fifteen weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails 14 weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Thirteen weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you 12 weeks ago, it's a really good song. Eleven weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly 10 weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Nine weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens, but he didn't. Eight weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. Seven weeks ago, six weeks ago and five weeks ago, we got nothing. Four weeks ago, we did find out that the Wrens have shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken, N.J., scheduled for December 3 and 4, but we didn't learn this from Bissell. Three weeks ago, Bissell emailed us a number of times, but he didn't answer any Wrens-related questions. We did find out that he is playing a solo benefit show in Brooklyn on October 28 with They Might Be Giants and Nada Surf (they should call it Nerd Aid), but again, we didn't learn this from Bissell. Two weeks ago, when asked what was new with the Wrens, Bissell responded, "Nothing. No things. At all. No recording, no new songs, no get-togethers." Last week, we learned that the first Maxwell's show will feature a setlist voted on by fans via the Wrens website (we requested "Brand New Apartment"), while the second will be comprised of as many news songs the band can play. You get the feeling the first show will probably be much longer than the second one. This week, Bissell emailed us to say the Wrens have added a third Maxwell's show (December 4 at 7:30 p.m.), for which they'll play The Meadowlands from start to finish. When we told him that Greg mentioned to us that the band has been working on 120 new songs, Bissell replied, "You know how it is, applying the uncertainty principle, both are true. Until you try to confirm either one. So yeah, remember, Kevin's been demoing the last year or two for the first time? He's now got more than 100 songs, some totally fleshed out, some just sketches, many really good. And he and Greg have been going over them a couple nights a week. So yeah, from one perspective, the record's almost done. Nevertheless, we have not recorded a note, so the record is both well under way and yet not even begun." Uh, that clears things up.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Rusty Goffe.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003's The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—35 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 32 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Twenty-seven weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Twenty-six weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 25 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 20 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 18 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 17 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Sixteen weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 15 and 14 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Thirteen weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails 12 weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Eleven weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you 10 weeks ago, it's a really good song. Nine weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly eight weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Seven weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens, but he didn't. Six weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. Five weeks ago, four weeks ago and three weeks ago, we got nothing. Two weeks ago, we did find out that the Wrens have shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken, N.J., scheduled for December 3 and 4, but we didn't learn this from Bissell. Last week, Bissell emailed us a number of times, but he didn't answer any Wrens-related questions. We did find out that he is playing a solo benefit show in Brooklyn on October 28 with They Might Be Giants and Nada Surf (they should call it Nerd Aid), but again, we didn't learn this from Bissell. This week, when asked what was new with the Wrens, Bissell responded, "Nothing. No things. At all. No recording, no new songs, no get-togethers." So there you have it.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Billy Curtis.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—33 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 30 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Twenty-five weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Twenty-four weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 23 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 18 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 16 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 15 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Fourteen weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 13 and 12 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Eleven weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails 10 weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Nine weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you eight weeks ago, it's a really good song. Seven weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly six weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Five weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens (those guys must be old), but he didn't. Four weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. This week—like three weeks ago, two weeks ago and last week—we got nothing. (We did find out that the Wrens have shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken, N.J., scheduled for December 3 and 4, but we didn't learn this from Bissell.)

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Yasser Arafat.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—31 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 28 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Twenty-three weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Twenty-two weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 21 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 16 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 14 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 13 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Twelve weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported 11 and 10 weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Nine weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails eight weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Seven weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you six weeks ago, it's a really good song. Five weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly four weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Three weeks ago, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens (those guys must be old), but he didn't. Two weeks ago, we did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all. This week—like last week—we got nothing.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Jack "Soapy" Shapiro.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—29 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 26 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Twenty-one weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Twenty weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 19 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 14 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 12 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for 11 weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Ten weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported nine and eight weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Seven weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails six weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Five weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you four weeks ago, it's a really good song. Three weeks ago, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly two weeks ago, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks." Last week, Bissell sent this missive: "We gonna see ballgame this summer? And I don't mean a view of you working your pockets on a street corner." (We think Bissell just might have a shot at a cameo in the next Judd Apatow movie, Unfunny People.) Anyway, Bissell was supposed to respond to us with his thoughts on the recent 20th anniversary of the first live show by the band that eventually came to be known as the Wrens (those guys must be old), but he didn't. We did get an email saying he didn't have enough free time to "justify replying to explanatory spam from MAGNET," so maybe Bissell is a (mildly) funny person after all.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Happy.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—27 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 24 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Nineteen weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Eighteen weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 17 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 12 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you 10 weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for nine weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Eight weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported seven and six weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Five weeks ago, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails four weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Three weeks ago, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He emailed us his first new Wrens demo, and like we told you two weeks ago, it's a really good song. Last week, Bissell emailed us to say he recorded another new demo, but he's keeping that one for himself. He also said, "Smellmineitsucks," whatever that means. Though we emailed Bissell repeatedly this week, we didn't even get so much as a "Smellmineitsucks."

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Bashful.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—25 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 22 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Seventeen weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Sixteen weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 15 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us 10 weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you eight weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for seven weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Six weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported five and four weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Three weeks, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails two weeks ago, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. Last week, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, “Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday.” Then guess what? He sent us his first new Wrens demo on Thursday. We haven't heard from him since, but that's OK. "The Thousand Do's" is a really good song. Download it—and the demos for two new songs (also really good) penned by Kevin, which were posted in previous Wrens Watch columns—below. "The Thousand Do's" (download): [audio:TheThousandDos.mp3] "Marked Up" (download): [audio:MarkedUp.mp3] "Z" (download): [audio:Z.mp3]

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Grumpy.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—24 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 21 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Sixteen weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Fifteen weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 14 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us nine weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you seven weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for six weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Five weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported four and three weeks ago, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn’t heard from him since. Two weeks, we told you that Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us “as soon as I get home on Saturday,” but he never came through. Bissell returned our emails last week, but he didn’t send any new Wrens music. He did, however, send a truly tasteless Michael Jackson joke, and since it was actually funny enough for us to tell it to others, we gave Bissell a pass. On Friday, Bissell—on vacation yet again—emailed to say, "Maybe I can actually send a song to you after I get home Sunday." We're still waiting.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Kim Jong-il.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—22 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 19 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Fourteen weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Thirteen weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 12 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us seven weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you five weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for four weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Three weeks ago, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” As reported two weeks ago and last week, other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we hadn't heard from him since. Last Tuesday, Bissell, apparently on vacation, said he would have a new song for us "as soon as I get home on Saturday." Despite a number of friendly follow-ups from us, Bissell seems to be ignoring us again.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Roy Worters.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—20 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 17 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Twelve weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Eleven weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who 10 weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us five weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for “Z” and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you three weeks ago, he was unresponsive. He did email us a photo for two weeks ago, though, so we had that going for us. Which was nice. Last week, we got an email from Bissell saying, “Headed to bed but might have something for you.” Other than a strange email from him referencing Fat Albert, we haven't heard from him since.

We’ve been fans of New Jersey’s finest since even before their first album came out back in 1994, so let’s just say we’re used to sitting around waiting for them to take their sweet-ass time putting out new music. (Three albums in more than 14 years makes the Wrens about as prolific as Boston, which is kind of like being as tall as Spud Webb.) As reported in a Wrens Watch Special Report, January 9 marked a huge milestone for the guys: guitarists Charles Bissell and Greg Whelan, bassist Kevin Whelan and drummer Jerry MacDonald. They issued “Pulled Fences,” their first new (well, sort of new) song since 2003’s The Meadowlands. Perhaps motivated by finally releasing something, the band convened—not in a real studio, but in Kevin’s basement—18 weeks ago to begin work on its new album. And not only that, the Wrens recorded an actual song (which you can download for free here). When we checked in with Bissell 15 weeks ago, he took exception with our good-natured sarcasm and quickly ended the interview. After ignoring us for a while, Bissell finally gave us a progress report; it seems that while other bands get together and record, the Wrens stay apart and talk to each other on the phone. Or they do nothing at all. Or they update their Facebook pages. Ten weeks ago, Bissell informed us he was “too busy” to respond to our questions, but he did promise us some exclusive Wrens mp3s in the near future. Nine weeks ago, he didn’t even bother responding to our emails, prompting us to call him an unprolific Ryan Adams. That got Bissell’s attention, who eight weeks ago apologized (profanely) and promised us an exclusive Wrens mp3 for the April 6 Wrens Watch. After not delivering, he said he’d come through the next week, but he didn’t. When Bissell ignored us again (Wrens Watch, April 20 and April 27), we speculated the Wrens were actually recording. Or maybe Bissell was just being a jerk. But then he told us three weeks ago he’d have a new Wrens mp3 for us. And guess what? The man finally came through. Download a demo of “Z,” which was written and performed by Kevin, here. We emailed Bissell numerous times to thank him for "Z" and ask him how the new record is progressing, but like we told you last week, he was unresponsive. He did email us the photo below, though, so we have that going for us. Which is nice.