When you think about a veteran Cleveland punk rocker, Cheese Borger comes to mind.
While the former Pink Holes bassist is currently pushing 60, four decades ago he spent his time watching the Dead Boys and the Pagans set the DIY bar high. Today, the bassist-vocalist is a member of Cleveland Steamers, which also includes his wife Meredith Rutledge-Borger (vocals), as well as Nick Summa (guitar), James R. McWilliam (drums) and Ryan Foltz (various instruments).
“I think we’re all Cleveland people,” Borger said. “You can really hear the Cleveland sound in there, which started with punk coming out of the ’70s and progressing. We’re in tune with that for sure.”
That style naturally defines the new Cleveland Steamers’ album Best Record Ever, which is a follow-up to 2015’s Who’s Next? The latest project was recorded and produced by Foltz (Rancid, Tim Armstrong, 45 Spider, Dropkick Murphys) at Cleveland Audio.
As for the title of the new effort, which comes out May 4 on Smog Veil Records, you get a sense from Borger that it applies to not only the evolution of the group, but also his own personal growth.
“I’d say stylistically I think the difference is that I’ve played a long time, but I was never the songwriter,” Borger said. “So this journey over the three albums has been me learning how to be a songwriter. I think I’m getting better at writing a song.
“There’s the uptempo ‘See You Tonight,’ which is the fastest tune on the record. Also, ‘Dream of Me’ is sort of noir-ish. That song amazed me. So I did get that feeling like ‘Wow, these are pretty good.’”
So far the best compliment Borger has received about Best Record Ever is the fact everyone has a different favorite song. For our money, “My Asshole Cousin” stands out for not only its punk sensibilities but also its political relevance.
For anyone who over the past couple of years has suffered through a family dinner (say, Thanksgiving) where “Make America Great Again” discussions ruin the festivities, this is the song for you. There’s also a Bill O’Reilly drop for those who listen carefully.
“That song was written with some serious anger,” Borger said. “It’s a true story. I had a cousin who texted me some really racist stuff. I’m in an interracial marriage, and I was just amazed that he said the shit he said to me. That song was written in one setting in a pissed-off mood.”
At the very least, it turns out perhaps everyone has an asshole cousin.
“Yeah, I’m hoping that we all only have one, but unfortunately some of us have more than one,” Borger laughed. “I think either that or it’s an uncle or somebody else. We’ve all got that one in the family. Nowadays everything is so polarized really, it’s hard times trying to reason with people. It’s a nasty world.”
@SmogVeilRecords
One Response to “Cleveland Steamers Set to Release Punk-Minded “Best Record Ever””
Barry Wooldridge
I only discovered these guys when I heard their “Who’s Next” LP, and it became my favorite release from that year. This new record is utterly fantastic, as well. If you let these discs slip through your fingers, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. They’re everything I want in a rock band – long may they play!