20 Miles “Ragged Backyard Classics” 1996, In the Red Records, set of three 45 rpm’s, sent to me by Judah Bauer of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion with the accompanying note that reads “Sarah, Didn’t think you were going to get it by now, probably it’s just i wait in the line at the post office + it’s too long, so tomorrow….Judah.” I think I heard about his side project exploring a more classic blues sound and called him to tell him about a writing project I was working on in grad school about Paramount Records – eventually published in the Wisconsin Magazine of History – (looonggg before Jack White and Third Man Records were on the scene; they even named it the same title!) and to find out if he’d like a copy of my piece. He did and offered to send me his new 20 Miles release in exchange.

20 Miles was (is?) Judah’s side project from JSBX and he, along with his brother Donovan, recorded this 8 song 45 rpm set of blues originals and classics in ‘96 after finishing JSBX’s “Now I Got Worry.” It’s stark, raw: just guitar and drums. Their cover of G. Wiley’s “Beaujolais” is particularly raucous and miserable: perfect for the blues. “20 Miles,” an original track, showcases Bauer’s blues guitar talent.

For grins, here are a couple of photos of Donovan and Judah from 1987.