Wicked Cool Records announces "Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 06/05/2026

Wicked Cool Records has announced Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1 (September 11) a new tribute album celebrating the music and enduring influence of Jesse Malin. In the 90s, Malin fronted the band D Generation, and leading the album's rollout is a version of their anthem "Too Loose," by Dave Hill's band, Valley Lodge.

Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1 brings together musicians from the worlds of rock, punk, Americana, and the underground to celebrate one of modern rock's most respected songwriters.

"I've been a fan of Jesse Malin for decades now so I was thrilled when Valley Lodge was asked to be a part of the tribute album,” says Dave Hill. The song originally appeared on D Generation’s 1996 album, No Lunch. "'Too Loose' has always been one of my favorites—a great and timeless rock song that we had a blast re-interpreting."

Produced by Lyle Hysen, Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You Vol 1. is the first in a two-volume series of nearly 80 songs (!) recorded by Jesse’s friends and community. Proceeds from the album will benefit Malin’s healthcare as he recovers from a paralyzing spinal stroke. Vol. 2 will feature Thurston Moore, Willie Nile, and many more.

"Friends, collaborators, and artists from every corner of Jesse's world wanted to be involved," says Hysen. "The songs just kept coming. What started as a single collection quickly grew into something much bigger, encompassing almost the entire Malinverse. We're excited that this is only the first chapter."

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The compilation features contributions from Amanda Cross, Bebe Buell, Trapper Schoepp, Valley Lodge, Danny Sage, James Maddock, Gogol Bordello, Ursa Minor, Sami Yaffa, Prima Donna, Das Damen, Rene & Grace Mata, Dead Milkmen, Cat Popper & Sasha Dobson, Robinlee Garber, The Seashore Sharks featuring Jesse and Alexei Sanoff, Derek Cruz, Jill Fiore, Matt Madly & Co., Davey La, American Dream, Joe McGinty, Randy Schrager, Stephen Chopek, Ben Foley, and Kelley Swindall.

Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1 will be available digitally, on vinyl, and as a deluxe double-CD edition. The vinyl release features twelve tracks across two sides and includes a download code for the complete digital collection, while the CD edition presents all 26 songs across two discs.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “a gritty troubadour of the streets,” Jesse Malin released his solo debut The Fine Art Of Self Destruction to universal acclaim with Uncut dubbing the album “an instant classic.” Over the next two decades, Malin released eight solo albums and continues to spread the gospel of New York rock and roll and PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). His songs have been covered by Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, Green Day, Elvis Costello, Bleachers, Counting Crows, and more.

In 2023, Malin suffered a rare spinal stroke, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Rather than retreat from the spotlight, he defied the odds and returned to the stage with two triumphant sold-out nights at the Beacon Theatre.

In 2026, Malin made his Off-Broadway debut in the acclaimed stage show Silver Manhattan, which was written by Malin and Lauren Ludwig and produced by ArKtype and David Bason. The show was nominated for the 2026 Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Book of a Musical. His first book, Almost Grown: A New York Memoir is out now (Akashic).

Listen here, and pre-order the vinyl and CD.

Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1

Digital Edition