Spinal Tap’s Derek Smalls to Release Solo LP ‘Smalls Change’ in April

Last year, Harry Shearer revealed in an interview that he was working on a Derek Smalls solo album, and now the album – titled Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing) – has a release date. In a music video for the title track released this week, Smalls revealed that the album was “made possible by a grant from the British Fund for Aging Rockers,� and Rolling Stone reports that the album will be available on April 13th through Twanky Records/BMG. In addition to Shearer, the LP is packed with guest musicians like David Crosby, Peter Frampton, Taylor Hawkins, Donald Fagen, Chad Smith, and more. A fun excerpt from Rolling Stone’s report:

Smalls described the project as “halfway between ‘rage against the dying light’ and trying to find the light.� Detailing how he roped in so many high-profile guest artists, the bassist said simply: “Pity fuck.�

In addition to the LP, Smalls will launch a US tour called Lukewarm Water Live: An Adventure in Loud Music, which will make stops in New Orleans, Atlanta, DC, and more and kick off on April 14th. (Further info on the tour will reportedly be released in the coming weeks.) The Smalls Change album is available for pre-order here; check out the full track list, complete with descriptions from Smalls, below:

“Openture� (featuring the Hungarian Studio Orchestra)“The philosophy of this record, expressed in fewer words than I’ve taken to almost describe it.�

“Rock ’n’ Roll Transplant� (featuring Steve Lukather, Jim Keltner and Chad Smith)“Whatever might be ailing you, rock ’n’ roll is the cure. Ask Dr. Derek!�

“Butt Call� (featuring Phil X, Taylor Hawkins)“In one lifetime, the telephone has gone from a miracle to a pain in the arse.�

“Smalls Change� (featuring the Hungarian Studio Orchestra, Judith Owen, Danny Kortchmar and Russ Kunkel)“Why Lukewarm Water is no longer bracketed by Fire and Ice. A nod to what’s past, and a wink to what’s next.�

“Memo To Willie� (featuring Donald Fagen, Jeff “Skunk� Baxter, Larry Carlton and the Snarky Puppy Horns)“An urgent missive to the Honorable Member: continued tumescence, if you please.�

“It Don’t Get Old� (featuring Peter Frampton and Waddy Wachtel)“Life on the road, an endless series of pointless encounters. What could be better?�

“Complete Faith� (featuring the Hungarian Studio Orchestra)“A musical interruption.�

“Faith No More� (featuring the Hungarian Studio Orchestra and Todd Sucherman)“As I get older, I look back more fondly on all the people I’ve known. Except for Ian.�

“Gimme Some (More) Money� (featuring Paul Shaffer, Waddy Wachtel and David Crosby)“Time and technology change everything, except the need for change.�

“MRI� (featuring Derek with Dweezil Zappa)“Everybody’s going to have one, eventually. It’s just another ride. To hell, but still…�

“Hell Toupee� (featuring the Hungarian Studio Orchestra“Think Satan doesn’t have dark thoughts about his appearance as he ages? Think again.�

“Gummin the Gash�(featuringSteve Vai, Gregg Bisonnette and Jane Lynch)“Losing your teeth closes one door, and opens another. A celebration of the meeting of two toothless cavities.�

“She Puts the Bitch in Obituary� (featuring Richard Thompson and Jane Lynch)“A hymn to womanhood in all her splendor.�

“When Men Did Rock� (featuring Michael League, Joe Satriani, Rick Wakeman and the Hungarian Studio Orchestra