All Of It: Episode Featuring Marc Ribot Live In Studio
Release Date: June 11, 2025 | Host: Alison Stewart | Guest: Marc Ribot | Album Discussed: Map of a Blue City
Introduction to Marc Ribot and His New Album
In this engaging episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes renowned guitarist Marc Ribot to WNYC's music studio. Marc Ribot, a veteran musician known for his collaborations with icons like Elton John, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, and Robert Plant, joins to perform live from his highly anticipated new album, Map of a Blue City. This marks Ribot's first vocal-centric album, a project that has been three decades in the making.
Alison Stewart introduces Ribot with enthusiasm:
"My next guest, Marc Ribot has spent a lot of time in music studios with artists ranging from Elton John to Tom Waits to Elvis Costello and Robert Plant. But today he's in WNYC's music studio to perform live from his new album, Map of a Blue City." [00:38]
Live Performance: "Elizabeth"
The episode opens with Ribot performing the poignant song "Elizabeth". This track is deeply personal, reflecting Ribot's experience of being with his father during his final moments.
Alison Stewart identifies the song and prompts further discussion:
"The name of that song is Elizabeth." [04:02]
Marc Ribot elaborates on its significance:
"Elizabeth refers to the town in New Jersey. Elizabeth, New Jersey. The song refers to, well, the experience of being with my father when he died." [04:09]
Marc Ribot’s Early Life and Musical Journey
Ribot shares insights into his upbringing in New Jersey, specifically South Orange, and his time at Columbia High School. He humorously reflects on his academic struggles and early music aspirations.
"I think I was probably cutting that class. I wasn't a very good student." [05:00]
He recalls a guidance counselor’s dismissive remark upon learning Ribot had been accepted into college:
"When I was leaving there, I remember the guidance counselor... they must have lowered their standards." [05:07]
Creation and Evolution of "Map of a Blue City"
Mark Ribot discusses the long and winding path of creating Map of a Blue City, highlighting the album's inception in the early 1990s and the challenges faced over three decades.
"I eventually realized they were probably too weird for anybody to cover them. So then I started to try to put it out myself." [05:50]
Ribot explains how intermittent breaks and renewed efforts shaped the album:
"Each time it added up after a while, but eventually Hal Wilner heard some of them and liked them and we did a series of sessions." [06:38]
Producers played a crucial role in bringing the album to fruition:
"Ben Greenberg... he convinced me not to throw it in the garbage. That's what he brought out." [08:29]
Inspiration Behind the Album Title
The album's evocative title, Map of a Blue City, is inspired by Ribot's daughter. Her imaginative drawings of urban landscapes sparked the creative vision for the album.
"She was working on a drawing that was all in blue magic marker... she said, it's because it's a map of a blue city." [09:27]
Live Performance: "Death of a Narcissist"
Ribot performs another hauntingly beautiful track, "Death of a Narcissist", which delves into themes of introspection and emotional turmoil.
Alison Stewart identifies the song and notes its variation on the record:
"The name of that song is Death of a Narcissist. Yeah, it's different on the record." [13:54]
Ribot discusses his approach to ensuring each performance remains fresh and unique:
"Everything is completely different on the record. I have, like, a horror of doing the same song the same way twice." [14:01]
Ribot’s Guitar and Musical Craftsmanship
A focal point of the conversation is Ribot's cherished guitar, a 1928 Gibson HG O O, which has been with him for over three decades. He shares the instrument's history and its integral role in his music.
"It's a Gibson. It's a HG O O... this one's got that something." [15:07]
Ribot describes the guitar's distinctive sound:
"It sings a little bit." [15:45]
Songwriting Process and Vocal Challenges
Ribot provides a candid look into his songwriting process, often channeling personal frustrations and emotions into his music.
"I get more and more upset about something... it might come out as a song." [15:59]
He also openly discusses his self-critique regarding his vocal abilities:
"I noticed it was terrible. That's what I noticed right away." [16:39]
Despite critical remarks, Ribot embraces his vocals as his voice as an instrument to convey messages:
"I see myself as somebody who wants to say something, and this happens to be the closest weapon at hand." [17:44]
Collaboration and Production Insights
Marc Ribot highlights the collaborative efforts that were pivotal in finalizing the album, especially his work with producer Ben Greenberg and the late Hal Wilner.
"I want to... I'm grateful to... Hal Wilner was here to thank and Ben Greenberg is here to thank..." [20:14]
He reflects on the challenges of including certain tracks due to licensing issues, mentioning a Serge Gainsbourg cover that couldn't make it onto the album:
"Warner Brothers Pictures... decided that they didn't want like my version." [19:23]
Final Thoughts and Album Release
As the conversation wraps up, Ribot expresses his gratitude and excitement for the album's release, encouraging listeners to support his work.
"Be the first kid on your block to own a copy. It was, I'm glad I did it finally." [20:19]
He extends heartfelt thanks to the individuals who supported the album's creation:
"...Mary, my manager who, you know, kept pushing to make it happen." [20:19]
Conclusion
This episode of All Of It offers an intimate glimpse into Marc Ribot's artistic journey, the evolution of his debut vocal album Map of a Blue City, and the personal experiences that shape his music. Through heartfelt performances and candid conversations, Ribot invites listeners to explore the depths of his creative process and the cultural narratives woven into his work.
Notable Quotes:
- "I didn't want to put out what we had recorded. I loved some of it and others I didn't love." [06:38]
- "You know my number?" [08:03]
- "It's easy to sing. It's almost pretty much the same as talking, except you try to have some kind of pitch." [18:07]
- "I have non stage fright. And that's the only time that I actually feel safe." [18:52]
About ALL OF IT:
ALL OF IT is a WNYC show that delves into the multifaceted world of culture and its consumers. Hosted by Alison Stewart, the program seeks to engage thinkers, creators, and cultural makers, fostering a diverse community that celebrates varied perspectives. By curating and companioning the rich cultural tapestry of New York City, ALL OF IT embodies anthropologist Cristina De Rossi’s expansive view of culture:
"Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we sit at the table, how we greet visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and a million other things."
For more episodes and cultural insights, tune in to ALL OF IT weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC.