is self-made music to jam and rock to; the ultimate DIY experience: All instruments and production by Wes Henry on Lucky Speedrunner Records, whose focus is avoiding a scientific or overthought approach to the recording process. Material sourced in the same artistic vein as how the Grateful Dead served their favorite songs from before and during their time, and often literally featuring from the Dead's songbook. Other selections from punk and hard rock genres tend to slow up and take on new vibes. Those from easier and softer genres tend to gain more edge in their reinterpretations. Original music and songs are also among The Cooler Etiquette catalogue.

New album now up! 3 Classic Dead numbers, a Tom Petty hit, and even a John Denver Pigpen rap make this 2 track EP.

When I first sketched the concept for an album that would become these recordings, the first tracks were what was the self-titled debut album. The album was released on 2 tracks, but that was only the 1st half of the material. The new release is the bookend; not only to that initial set, but a conclusion to this journey that beckoned me from as far back as 2005 when I made my 1st home recordings but specifically since 2020. It was a flood of ideas that I couldn’t put down, rather I just had to put them down on tape. This isn’t the end of the road: the final installment, “WHITE 13” featuring material that I came to me between 2020 and starting the project in 2023 is next!

VAULT SERIES, VOLS 1 & 2!

Volume 1- Wes Mantooth and The White Star Chili Dawgs

Featuring and produced by Jerrod Cooper (SpeedShifter, Oversat, Love You Dead), this solo work was done on the heels of a punk/metal project dissolving in 2013. I wanted to lighten the mood of my music and lay down some stuff that the band wouldn’t have played. There are 5 tracks from the original EP and a track that I finished from the B-reels by adding lyrics to; showcasing Jerrod’s songwriting as well as acoustic lead guitar. (Take Too Long; Love You Dead) This album is dedicated to his memory and kindness not only in recording and playing the drum parts for this one, but also in his encouragement in my musical efforts.

Volume 2- Pumphouse Sessions

Produced by Fred Moore at Pumphouse Studios in Walland, TN, this is the original material that I had leading up to playing in Casey’s Trunk in 2011/12. Zack Foss plays drums on all tracks except “Dave Novarro” (Wes Henry) and “Friends In High Places” (Fred Moore), as well as guitar on “Friends in High Places” and the solo on “Henry Crowe”. These are the songs which either I wrote exclusively or penned the lyrics for (Friends In High Places music by Z. Foss), save for the Groovie Ghoulies cover. The production is hotter than the rest of TCE catalogue due to the legitimacy of the studio.