Dean Wareham has officially announced the release of his upcoming album, That’s the Price of Loving Me, set to drop on March 28. This highly anticipated 10-track LP marks a significant reunion with his former producer Kramer, who previously worked with Wareham during the days of Galaxie 500. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as it’s their first joint project in 34 years, following the release of the band’s last album, This Is Our Music, in 1990. To kick off the promotion of the new album, Wareham has unveiled the lead single, “You Were the Ones I Had to Betray,” which comes with a music video directed by Sylvie Lake, featuring his wife and bandmate, Britta Phillips. Additionally, Wareham has announced a series of tour dates scheduled for April and May.
That’s the Price of Loving Me represents Wareham’s fourth solo venture, alongside his involvement with bands Luna and Dean & Britta. The album was recorded over a brief six-day session in Los Angeles’ Eagle Rock neighborhood, bringing together talented musicians including Phillips, Anthony LaMarca, drummer Roger Brogan, and session cellist Gabe Noel who contributed to the creative process.
“Kramer insisted that I play all the guitars on this record,” commented Wareham. “We worked quickly, as Kramer always believes in capturing the essence of a song with fewer takes, often having a clear vision from the start.”
Kramer reflected on their long-awaited reunion in the studio, stating: “34 years is a long time, but I love working with Dean. The process felt seamless, as if we had never been apart. The experience encompassed a sense of full-circle energy that I don’t take for granted.”
Regarding the lead single “You Were the Ones I Had to Betray,” Wareham explained, “The song came together at the last minute, exploring the complex interplay between love and betrayal, with the cello arrangement adding a transformative element.”
Wareham’s previous studio effort, I Have Nothing to Say to the Mayor of L.A., was released in 2021, while the collaborative holiday album A Peace of Us with Phillips and Sonic Boom, was unveiled in early 2024. In addition, Wareham’s previous band, Galaxie 500, recently saw the release of Uncollected Noise New York, 88-90, a compilation of previously unreleased music.
