SUCH A NICE PLACE, Jay and The Cooks’ sixth album, will be released on February 27, 2026. This opus, composed of original works and urban legends by Jay Ryan, offers a daring mix of rock, folk rock, punk, blues, Americana, and offbeat country. The album’s release is preceded by five singles, the first of which, “It’s Such a Nice Place,” is available on November 14, 2025.
In country music, it was said that songwriters, in search of ideas, would read newspapers to find good stories to turn into songs (such as a train accident for “The Wreck of the Old 97,” sung by Johnny Cash, among others). Well, Jay tried it! Basically, he talks about a serial killer, but the real subject is the neighbors’ reaction: “He was such a polite and friendly person, and nothing ever happens here… It’s such a nice, quiet place… We had no idea…” This isn’t a country song. You can hear the influence of the Talking Heads and Captain Beefheart, a touch of Tom Waits and Nick Cave, and even a little something from Les Rita Mitsouko. It’s funky, but you probably won’t feel like dancing!
To highlight the richness of Jay Ryan’s short stories, a series of five singles will be released according to the schedule below, offering listeners a taste of the album’s many facets:
It’s Such a Nice Place: November 14, 2025, Talking Heads vibe, dark and haunting funk
Senators Have Kids: December 5, 2025, Bo Diddley, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana meet, rock and protest song
The Bitcoin Boogie: December 26, 2025, ridiculous words and music to talk about cryptocurrency. Alan Vega inspired by old blues
The man who never smiled: January 18, 2026, a country song that makes no one laugh
Digital Dude: February 6, 2026, about people who hide behind their computer screens, devouring YouTube videos and podcasts
ALBUM: “SUCH A NICE PLACE” – released February 27, 2026 (pre-sale now)
