Adam Green Sings "Gems"

"I wrote these songs to play live," Adam Green says of his new album, Gemstones. Beginning April 7th, he will do so across America, as he kicks off a month-long tour in California.

The New York native composed his third solo record while touring overseas last year, crafting melodies and paring down his gonzo lyrics in European parks. Among the fruits of his strolls are the Bush-bashing "Choke on a Cock," the brothel-themed toe-tapper "Chubby Princess," and "Crackhouse Blues," inspired by Green's youthful fascination with narcotics.

"I was taught at home until I was twelve, so when I finally got to go to real school I was on a mission to try and meet the kind of people you see on TV," says Green from a tour stop in Germany. "My first friends were kind of drug kids, kids that sold speed . . . The 'crackhouse' is wherever I wake up in the morning."

For the tour, Green -- formerly one half of costumed anti-folkers the Moldy Peaches -- will mix in some older cuts with the Gemstones material. However, don't expect to hear "Jessica," his string-laden Jessica Simpson tirade from 2003's Friends of Mine, if Nick Lachey is in the house.

"She never called me or emailed me or anything," Green says of the pop princess. "I heard she didn't really mind, but her husband got upset about it. I don't think we'd ever cross paths, but I picture him at a party, [angrily asking] 'Is this the guy?'"

Adam Green's tour dates:

4/7: Pomona, CA, Glass House
4/8: Los Angeles, Troubadour
4/9: San Francisco, Bottom of the Hill
4/11: Portland, OR, Douglas Fir Lounge
4/12: Seattle, Chop Suey
4/13: Vancouver, Richard's on Richards
4/27: Philadelphia, Five Spot
4/28: New York, Bowery Ballroom
4/29: Boston, Paradise Club
5/3: Toronto, Lee's Palace
5/4: Detroit, Magic Stick
5/5: Chicago, Schubas
5/6: Chicago, Schubas