Kind Words From the "Dean of American Rock Critics"

 

The Cucumbers: As You Heard Me—Songs from “Hello George” (Life Force) Lightweight on principle for four decades, singer and songwriter Deena Shoshkes takes up the role of singer and songwriter Daisy Steinberg as she and her novelist husband Jon Fried release an album said to depend for its 16 delicate songs on a companion novel titled Hello George that’s purchasable as a bound-paper object or download if you must. The book’s “soundtrack” is their ninth and most fetching album. Both Hoboken-based Brown grads are a credit to the Ivy League and suburban bohemia. Hope that’s still their son Jamie on drums. A

 

From Robert Christgau's Consumer Guide March, 2026

Interview and Preview!

 We are so delighted that Trouser Press has published an excerpt from "Hello George"

 

 

 

AND check out this wonderful interview by Cindy Stagoff in NJArts.net! 

 

"Hello George" and the Song That Started it All

Inspired by a demo recording of “There’s a Crop Circle on My Daddy’s Land” by Deena and lyricist Vaughan Daniel,  Jon Fried created the story of George Krott, a fading country music star who returns to the top of the country charts by recording the song – in the fictional world, written by the mysterious Daisy Steinberg. The song reaches him thanks to Barry Marcus, a young man stumbling through adulthood and the music industry. Their three fates are twisted together by hope, mystery and song.

 

Read Chapter 1 of "Hello George" HERE 

Have a listen to the recording that started it all.  Here's a lyric video:

 

First Press for "Hello George" and "As You Heard Me"

 Many thanks to Mike Greenblatt and The Jersey Sound for writing about our upcoming book/music release!  Read all about it HERE!

 

 

 

click here to read the rest.... 

ON THE HORIZON: As You Heard Me - Songs From "Hello George" - coming in February 2026!

 We're very excited about a new book with music/music with a book coming out in February!  Here's a little preview of the cover art for the music portion.  More details to come soon!

This is the Time

 

 

New music from Deena coming on Friday 9/19:

"This is the Time“ is a group of three songs I wrote with my friend, lyricist David Graham.

I have piles of songs and demos that I tend to hold onto. Often, I think, oh, maybe I should get a band to play this one, or that recording I made is a bit sloppy, or the song isn’t good enough to share. However, at this moment I felt an urgency to present these songs, as is.

This really is quite a time. We could use some help and always more love. We’re looking up to the love goddess herself, Venus… begging her to come down and show us how it’s done.

Two of the songs are my homemade productions, and "Come On Venus" was transformed from a simple guitar and vocal demo into some fun pop ear candy by producer Troy Stavros.

 

 

Song Swap Leads off "Songs of Resistance" Series!

We are thrilled to be included in NJArts.net's new "Songs of Resistance" series!
 

Stunned and Bummed - The Cucumbers - March of Protest Songs Song Swap

 

 

Here's a song from the March of Protest Songs - Song Swap, a house party benefit concert for the ACLU.

Rock Against Hate

Honored that my song "Been So Crazy Lately" is the lead off track on the brand new "Rock Against Hate" compilation, out today.  All proceeds will benefit Planned Parenthood.  In addition, The Cucumbers will perform a live acoustic set at 2:40 pm on blowupradio.com.  

Someone You Should Know!

It was an honor and a thrill to be interviewed on the SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW PODCAST!

Thanks so much, RIK ANTHONY!

Icon Fetch Podcast Interview!

Deena had a great conversation with Tony Peters and was thrilled to be featured on Icon Fetch, his wonderful podcast! They talked about all kinds of things including the making of "Old Shoes" Jon Fried's banjo playing, Jamie Fried's drumming, Rick Wagner's bass playing, where the "Blue Guitar" came from and delved deep into the history of The Cucumbers. LISTEN HERE on their website or on Spotify.

Great In-depth Interview on the C86 Show!

Many thanks to David Eastaugh of the C86 Show for this wonderful interview! He was such a pleasure to talk with.