|
Pulse of the Twin Cities Login |
|
If you do not have an account yet
Create One.
|
|
|
Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
|
|
|
|
The Long Winters
Wednesday 18 June @ 12:58:12 |
 by Celeste Tabora
The history of The Long Winters begins not with the start of this project, but with the end of a previous one—the Western State Hurricanes, a Seattle outfit fronted by singer/songwriter John Roderick (who also spent time as a touring member of one hit “Flagpole Sitter” alterna-wonders Harvey Danger). Roderick, an Alaskan native infamous for his bad boy ways throughout the state of Washington, is rumored to have woken up in an emergency room with two broken hands, as well as hopped freight trains from Washington to California for a “vacation.”
A diligent student, Roderick attended the Comparative History of Ideas at the University of Washington, as well as taught there—all the while harboring secret dreams of pursuing life as a musician. Roderick remained a musician without the right outlet to put his stories to music until the winter of 2000 when Roderick returned to Seattle fresh from a journey in Europe.
He traveled from Amsterdam to Istanbul on foot, and was lured into a recording studio upon his return by Sean Nelson of Harvey Danger and Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie. Both wanted Roderick to finally put some songs to tape before heading back on the path of higher education.
Roderick ended up tracking guitar, piano, bass and organ while Walla handled the production end of Roderick’s increasingly lively songs. The resultant record, The Worst You Can Do Is Harm, was released on Barsuk Records in February of 2002. The album benefited greatly from the contributions of several moonlighting A-list musicians (from Built to Spill and The Posies to Sunny Day Real Estate and Death Cab For Cutie). Roderick’s star-studded indie-pop songs were beautiful, and The Worst You Can Do is Harm was #1 on the Seattle college charts from the time of its release well into the summer. Roderick was soon finding himself donned in the press as an indie version of R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe.
The unexpected success of his record found Roderick quickly scrambling to assemble a live band and tour in support of The Worst You Can Do is Harm. The finalized lineup included drummer Michael Shilling, bass player Eric Corson, and keyboardist/backing vocalist Sean Nelson. Nelson and Roderick’s vocal stylings intermingled so wonderfully that even legendary Velvet Underground bassist Doug Yule once said they were the greatest male vocal duo he had ever heard. What a compliment!
In comparison to Roderick’s past travels (extensive hitchhiking and train hopping being his primary mode of locomotion), Roderick’s first Long Winters tour was the easiest he’s ever experienced.
When Roderick finally got home to Seattle at the tours end, focus immediately shifted to creating the next record. In fact, Roderick was holed up in the studio once again mere days after his homecoming. A more confident musician in the wake of touring with a crack live band, Roderick felt free to experiment while working on his sophomore release. Roderick managed to recruit twenty-six different guest musicians for the new album (including real live millionaire Peter Buck from R.E.M. and Blake Wescott of Pedro The Lion). The result, When I Pretend to Fall, was released this May (once again on Barsuk).
This album sounds inarguably joyous and consistently honest, devoid of familiar pop hooks, yet still managing to come across as vibrant and confident. When I Pretend To Fall incorporates everything: bouncing along from a brassy opening track, “Blue Diamonds,” to the deliciously string-laden “Blanket Hog” to the barnyard dance stylings of “Prom Night at Hater High” and the ’60s inspired nostalgia rock of “Scared Straight.” The record may initially appear to be all over the map, but it actually holds together surprisingly well, like the auditory equivalent of the 31 flavors of yummy ice cream you crave all summer long.
With Roderick no longer splitting his time among many pursuits, the Long Winters are focused squarely on fusing intensity and beauty into their unpretentious music. Sharing life lessons that few experience firsthand, but many will undoubtedly appreciate, Roderick’s songs are stunningly personal. Smart lyrics and inventive arrangements drive the album, while the vivid cover art serves as the icing on the cake.
Established as one of America’s most promising new bands on the strength of their sharp indie-pop songs and the power of their live show, The Long Winters are a wonderful band any music fan should be ready to embrace.
The Long Winters play Sat., June 21, at the Turf Club. With Accident Clearinghouse. 9 p.m. $5. 21+. On the corner of University and Snelling, St. Paul. 651-647-0486.
|
|
 |
|
|
Comments -
Post Comment |
|
The comments are owned by the poster. We are not responsible for its content.
NO comments yet! Be the first!
|
|
|
