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Have you heard of this band called The Long Winters? They're Seattle superstars, but I'm not sure if they're well-known across the country yet. They should be. If you caught former-copacetic-crush-contender-Ken Stringfellow's solo tour a few years ago, you may have caught them as his opening act and back-up band.
So, anyhoo, this is their amazing second CD. The liner notes totally read like a "Who's Who in Seattle Power Pop": So John Roderick is the band's songwriter/lead vocalist/guitarist. I haven't lived around here long enough to know him from anything else but the Winters, but I can say he's an awesome songwriter. But, on keyboards, we've got Sean Nelson, who was also in Harvey Danger (who had a single prominently featured in the commercial of a Katie Holmes movie, once upon a time) and does a solo thing, too. Additional players on this CD include Jon Auer and Ken of The Posies, with Ken doing double-duty as a co-producer alongside Roderick, and, hey, Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie! And also helping out is Scott McCaughey of The Minus Five, and Blake Wescott, former Pedro the Lion-er and collaborator of the lovely Sarah Shannon. Aaaaaand, then there's the mighty Peter Buck, who, despite being known as an Athens, GA resident, is a friend of the Northwest.
WHEW!
But anyway, this is so totally great. The songs are fabulously produced and really shimmer and shine with all the incredible guest instrumentation and guest vocalists and such. "Shapes" is so utterly catchy that Mike and I started singing along to it...the very first time we heard it! (While Roderick is a gifted lyricist, he's awfully fond of repetition...) "Stupid" is buoyant and soars with some awesome harmonies. But my special favorite is the 60's swingin' pop gem "Scared Straight" with its brassy horns and dancey beat --- totally energetic and fun! An awesome sophomore release! YAY! (janice.05.03)
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