David Vandervelde put out one of Greg’s and my favorite records last year — “The Moonstation House Band.” (Credit where credit is due, Greg turned me on to DV). The Secretly Canadian release was awash in glam production but the sonic foundation was decidedly roots — think Marc Bolan trapped in Gram Parsons body. He’s originally from Michigan, lived for a spell in Chicago (MSHB was recorded at Jay Bennett’s Pieholden Suite, where Wilco’s “Summerteeth” was done). Now he’s in Nashville. Let us guess — next stop LA?
The sophomore follow-up, “Waiting for the Sunrise,” comes out Aug. 5; tour dates announced so far (look for more):
07/18/08 Chicago, IL KEXP Live From Chicago with Cheryl Waters
07/27/08 Chicago, IL Schubas
07/31/08 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge w/ Grizzly Bear
08/31/08 Los Angeles, CA at Fuck Yeah Fest
When I interviewed Vandervelde last year, he admitted to having a soft spot for 70s soft rock — Bee Gees, Left Bank. He mentioned George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” and wanting “Nothin’ No,” the standout lead off track on MSHB, to “sound like a wah-wah.” So it comes as no surprise that “Sunrise” touches the flipside of the 70s. The lead single “I Will Be Fine” isn’t exactly a barn burner – more Fogelberg than Fogerty — but on a spare few listens, the obvious standouts are “California Breezes,” “Lyin’ In Bed,” “Cryin Like the Rain,” “Hit the Road” and “Someone Like You.”
If you question the man’s dedication (or sack):
The obligatory MySpace link.
