John Vanderslice’s Romanian Names
When we’re faced with the gloom and doom of the music industry, the increasing cynicism, the bitter musicians and the unappreciative fans…John Vanderslice is a warm, untainted, enthusiastic breath of fresh air. Not to mention, of course, a talented and prolific songwriter and performer.
On the one hand, John Vanderslice has a reputation as the nicest guy in indie rock (a sentiment we’d also agree with). Then, he is not only a person who is respected on a national level for personality and talent, but is known for his extensive contributions to his local community. His devotion to his Bay Area dwellings is apparent via his own Tiny Telephone (an analog studio with bands like Beulah, Death Cab for Cutie, Okkervil River, and Spoon on its recording roster, in addition to a myriad of local bands), endless support for local music blogs and record labels, and special San Francisco-specific shows (i.e., his performance with the Magik*Magik Orchestra at the Great American Music Hall back in January), among other things.
He’s stirred up a Pixel Revolt; he’s taken us to Emerald City. Now, John Vanderslice is ready to state his Romanian Names on May 19th, his first release on the Dead Oceans label and his seventh overall. This album was recorded in the basement of his San Francisco home, where simple demos were allowed thereafter to develop and mature into songs like “Fetal Horses” – delicately lush melody and sharp overall structure. Hear it for yourself at the bottom of this entry.
Dead Oceans’ official description for Romanian Names includes language like “best record he’s made to date,” “pitch-perfect,” “top-notch,” “coheres beautifully.” These are not terms that such a respected label throws around casually, so suffice it to say, we’re very very excited to hear the album in its entirety.
Romanian Names tracklist and cover art:
Tremble And Tear
Fetal Horses
C&O Canal
Too Much Time
D.I.A.L.O.
Forest Knolls
Oblivion
Sunken Union Boat
Romanian Names
Carina Constellation
Summer Stock
Hard Times
John Vanderslice tour dates (including the official CD release show at the Rickshaw Stop on 5/19!):
5/17/09 Merced, CA – The Partisan
5/19/09 San Francisco, CA – The Rickshaw
5/21/09 Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
5/22/09 Seattle, WA – Easy Street
5/24/09 George, WA – Sasquatch!
5/27/09 Provo, UT – Velour
5/28/09 Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
5/29/09 Denver, CO – Hi-Dive
5/30/09 Omaha, NE – Slowdown Jr
6/06/09 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
6/09/09 Pittsburgh, PA – The Warhol Museum
6/12/09 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williambsurg
“Fetal Horses”
