Between them, the boys are aurally infatuated with:
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Bad Religion, Miles Davis, Dave Matthews, Ben Folds, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Death Cab for Cutie, Over the Rhine, Coldplay, Radiohead, Project 86, Dredg, Boys Night Out, The Spill Canvas, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Brand New, Ric Ocasek, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Gavin DeGraw, Don Henley, Duncan Sheik, Bruce Hornsby, Billy Joel, Bright Eyes, Muse, Of Montreal, Halloween Alaska, Keane, David Gray, Jars of Clay, Caedmon's Call, Sondre Lerche, Doves, Aqualung, Copeland, Peter Gabriel, Aimee Mann, Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley, Josh Rouse, Sufjan Stevens, Travis, Rufus Wainwright, Sigur Ros, Guster, Switchfoot, The Mars Volta, REM, Tech N9ne, Laura Veirs, Red House Painters, Sun Kil Moon, Ben Kweller, Monarch, The Shins, the books, The Weepies, Sheryl Crow, Phil Collins, Genesis, Travis, Fleetwood Mac, The Police, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Jack Johnson, Jamie Cullum, Joanna Newsom, Weezer, Wilco, The Cure, Spoon, Sting/The Police, The Jam, TV on the Radio, Foo Fighters, Fall Out Boy, Rogue Wave, Incubus, Pete Yorn, James Taylor, The Smiths, Sublime, The Roots, Leonard Cohen, Mat Kearney, Gabe Dixon Band, Talib Kweli, Mae, Feist, The Fray, The Format, Bob Dylan, Anathallo, Mayday Parade, LCD Soundsystem, Anberlin, Margot & the Nuclear So-and-So's, Editors, The National, Cold War Kids, This World Fair, Mason Proper
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Sounds Like
grape soda
white-water rafting
and gleeful apocalypse
No one would expect a band named after a pretty boring bait fish to make any measurable splash (pardon the terrible pun)--but in the past couple years, that's just what Common Shiner have set out to do.
Common Shiner originated in Grand Rapids and rose from the Michigan roots-rock rubble just a few years ago. It was not long before their 2006 debut album, So Long..., received accolades from local press and earned radio airplay in West Michigan. Their sophomore effort, Viennas, enjoyed even wider success as it sold across the country and the first single, "No Melody" secured mainstream radio rotation (and eventually charted at 142 on national Adult Contemporary charts). Following those successes, in the fall of 2007 the band made a leap across Lake Michigan to pursue full-time musical careers in Chicago.
The band has a little more in mind than just playing cute music though. Says Bangalore of their line-up, "We want to be able to really rock, but with two less traditional instruments leading: piano and acoustic guitar." But even that goal seems to hide a more interesting pursuit.
The group's real mission? Obliterate pretense and destroy elitist notions in any scene with quality songwriting that appeals to a wide range of listeners. You won't see these boys promoting any indie gimmicks, nor will you find them wearing arena-rock arrogance. What sets the band apart is the marriage of thoughtfulness in songwriting and undeniable accessibility. Everyone who listens to Common Shiner comes away liking something different, and these boys wouldn't want it any other way.
Common Shiner originated in Grand Rapids and rose from the Michigan roots-rock rubble just a few years ago. It was not long before their 2006 debut album, So Long..., received accolades from local press and earned radio airplay in West Michigan. Their sophomore effort, Viennas, enjoyed even wider success as it sold across the country and the first single, "No Melody" secured mainstream radio rotation (and eventually charted at 142 on national Adult Contemporary charts). Following those successes, in the fall of 2007 the band made a leap across Lake Michigan to pursue full-time musical careers in Chicago.
The band has a little more in mind than just playing cute music though. Says Bangalore of their line-up, "We want to be able to really rock, but with two less traditional instruments leading: piano and acoustic guitar." But even that goal seems to hide a more interesting pursuit.
The group's real mission? Obliterate pretense and destroy elitist notions in any scene with quality songwriting that appeals to a wide range of listeners. You won't see these boys promoting any indie gimmicks, nor will you find them wearing arena-rock arrogance. What sets the band apart is the marriage of thoughtfulness in songwriting and undeniable accessibility. Everyone who listens to Common Shiner comes away liking something different, and these boys wouldn't want it any other way.
"I think there's some disheartening segregation in the music world right now," says Brooks. "There seems to be a dichotomy of 'Mainstream vs. Indie,' and now there's also this often cliquey notion of scene. I guess we just feel like listeners can see through that; we want to present music that is unifying and completely without pretense. We want to destroy ridiculous walls. Music is music. And it's community."
Are they doing their job? Let them know your thoughts--send your constructive criticisms and any other related feedback via myspace message, or email them at:
commonshiner@gmail.com
You can learn more about the boys of Common Shiner by signing up for their email newsletter. Just send a request email to:
newsletter-subscribe@commonshiner.com
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What People Are Saying:
"Absolutely captivating."
- Fearless Radio (Chicago)
"Their music defies comparison. Beautiful harmonies combine with inspiring lyrics to take the listener on a journey of love and understanding."
- Michael Teach, Chicago Acoustic Underground
"Common Shiner take the commonplace and make it unique--their folk-rock approach plows new ground with distinctive tunes."
- Grand Rapids Press
"[Viennas] ventures inward, as the band focuses on making some of those familiar [pop-rock] streams sound better than ever."
- Recoil Magazine (Grand Rapids)
Thanx for the love - we appreciate it! Please stop by our page and say hello. Communication is the key to unity. One world, one goal, one love! VIVA LA LOVELUTION!!!
Its FINALLY here...Our brand new acoustic EP is available to download NOW and is FREE until Saturday 10th October so download it while u can.. Only from www.10reasonstolive.com. For a little taster click on our picture and u will find a video on our page...once you have downloaded it dont forget to let us know which song is your favourite x
Algren's debut album and its accompanying graphic novel are available now on iTunes, CD Baby, and others. Visit www.waywardsound.com for songs and images from the project!
Sorry for not having been in touch awhile - been rather busy! Just wanted to say that your valued friendship continues to be appreciated. Have you checked out my MySpace and web site (www.faberoptime.com) recently? Oh and did you subscribe for my free newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!)? You might also like to take a look at some of my vids on my YouTube channel too! www.youtube.com/faberoptime Take care and keep in touch. Best, Faber. "Just a guy trying to make the world a better place."
so when is the recording of the sad bastard waltz?? i need a copy of it wicked bad :) love you guys and miss seeing you!! hopefully i'll get out to a show when you guys have one again in chicago!
Online Now!
