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.
"There's a lot of pretense and segregation in the music world today," says Brooks. "I think it probably started back in the day as a sort of dichotomy of 'Mainstream vs. Indie'. Each crowd could kind of come off as exclusive or snobbish, each had their bad attitudes. And now there's this often-cliquey notion of scene. I think I 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)
It was lovely to meet you! I loved your set. The Prince cover was pretty legendary. I'll definitely be seeing you guys at Red Line Tap often! ~Sweet Jane
I thought I had posted a reply, but for some reason it isn't showing up. Anyway, I saw Morgan play at the Red Line Tap when I was in Chicago for a conference in May. Jamey Hooten brought me out. Pretty awesome local music scene. Thanks for the book reco, it is on my list of things when I get around to reading for fun again!
Thanks for the friendship. The "Church of Rock and Roll" is coming back June 28, 2009 on 99.9 The Buzz from 8 to 10 pm. Sundays will never be the same. Best of all you can stream the show by clicking the link below. Thanks for the support, Reverend Derek Moody and Chaplain Chip Vee
Hey! Thanks for being our friend! How are things in Chicago for you? We're new to the Chicago area and we have a show coming up TONIGHT at Bottom Lounge that we really hope you can make it to! Keep in touch and we hope to hear from you soon!
One more question for ya. By any chance would you be interested in hosting an Indie on the Move banner on your myspace page or website to help us promote?
Dropping by to wish you the best day ever and tomorrow do the same. If you have the means please give a couple of dollars to charity. Be it to fight Diabetes, Asthma, Cancer, Hunger, AIDS, or any other cause that touches your heart. I know of no better feeling than what you feel when you make another person’s day a little better. Bill
