Crystal Eastman - vocals, guitar. Filippo DeAngelis: drums. Lee Sanders - bass. Mark Bailey - lead guitar.
Influences
Everything from Manu Chao to Krishna Kirtana, from Billie Holiday to Mata Amritanandamayi, Patti Smith, Lucinda Williams, Mahalia Jackson, the Clash, Dusty Springfield, Gillian Welch, Sublime, Blondie, Beatles, Radiohead, Parliament, Fleshies, Bob Marley, and Srimad Bhagavatam.
Sounds Like
A cornucopia of american musical styles backing up catchy singing, inspiring lyrics, and smart songwriting. Eclectic roots rock. These reviews capture it best:
Review: Wolves Howl Through the Genres
"The sounds of Crystal and the Wolves can not be summed up by any easy label. Perhaps the best summary is the album title of Shapinska Rock, described as being a world that creates endless opportunities to make the most of any situation. The lyrical references Crystal makes to Gillian Welch and Ani DiFranco in Lucky Girl hint at her musical influences, but this belies a range of musical expression which includes bluegrass, ballads and ballsy dance tunes. The folksy country side of the band is heard on Daughter's Little Wins and Lullaby for Shai, songs with sound reminiscent of Kate Wolf and Iris DeMent. Hints of Beatles classic pop rock influence are apparent in Called Off the Borders, while the more intense rock of Patti Smith is evoked in Merry Mary Contrary. Throughout all of their different sounds, Crystal and the Wolves maintain a strong sense of their own identity as a band, led by Crystals smooth voice and supported by strong lyrics about the Shapinska Rock world. It shouldn't be long before the Lucky Girl lyrics 'She's a famous girl/ Got lots of friends and fans apply' to her." Sure Shot Magazine, Kathryn Vercillo, "Top 8 Indie Albums for June 06" http://www.torron.net/cd-catw.html
Review: Shapinska Rock Has It All
"Crystal and the Wolves alt-Americana music is sunny but not saccharine. Crystal herself beams joy and wit into every note she sings. Rhythm, melody, spirit, their debut album has it all. The band is a walking, talking peace declaration. Between men and women, people and our earth. With songs like, Called Off the Borders and Maimouna, I dare you to resist singing along as they clear the cobwebs from the dark corners of your soul. But can you dance to it? Oh yeah. To paraphrase Emma Goldman, I *can* dance to it and this *is* my revolution. As the guys exclaim at every show, Crystal is HOT! With this album, everybody knows it." Nina Jo Smith, Redwood River Music, www.redwoodrivermusic.com
Short Story: Crystal & the Wolves and Shapinska Rock (shun-PIN-ska RAWK)
This whole thing started when a house fire destroyed all of Crystal's belongings except her guitar. A few days later, she was sent to Europe by a company that could no longer afford to pay her after two weeks. Jobless and homeless, Crystal decided to stay in Europe for half a year. She roamed the streets of Denmark, Czech Republic, UK and Spain, with her guitar, notebook and a simple recording set up and songs describing a off-beat place Shapinska Rock began to fly into creation.
Crystal came back to the US excited to create Shapinska Rock into a record. She met producer/multi-instrumentalist Filippo DeAngelis a few months after her return and they began production. As recording progressed on the album, a live band grew out of the studio sessions and in May 2005 they started playing shows in the east (CBGB Gallery in NYC), south (Alternative SXSW Austin), and west (Hotel Utah Saloon, SAN FRAN).
What does Shapinska Rock mean? Listen the lyrics!
On May 11 2006, CATW released Shapinska Rock, weaving soaring vocals with catchy melodies and imaginative lyrics. Nearly every genre of american music is assimilated into their sound.
Review of Shapinska Rock in Punk Globe Magazine
"I have this beauty sitting in my player and turned up loud. The more I hear this band the more I like - They are very original and Crystal writes some great songs. There´s 13 tracks on here and with the vast Blues, Jazz and Country influences in the sound - This album gripped my attention from start to finish. Every track is different and how they´ve structured them is very clever and shows what quality musicians they are. The music certainly compliments Crystals excellent vocals. You just have to listen to Crystal sing - Her vocal range is very wide. A modern day Kate Bush maybe? Production wise is the best and packaging is the tops. Probably one of the best albums I´m ever going to hear. Album of the Month. (Ears With Gears) 11/10" ---Steve DIY
Click to buy Shapinska Rock
Sign the mailing list. Free Music Downloads For Folks on the List. Please fill in both fields.
SHAPINSKA ROCK REVIEW
"Crystal and the Wolves have wiggled into America's music scene at just the right time. The young and old alike need a breath of fresh air. Crystal is that fresh air. These songs are tended with an amount of care that is apparent to all age groups and walks of life. Feel good music that's smart, powerful, and danceable: smart enough to convince you she's put in her musical time; powerful enough to make you think; and rockin' enough to make you dance. "Shapinska Rock" is surely my pick for most anticipated album of 2006 thus far." Ian Tsan, Grape Juice Records
Another great DAM show coming up on Wed.,June 10th at the Fat Cat in Modesto,Ca..DAM will open the show for rock n' roll guitar legend Michael Schenker.Yes,this is the show that was rescheduled from earlier this year.If you are a fan of rock n' roll guitar,honestly this guy is one of the very best-AND he is playing in Modesto in a very intimate venue.This is the guy that started the legendary rock band The Scorpions,with his brother Rudolf Schenker,and recorded his first album with them when he was 14 years old.He went on to record and tour with the band UFO.During his tenure with UFO,he was offered the lead guitar spot in bands such as The Rolling Stones,Aerosmith,Ozzy Osbourne,Whitesnake,and many more.We have a small handfull of discount tickets-when there gone that's it-or tickets are available at the Fat Cat or Ticketmaster.You can purchase tickets at Skips's Music in Modesto,and also thru us.Also playing this show wil be our friends About Face.This show WILL sell out and should not be missed if at all humanly possible.IN 2008,Michael was voted one of the top 20 guitar players in the WORLD.IF YOU LIKE ROCK 'N ROLL GUITAR YOU MUST GO TO THIS SHOW-THIS GUY IS THE REAL DEAL-ONE OF THE ALL-TIME BEST.
Come on out for a Memorial Day weekend blowout featuring 5 of the best local bands around town.DAM will be playing a headlining show at 8:30 pm at the Fat Cat in Modesto on Sunday,May 24th.Also on the bill are a bunch of local favorites-Nadine,Wicked Hickie,Strange Brew,and also Matty Comer and the Experience.We have a guestlist for this show,so let us know if you would like to be on it.This will also be a bday party for DAM's drummer,Rob.This will be the big party of the weekend,and DAM will be playing some brand new songs,along with some of our classics.This is a party not to miss.See ya there friends.
Happy New Year! Thanks for being our friend. Please accept our comment so you can educate your visitors! If any of your friends want to help educate their community about hepatitis C have them send us a message.
Hep C Aware - ARE YOU?
Hepatitis C is a systemic blood borne virus that primarily attacks the liver. It is spread by blood to blood contact 1 in 50 Americans have HCV - 2 out of 3 do not know it. THERE IS NO VACCINE FOR HEPATITIS C
Risk factors! Have you: >received blood, blood products, or an organ transplant prior to 1992? >ever shared drug paraphernalia? injecting or snorting >ever been stuck by a used blood needle? >been on kidney dialysis? >had a tattoo or body piercing? >had sexual activity that involves contact with blood? >shared personal cars items(razors, toothbrushes, etc.) with other people? >been incarcerated >been in combat (especially vietnam veterans)
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may have been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus GET TESTED!
PLEASE VISIT THESE WEBSITES FOR INFO AND SUPPORT www. HepCChallenge. org www. HepCAdvocate. org
HepCAware. org will be at the MusiCares booth at NAMM in Anaheim next week. Message me for more details.
WHALETAIL 11-16-2008 19:00 The Octopus Lounge 180 Eureka Square, Pacifica, California 94044 Cost: 0 WHALETAIL performs in Pacifica at The Octopus Lounge on Sunday November 16th, 2008 at 7pm. Come party with us and help us celebrate our debut gig!
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING WHALETAIL BY ADDING A SONG TO YOUR PLAYLIST!
Would you like to get a FREE SONG from the NuGroove Records 2008 Sampler?! Of course you do! Just go to nugroove.songforfree.net to participate in this wonderful offer!
Just stopping in to say 'hi.' It's been awhile! Hope things are going well. How was your holiday weekend? Ours was WAY too short! Monday already...blah. LOL
Hey Crystal and the Wolves, I'm worth $550! <br/><a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=361263053&source=in_comment._link...._imWorthA_v3......'>Click here to find out how much YOU are worth!</a><br/><br/><a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=361263053&source=in_comment._img1...._imWorthA_v3......'><img src='http://cdn1.slicezero.com/oyf_prod/images/ffs_money1_myspace.gif' border='0' /></a><br/>
<br /><br />
-------------------------------<br />
<i>This comment was sent by your friend via the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/361263053">Own Your Friends!</a> application. To block comments sent via Apps. click <a href="http://profileedit.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=accountSettings.applicationSettings">here</a>.</i> <br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><B>Hey Crystal and the Wolves! I just hired you!.<BR><a href="http://sunshine.zynga.com/friendfactory.php?s=cc11">Click here</a> to start your new job.</span><BR><BR>Link: http://sunshine.zynga.com/friendfactory.php?s=cc11<BR><BR><img src="http://reboot.zynga.oddthought.com/apps/friend.factory.myspace/spin.gif">
<br /><br />
-------------------------------<br />
<i>This comment was sent by your friend via the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/372686536">Friend Factory... Where you are the boss!</a> application. To block comments sent via Apps. click <a href="http://profileedit.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=accountSettings.applicationSettings">here</a>.</i> <br />
Great! I'll be in the Bay Area from cinco de mayo until just after Bay to Breakers. Hopefully you guys are mobile enough to come to the Big City!! We could do some pro bono verifying at CWA. Ha ha. Take care.
