"Via Novella" out now on CD - 12" vinyl coming in June with a free digital download including bonus tracks. "Via Novella includes performances and collaborations with Jen Wood (Postal Service, Rachels, Black Heart Procession, Joan of Arc), Jeremiah Green (Modest Mouse, The Vells), Zera Marvel, (Tagging Satellites), and Daniel G. Harmann. Produced and mixed by Aaron Prellwitz (Sun Kil Moon, Red House Painters, Death Cab for Cutie, Neil Young, and more). Joined live by Jeff McCallum and Shea Bliss.
Influences
Mark Kozelek, Greg Dulli, Spoon, Elliott Smith, Pet Sounds, Marvin Gaye, Beatles, Nick Drake, Guided By Voices, Cocteau Twins, Shellyan Orphan, Devendra Banhart, Michael Hedges, Ennio Morricone, Bernard Herrmann, Erin Moran, Michael Andrews, Jim Rao, Chamber Strings, Gil Scott-Heron, Neko Case, Joe Pernice, Kings of Convenience, Feist, Keren Ann, Neil Young, Rickie Lee Jones, Led Zeppelin, M Ward, Ben Gibbard, Nada Surf, PJ Harvey, Jesse Sykes, Aimee Mann, Vincent Gallo, Sly Stone, 60's Motown, Stax, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Prince, Cody ChessnuTT, lo-fi, hi-fi, and a whole bunch in-between.
This is music in the style of English eccentrics like Syd Barrett and Nick Drake, coming from a Seattle musician, but no less appealing for that.
-All Music Guide, May 2007
"Via Novella" cover design by Jeff Kleinsmith, Photo by Marlon Schaeffer.
The Recovery Room is offering up Graig Markel's "Via Novella" on 12" wax. Remastered specifically for this release, the 12" version contains the 11 tracks on black 160mg vinyl. But wait-- There's More! Buying the 12" vinyl gives you a an audio CD (enclosed in the jacket) with the entire record as well as a bonus 6 song E.P., only available with this purchase. $15.99 includes shipping, and it's only available from the Recovery Room!
I guess it's been a while since I've been doing this-- Over the time I've shared bills with Death Cab for Cutie, Pedro the Lion, Matt Pond PA, The Court and Spark, The Gossip, and shitloads more.
For those of you who don't know what a Graig Markel is, here's some nice things I've handpicked from what others have said:
"Some of the sweetest pop vocalizing heard this year."
-Alternative Press
"Markel is a songwriter with a wealth of talent and one gets the distinct impression that he's only just begun to scratch the surface with this record."
-Exclaim
"Markel has stripped away all of the unnecessary elements in these songs, relying simply on the strength of his voice and his stories."
-Epitonic
"An album unlike any other you've recently heard."
-The Stranger
But hey, just don't take these asshole's word for it-- Pick up the album from Sonic Boom Records and see for yourself!
Well hello Graig: Dude it has been a while since I have seen ya around. I do hope all is well with you and your music. Thanks for becoming friends with the band Drizzle. If you see or hear from Jeff, tell the brotha to pick up the phone....
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damn, did i miss the entire tour for this record? can you hit the rewind button for me? i had a dream we were touring in 2004 and when i woke up it was 2008.
Hey Graig, it's been a long time. I really like the music you've got up. Then again, I've always liked your songs. I'm glad you're still making music, and I hope you're doing well. Let me know if you ever want any cello in your songs! ~Aaron
Happy December 25th! I hope whatever you're up to today, you're having an awesome time, and I just wanted to drop in and wish you and Zera happy holidays. Gonna come check her out in January. Hope to see you soon! Can you believe it's actually SNOWING on Christmas day in Seattle? I feel like we're living in a Hallmark card. :)
Happy Thanksgiving Graig!!! I woke up this morning to your CD!! Great stuff always. Hope you and Zera are fabulous. Haven't gotten a chance to get up there this year, just been playin a ton of shows every month, so my free time is like, NONE!! Hope to get up that way soon. Be Fabulous!!! J
