Stephen Smith, who plays guitar and sings, played in Boston's Salem 66. He was also in Green Magnet School and God's Eye, making records on the Sub Pop and Rough Trade labels. /// Drummer David Shollenbarger was the long-time touring drummer for seminal west coast punk rockers, Agent Orange. He also played in Blood on the Saddle, one of the originators of L.A. "cowpunk." /// David Knupp, on guitar and keyboards, played in Joe Buck, one of the earlier and best-regarded bands out of San Francisco's alt-country scene.
Influences
The past 40 years of rock. More recently: Centro-matic, Pete Yorn, Matthew Sweet, Neil Young, Wrens, Elliott Smith, Jayhawks, Eleventh Dream Day, Dream Syndicate, etc.
Honestly, we're pretty much dormant these days, but with an eye towards recording something new, one of these days. In the meanwhile, posting an oldie - an unreleased demo of a song called "Mailboxes." Recorded in '04, when we were leaning a little closer to the "alt-country" side.
We've recently posted "Los Angeles," our first new recording in over a year! Listen or download here.
Thanks to Adam for wearing our t-shirt on a couple recent Mythbusters episodes! Glad to see some folks have noticed.
Quite a few recent reviews - Pop Culture Press was generous enough to call the record "stellar." Spain's powerpopaction makes us a top 40 record of the year. Absolutepowerpop puts us in the top 100. And we didn't even know we were power pop. In the Netherlands, altcountry.nl gives us three and a half horses! We didn't know we were alt-country, either. Big Takeover says Stay My Satellite is a "really strong record!" And just the other day, Dagger also had a few nice things to say.
"Stay My Satellite" is available for download through iTunes and other sources, and on CD from Not Lame and CD Baby
You can also buy the CD from us direct for $10, with shipping (U.S. Only), through paypal!
The Morning Line "pops and shines like a mournful, West Coast Luna, fronted by a ragged, smoky Elvis Costello type." --East Bay Express
They "capture the raspy mournful vibe of Elliott Smith combined with a three-chord jangly pop. . . . This hook-filled album nicely mixes up rockers and introspective tunes." --Miles of Music
"This almost-supergroup doesn't sound too much like any of the member's previous bands. The Morning Line moves away from all of that into spacious and melodic alt-country moodiness. The vocals sometimes traffic in a Dharma Bums smoothness, and some songs hold up a soft sad hand towards early American Music Club. But these boys rock a little harder, with great guitar work and steady drums that catch on a few nice stop start rhythms. I want to hear more." --Big Takeover
"Staten Island. . . sounds like it would have been one of the best songs on an album like, say, REM's 'Fables Of The Reconstruction' or The Windbreakers 'Run.' VERY highly recommended." --Bruce Brodeen, Not Lame
Hey. In a recent episode of MythBusters Jamie is wearing your t-shirt. It's a black T-shirt with an image of a satellite and "The Morning Line". Later it the show he's wearing an Elvis Costello shirt.
The episode is named "Water Stun Gun" first aired 9/17/2008.
Life is good at Ashmont, except around this time of year, when they put a hat on me and think it’s funny. I suppose it’s a small price to pay for food in my belly and a roof over my head. My resolution for 2007 has to do with the restoration of my dignity. Anyway, best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.
Ahhh....thank you for spreading a little holiday disgust. Tis the season for contrition! I must immediately go redeem myself by finding those missing reindeer. Blitzen is probably self-flagellating himself somewhere.
It is not wasted on me. Right on time brother Smith. I was just thinking about you today. Perfect Pop Song. Glad to know yee still.
jeffrey dean foster
