Honorary members, living legends, & tambourine giants:
Greg Jong
Brian Sadler
Jesse Taylor
Ashley Taylor
Pagoda
Aaron Ballard
Press:
"This debut album from the L.A.-based band beams full of Sixties sunshine, charm, and simple melodies...It's the summer harmonies from start to finish on this magnificent that make it such a great first offering."
-The Sun
"Anglophiles in love with the Zombies and the Prisoner, the Procession reflect the two extremes of the Beatles' career, from the melodic whimsy of Merseybeat to the baroque intricacy of Abbey Road. They also have a bit of the wacky nerd about them, of Weezer and They Might Be Giants, Beatles-worshippers who coat their pastiches in layers of smug irony...[Musique Magnifique is] accomplished and impressive in its technical mastery of the minutiae of song construction..."
-The Guardian
"[The Procession] have channeled into Musique Magnifique both The Shins' melodic pop complexity and the punk-rooted perkiness of Weezer."
-Uncut
"The Procession’s debut album [Musique Magnifique] arrives with a welcome jolt, all shimmering melodies, upbeat guitar riffs and more pop sensibility than you can shake a stick at. Its simplicity and stripped-backed appeal is all part of its charm and, given a couple of spins, the album’s highlights stick with the listener. Highlights, such as the debut single ‘Don’t Let Go’ and ‘Living Alone’ possess the effortless radio-friendly feel of Sixties pop and will ensure this band build by word of mouth."
-Music Week
"Wallowing in the glory days of bands such as Raspberries and Big Star, this American/British trio flirt with pastiche and new-forms-from-old – and new forms just about edge it. You’re unlikely to press 'play' on your MP3 gizmo in, say, 2010 and marvel at how perfectly Musique Magnifique sums up 2007 – 1966, more like. Yet there is something so winning about zip-along, close-harmony songs such as 'Don’t Let Go,' 'In the Least' and 'Sandra' that the Procession’s nostalgia fest is one you want to celebrate rather than shun."
-The London Times
"[Musique Magnifique is] a disarming experience that just keeps getting better with each listen."
-IndieLondon.co.uk
"...'Musique Magnifique,' could beam sunshine into even the most rain-drenched Brit resident...Not to investigate this LP would be like losing out on a full day's UV rays...."
-Clash Magazine
"The Procession is a Los Angeles-based trio producing rock so fun it's impossible to ignore...These guys obviously enjoy singing and bopping along to their music. If
life seems a little too stiff, loosen your neck with the melodies of The
Procession."
-WithoutSound.com
"...There are few bands around that essay as much untempered joy as The Procession do...Every song here shimmers with a self-assured mastery of harmonising, major chords and the ELO back catalogue...You owe it to yourself to hear this at least once in your lifetime."
-HighVoltage.org
"The Procession have found the balance of perfect harmonies and catchy melodies to produce pop gold. The influences of The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Weezer are all clearly apparent, and add to the whole retro-pop feel of the record. 'Musique Magnifique' is a wonderfully refreshing summer album."
-ThisIsFakeDIY.co.uk
"This Los Angeles-based band conjures up the sounds of favorites like the Beach Boys and Squeeze in a 21st century way. A band to keep an eye on."
-Nic Harcourt, KCRW FM
"[Major and Minor/Lady Post is a] big hitting new single. It's hard to believe these guys are newcomers, given how accomplished and settled their sound - a composite of influences including Ben Folds (in the bouncy electric piano verse) and the likes of Weezer, They Might Be Giants and OK Go (in the nerdy rock-out chorus). Exceptionally sunny stuff..."
-VirginMedia.com
"This intriguing trio from L.A., part U.S., part U.K., are masters of power pop. Yes, The Procession make music like they used to, in the 60’s. Having said that, ‘Major and Minor’ (previously titled ‘Major and Minor (What She Wants)’) places an organ-fuelled foot firmly in the 70’s. Slap a Brian May solo in the middle of this vaguely Beatlesque number, and you should be getting the idea pretty soon...In these heady post-emo days, there is a lot to be said for jaunty little numbers that are heavy on the melody, high on vocal harmonies and just good fun. If the recent success of The Shins is anything to go by, then the sun-soaked harmonies of The Procession should be catching on anytime soon."
-DisorderMagazine.com
"[The Procession's] debut seven inch, Don't Let Go/Don't Hesitate (Nude/V2), shimmers with honey'd harmonies and Abbey Road whimsy..."
-NME
"Don’t Let Go, comes over all Zombies and Herman’s Hermits... As a marker for their forthcoming album, Musique Magnifique, the single does its job flawlessly...."
-The Sunday Times
"...This is just about that most positive song ever recorded."
-Time Out
"Don't Let Go is sonically sophisticated and minutely arranged Californian
pick-me-up magnificence. Feel the sunshine stream in through your ears.
Double A-side Don't Hesitate comes across like a Beach Boys bittersweet
shanty, with seaside-bright guitars and metronomic piano. The band
whistling floats over the outro. The Procession are a US indie band
marching through their own world of harmony and melody; time to join the
cavalcade."
-ContactMusic.com
Videos:
The Procession's video for "Major and Minor," directed by L.A. filmmaker/wizard, Luke Asa Guidici
Thanks, Luke!
The Procession's "Don't Hesitate" video, shot entirely on super 8 and edited by Dave Bullivant! Thanks, mate!
Influences
The Lovin' Spoonful, The Beatles, Queen, Wilco, The Zombies, tape machines, The Kinks, and early Weezer.
Hi, we are The Procession. Two of us (Paul and John) started this whole thing back in Michigan, in 2003. We spent a long, fun time recording a handful of songs on an eight-track, which became an E.P. The E.P. then found us a manager and a publisher and a label and a whole slew of other exciting things that sound like they are a big deal. It also found us a sixteen-track, which sounds like it isn't a big deal, but it is. Anyway, time passed, and we started to think that we were pretty clever, so we made a record called Musique Magnifique. Shortly thereafter, Musique Magnifique, in conjunction with Manager and Publisher, gave rise to other important entities and alliances, such as California, British Record Label, and Additional Bandmates (Greg, Jesse, Andy). Before we knew it, we were us and we had a lot more than we had when we started. Now, we are playing a lot more music than we used to--which is a good thing--and we are, most certainly, having a good time. We are also meeting a lot more people than ever before, and we'd love to make your acquaintance, too. Come out to a show and hang with us or leave us a comment or a message. We will try our best to get back to you. Thanks for stopping by and, please, stop by again. Best wishes and thanks for reading.
News:
6/12/08:
Paul tries to meditate and it, sort of, works.
John wins Otari tape machine bid on Ebay! Trip to Fresno is in the cards.
We have written a Big Mac jingle. More on this shortly.
Elise is still a wonderful, thoughtful human being, for whom we are exceedingly grateful.
Dan at Myspace proves to be a friendy gent, with cool Nikes.
6/3/08:
We've just posted a couple new demos for your listening pleasure ("A Dozen Let Downs" and "Sweet Heart"). They may or may not be featured on our forthcoming E.P., A Dozen Let Downs.
We are starting to play again, too. Come watch us perform...and transform.
Paul hopes to complete a double album by mid-Fall. This is ambitious and, most certainly, seemingly reasonable in Paul's mind.
John searches The Ebay daily for a sweet new tape machine. Let there be Otari.
Obama wins the democratic nomination.
Wishing you a wonderful day.
U.K. fans:
Look for the Procession's first full-length album, Musique Magnifique, in stores MONDAY, APRIL 9th! Or, order the album by clicking on any of the retail logos below:
Purchase the single for "Major and Minor," featuring special "power mixes," "Major and Minor (acoustic)," and the never before released track, "Lady Post."
Ask for it in stores or purchase now on iTunes U.K.
Purchase The Procession's first 7-inch, "Don't Let Go" / "Don't Hesitate," online!!! Or request it at your local record retailer!
U.S. fans:
Purchase The Procession's first full-length recording, Musique Magnifique, on iTunes now!!!
If the link stalls, be sure to search for "Musique Magnifique" when in the iTunes store.
Hello, Noticed you were in the IPO (our set is this Saturday afternoon at Fitzgerald's in HuntingtonBeach). I saw your set at the Starline in Fresno and really enjoyed the band (and the CD)---if you ever want to share a gig, don't be shy --down there, up here, whatever. Hope to hear you all soon, Blake
Hey Paul and co., long time no see! I'm on tour with Saul Williams right now and by the luck of the draw we're playing with Eastern Conference Champions tonight in Oxford, England! For reals! It made me think of you. I'm coming to your show at Mr. T's. I hope you're doing well!
