I’ve been listening to a lot of Trouble Books lately finding solace in what I like to consider to be an ambient cross between The Microphones and The Blow. Akron, Ohio is home to an interesting music scene containing the some of the most interesting folks from Trouble Books, The Black Keys, Joseph Arthur, Liam Lynch, Lux Interior (RIP), and DEVO to yes, LeBron James! Weaving together characteristics of noise, folk and pop Trouble Books create a unique atmosphere that can become as bright and interactive as you’d like it to be. No planned dates outside of Akron, but if you MySpace them and beg for a tour of some sort they may listen…I mean, they’ll tour Europe but not America? My feelings are hurt.
The United Colors Of… comes out April 8 via Own Records and was recorded to tape, then transferred to CD. Nothing goin’ on with vinyl as of yet. Henry from MIE just emailed me to let you guys know that The United Colors Of… can be purchased on vinyl here (US) or here (UK/EUR). TB also has a 12″ EP coming up called Endless Pool that is being pressed as you read and will only be available in a limited run. For more info, keep updated with MIE or Bark and Hiss.
Trouble Books – Transient Color Glories
Trouble Books – For All Our Dead Friends
Trouble Books – The Majestic Song of the Majestic Humpback Whale
Here’s a list of everyone who makes an appearance on the album and exactly what they did:
Linda Lejsouka – Singing, Bass, Rhodes
Mike Tolan – Guitar, Organ, Bass, Singing, Sounds
Charlotte Miller – Violin
Jessica McKenna – Saxophone
Jake Trombetta – Lapsteel, Guitar, Sounds
Gabe Schray – Sounds
Tim Gerak – Guitar
Matt Haas – Guitar
Jen Court – Clairnet, Singing
Sommer Miller – Singing
Ryan Oxford – Saw
If you find yourself interested in Trouble Books I highly recommend checking out fellow ‘Own’ers, Uzi & Ari who tread along the lines of Rafter, The Robot Ate Me, Adem and Jeff Mangum if Radiohead were around when he grew up. I’m going to stop with these absurd comparisons now. Watch the video for “Missoula” below, a little bit after the 1min mark my Mangum/Yorke statement will make sense.
