Dr. Dog

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Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog live at Coachella 2009
Background information
Origin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Genre(s) Psychedelic rock
Indie rock
Years active 1999-present
Label(s) Park the Van
Website drdogmusic.com
Members
Scott McMicken (Taxi),
Toby Leaman (Tables),
Zach Miller (Text),
Juston Stens (Trouble),
Frank McElroy (Thanks)
Former members
Doug O'Donnell (Truck),
Ted Mark (Today),
Andrew Jones (Trial)

Dr. Dog is a psychedelic rock[1] band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The current lineup consists of Toby Leaman (bass), Scott McMicken (lead guitar), Frank McElroy (rhythm guitar), Zach Miller (keyboard), and Juston Stens (drums). Lead vocal duties are shared between Leaman and McMicken, with all members contributing harmonies. In addition each band member has a nickname, and they have explained that friends of the band also receive nicknames, which are drawn from various aspects of their lives and personalities (Former member Andrew Jones, for example, is a certified lawyer)[1].

The band's version of pop-rock is strongly influenced by bands of the 1960s. They are often compared to The Beatles, The Band, and The Beach Boys[2]. Their earlier recordings show influence of the lo-fi sound and pop sensibilities of indie rock bands of the 1990s, such as Guided By Voices and Pavement. [3] Recent albums have featured more polished production.

Contents

[edit] History

The band began as an offshoot of Leaman's and McMicken's earlier music project called Raccoon.[4] Dr. Dog formed with the addition of Miller, drummer Ted Mark, and guitarist Doug O'Donnell. Their early recordings were experimental and recorded on eight track. They self-recorded and self-released their first album The Psychedelic Swamp in 2001. They released Toothbrush in 2002. Mark left the band in 2003 and O'Donnell left in 2004. The band's early years were spent largely in and around Philadelphia where they developed a small fanbase.[5]

In 2004, My Morning Jacket brought them on tour. Soon after, The New York Times music critic Kelefa Sanneh praised the group's album Easy Beat in a December 2004 article, leading to attention from other critics. They signed with Park The Van Records, who released the album Easy Beat, and completed their first cross-country tour in 2005. A music video was released for the song "Fool's Life". Late 2005 saw the departure of Jones, who became a full-time lawyer. Jones was replaced by Frank McElroy.

The band toured heavily in 2006 opening for bands like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Strokes, The Raconteurs, and The Black Keys. The EP Takers and Leavers was released in September with the 1000 bought featuring custom covers including a cover of Architecture in Helsinki's song "Heart It Races" on the 2007 single. Shortly after in 2007, they released We All Belong. In support of the album, the band headlined a tour accompanied by Delta Spirit. Furthermore, the band performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on March 12, 2007, Late Show with David Letterman on May 23, 2007, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on July, 13, 2007. A music video was also released for the song "My Old Ways". The band also supported Wilco on part of their Sky Blue Sky tour.

Dr. Dog decided to post ten un-released tracks in streaming audio from their website. A new song was posted each Monday from July 2 until September 3 of 2007. Eventually, the recordings found their way onto their own album, titled Passed Away, Vol. 1. In 2008, the band released Fate. They appeared again on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on July 17, 2008, in support of the album and then on the new Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on April 2, 2009. They are on tour with The Cave Singers, and label-mates Golden Boots.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] EPs

[edit] Compilations

[edit] Notable Performances

Dr. Dog Performing at the 2008 Treasure Island Festival
  • Dr. Dog performed at the 2005 and 2007 Bonnaroo music festival.
  • Dr. Dog performed at 2007's Lebowski Fest in Louisville, Ky., performing some of their own songs as well as covering notable songs from The Big Lebowski Soundtrack
  • Dr. Dog played at Baylor University as the headliner for the Omega Kids benefit concert. Profits went to help kids in Africa.
  • Dr. Dog played at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Saturday April 18, 2009.

[edit] External links

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b Sputnik tags Dr. Dog 'psychedelic', sputnikmusic.com, retrieved on 22-02-2008
  2. ^ Langerado Music Festival review of Dr. Dog, langerado.com, retrieved on 22-02-2008
  3. ^ Allmusic bio
  4. ^ http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:fjfuxqtaldke~T1 Allmusic bio
  5. ^ http://www.parkthevan.com/img/drdog/DD_Bio_Fall_2006.doc Park the Van record
  6. ^ Billboard Chart, billboard.com, retrieved on 22-02-2008
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Dog"
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