Blitzen Trapper
Blitzen Trapper | |
|---|---|
 Blitzen Trapper performing at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Portland, Oregon, USA |
| Genres | Alternative country |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Labels | Lidkercow Ltd. Sub Pop |
| Members | Eric Earley Erik Menteer Brian Adrian Koch Michael Van Pelt Marty Marquis |
| Past members | Drew Laughery |
| Website | blitzentrapper.net |
Blitzen Trapper is a Portland, Oregon-based experimental country/folk band signed to Sub Pop Records.[1] Formed in 2000, the band currently operates as a quintet, with Eric Earley (guitar/harmonica/vocals/keyboard), Erik Menteer (guitar/keyboard), Brian Adrian Koch (drums/vocals/harmonica), Michael Van Pelt (bass), and Marty Marquis (guitar/keyboards/vocals/melodica).[2] Blitzen Trapper self-released its first three albums. "Wild Mountain Nation" was No. 98 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.[3]
Blitzen Trapper released its third album, Wild Mountain Nation, in 2007 to much critical acclaim from critics such as Pitchfork Media, The Nerve, and Spin Magazine. The group signed to Sub Pop Records in the summer of 2007.
The release of Furr in 2008 was a high-water mark for the group as their eclectic new songs received a two-page feature in Rolling Stone. The album was ranked No. 13 on Rolling Stone's Best Albums of 2008[4] while the title track was ranked No. 4 on the magazine's Best Singles of 2008.[5]
Writing
Bandleader Eric Earley, who began playing music at the age of three, writes most of the band's music.[6]
Members
- Eric Earley – lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, keyboard, harmonica
- Erik Menteer – lead, rhythm and slide guitar, percussion, moog synthesizer
- Brian Adrian Koch – drums, backup vocals, harmonica
- Michael Van Pelt – bass, bird whistle, percussion, harmonica
- Marty Marquis - rhythm guitar, backup and occasional lead vocals, keyboard, harmonica, percussion, melodica
Discography
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Blitzen Trapper | Lidkercow Ltd. |
| 2004 | Field Rexx | Lidkercow Ltd. |
| 2007 | Wild Mountain Nation | Lidkercow Ltd. / Sub Pop (UK/EU) |
| 2008 | Furr | Sub Pop |
| 2010 | Destroyer of the Void | Sub Pop |
| 2011 | American Goldwing[7] | Sub Pop |
EPs
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Cool Love No. 1 | Lidkercow Ltd. |
| 2009 | Black River Killer | Sub Pop |
7" Singles
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | War is Placebo[8] | Sub Pop |
| 2011 | Maybe Baby[9] | Sub Pop |
| 2012 | Hey Joe[10] | Sub Pop |
References
- ^ Solarski, M. (2007). Blitzen Trapper Step Into the Sub Pop Stable Pitchforkmedia.com. Retrieved August 8, 2007.
- ^ Hopkin, K. Blitzen Trapper - Biography. AllMusic Guide. Retrieved August 8, 2007.
- ^ No byline (December 11, 2007). "The 100 Best Songs of 2007" Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2007-12-21
- ^ "News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
- ^ "News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
- ^ "Interview: Blitzen Trapper (Vol. II, No. 1)". Inflatable Ferret. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
- ^ "Sub Pop Records : Blitzen Trapper : American Goldwing". Subpop.com. 2010-04-17. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
- ^ "Sub Pop Records : Blitzen Trapper : War Is Placebo". Subpop.com. 2010-04-17. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
- ^ "Sub Pop Records : Blitzen Trapper : Maybe Baby". Subpop.com. 2010-04-17. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
- ^ "Sub Pop Records : Blitzen Trapper : Hey Joe". Subpop.com.