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Silver Jews

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Silver Jews
Background information
OriginNew York City, United States
GenresCountry rock, indie, alt-country
Years active1989–2009
LabelsDrag City
MembersDavid Berman
Cassie Berman
Past membersTim Barnes
Pete Cummings
Tony Crow
Duane Denison
Doug Easley
Jill Fantauzza
Mike Fellows
Matt Hunter
Brian Kotzur
Paz Lenchantin
Dan Mackta
Stephen Malkmus
Davis McCain
Rian Murphy
Bob Nastanovich
Paul Niehaus
Will Oldham
Peyton Pinkerton
Andra Sherman
Chris Stroffolino
William Tyler
Steve West
J. D. Wilkes
Azita Youssefi
Tayna Small

Silver Jews were an indie rock band from New York City, formed in 1989 by David Berman along with Pavement's Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich. Berman remained throughout and was the only constant member. During the last few albums, Cassie Berman became a regular member of the band. They disbanded in 2009. On 8 January 2015, Bob Nastanovich posted a photo on his Facebook page claiming that the Silver Jews are practicing again.

Background

Early years

Though often labeled as a Pavement side project, Silver Jews were actually formed at roughly the same time as Pavement. Berman has falsely quoted the band's name originating from the transcription of a billboard that he saw reading "Silver Jewelry", although he has stated in an interview that the name was actually intended to be a pseudonym for a conceptual art piece and later evolved into the actual band.[1] Others claim, however, that the name pays homage to Silver Apples, The Silver Beatles, and slang for blonde-haired Jewish people.[2]

Touring

Silver Jews performing at Webster Hall in 2006

Though Berman had pointedly avoided playing live throughout much of the band's existence, the Silver Jews surprised fans by embarking on their first-ever tour following the release of Tanglewood Numbers in 2005. They toured North America, Europe, and Israel in 2006. A documentary, titled Silver Jew, was filmed during the band's time in Israel.

Break up

On January 22, 2009, Berman announced via the official Drag City messageboard that he planned to retire from music and that the Silver Jews would play their final show on Bluegrass Underground at Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, Tennessee at 3 pm on January 31, 2009.[3][4] The caverns are located 333 feet underground, and only 300 general admission tickets were made available. Berman stated that he would play his 15 favorite Silver Jews songs. He also wrote that his intentions are to move to "screenwriting or muckraking".[4] He closed the entry by saying, "I always said we would stop before we got bad. If I continue to record I might accidentally write the answer song to 'Shiny Happy People'."[5]

Berman originally planned for the concert to be recorded and aired sometime in February 2009 on Nashville's famed WSM AM radio station;[4] however, the day before the show, Berman posted on the Drag City message board to say that he had "negotiated out of the WSM part out of the deal."[6] The concert was documented by several 16 mm film cameras, and Berman has hinted at a possible DVD release of the show at some point in the future.

The last song that the Silver Jews performed live was "Smith and Jones Forever."

Post break up releases

On June 19, 2012, "Early Times" was released by Drag City. "Early Times" is a compilation of EP's and singles that were released before the debut LP "Starlite Walker".

Post Silver Jews projects

Brian Kotzur (drummer) is the frontman/drummer for Tim Chad and Sherry and also plays drums for Super Bowl Rocket Ship.

William Tyler plays guitar for Tim Chad and Sherry.

Possible Reunion

In 2015 Bob Nastanovich posted a photo to his Facebook page featuring the band rehearsing. He said that the band is working on two new songs, “The Veranda Over The Toy Shoppe,” and “Wacky Package Eyes.” David Berman later said the photo was a prank.[7]

Discography

Albums

EPs

Singles

  • "Dime Map Of The Reef" (1992) 7"
  • "Silver Jews And Nico" (1993) split 7" with New Radiant Storm King
  • "Blue Arrangements" (1998) 7" available only with issue No. 7 of Stop Smiling
  • "Send in the Clouds" (1998) CD/7"
  • "Hot as Hell" (1999) CD/7"

Compilations

  • Early Times (2012) LP/CD/Cassette (compiles all songs from Dime Map of the Reef and The Arizona Record)

Filmography

References

  1. ^ "Silver Jews Thursday – David Berman on LOMLOC, Writing, and the Ugliness of Failure – Part I | Blog de Ford". Raford.wordpress.com. 2008-06-19. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
  2. ^ Artist Biography by Heather Phares. "Silver Jews | Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
  3. ^ [1] Archived May 13, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ a b c [2] Archived January 26, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ [3] Archived May 6, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ [4] Archived January 29, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "Silver Jews probably aren’t reuniting after all" in Chart Attack
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