This second disc from this group is at once familiar and at the same time shows many new facets of this metamorphosing group. They have the feel of a Counting Crows-meets-Webb Wilder & the Beatnecks, playing with some outlaw country ideas. The country (they seem to hate that label) flavor comes from their harmonies and their use of instruments like the lap steel (to great effect), banjo, mandolin, and fiddle -- plus, on one cut, Peter Rowan contributes his distinctive mandola. This disc starts off with a familiar-sounding song, "Paperthin," then moves away from the familiar gradually, not taking any giant steps but more like expanding upon their sound. One of the main changes is the feel of this disc, which is decidedly more somber, ominous, and dark. Just listen to the wrenching and foreboding "Rise Above the Wreckage." Maybe the year on the road combined with the changes and acrimony that accrued have left a scar on this band (we'll see with time whether it is permanent). The band that tours will be different than the one that recorded this disc, and that will surely promote even more changes, but this disc was recorded with the original band and with the help of various friends. Another reason for the change in sound is that this disc is produced by Tucker Martine, who was obviously not afraid to use more effects. This is a group for whom the inner turmoil is working; they have taken the strife and used it to make an edgier-sounding disc. ~ Bob Gottlieb, All Music Guide
Peter Rowan (Vocals), Peter Rowan (Mandola), Clive Gregson (Organ), Clive Gregson (Synthesizer), Tony Baker (Photography), Brian Ray (Bass), Brian Ray (Vocals), Daniel Tashian (Synthesizer), Daniel Tashian (Vocals), Daniel Tashian (Shaker), Daniel Tashian (Wurlitzer), Farmer Not So John (Main Performer), Carl Meadows (Engineer), Matthew Ryan (Guitar (Electric)), Matthew Ryan (Vocals), Richard McLaurin (Banjo), Richard McLaurin (Fiddle), Richard McLaurin (Guitar), Richard McLaurin (Mandolin), Richard McLaurin (Accordion), Richard McLaurin (Guitar (Electric)), Richard McLaurin (Tambourine), Richard McLaurin (Vocals), Richard McLaurin (Guitar (12 String)), Richard McLaurin (Lap Steel Guitar), Mack Linebaugh (Guitar (Acoustic)), Mack Linebaugh (Guitar (Electric)), Mack Linebaugh (Vocals), Tucker Martine (Cymbals), Tucker Martine (Tambourine), Tucker Martine (Producer), Tucker Martine (Loops), Tucker Martine (Shaker), Bill Tyler (Art Direction), Bill Tyler (Design), Sean Keith (Drums), Sean Keith (Washboard), Mark Linebaugh (Guitar (Acoustic)), Mark Linebaugh (Guitar (Electric)), Mark Linebaugh (Vocals), Sean Ray (Pedal Steel), Sean Ray (Lap Steel Guitar)
Representative Albums: "Inspiration Overload," "Teddy Has Stopped Breathing," "Decades"
Biography
Receiver became one of the leading lights of the Los Angeles-based power pop movement in the late '90s and early 2000s on the strength of their classicist but fresh Big Star and Badfinger-inspired rock & roll. Their carefully manicured 2001 debut, Inspiration Overload, subsequently became an almost instant cult classic.
Receiver was initially conceived in 1998 by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Ken West at the urging of longtime friend and scenester Robbie Rist. West, who replaced then-18-year-old guitarist Jason Falkner in the Barking Spiders (who would later become Upsy Daisy) had been inactive for the better part of the previous decade. But during the off time, West took to writing over 50 songs and two of them, "Wind Up Girl" and "Faster," would end up on the band's debut. Receiver's lineup began to take shape in 1999 when West met Kerry Chicoine of Kompost at a record release party for the Wondermints' Bali. They began performing together, releasing an EP under the name Kickstand, and enlisting the help of friends Lisa Mychols of the Masticators and Wil O'Brien of the Andersons to fill in on drums and guitar. In 2000, the band changed their name to Receiver to avoid conflicts with similarly named acts and settled on a permanent lineup, including Don Mogill (of the Dons) on guitar and notable rock journalist John Borack on drums. The band then embarked on several tours, including International Pop Overthrow appearances. ~ Jason Damas, All Music Guide
