The Long Winters

If you liked the old Long Winters, you'll like the new Long Winters. Essentially they are the same, but with new tunes. But good new tunes nonetheless. They remind me of the sub pseudo-genre I'd place Okkervil River in, just a tad less dramatic and more poprock. I really enjoyed much of their EP last year which brought a less rock-sound and more stringed arrangements.

Tuesday they played a short set centered around the new material to promote the new album. After someone requested an older tune, John Roderick replied, "Did I promise someone I'd play that? Did one of you wrote me an email with that request? I'm actually not going to play it. The internet is lawless." And then Roderick proceeded to shoot his finger pistols in the air like Jesse James. "Who here is a music professional?" he asked. A few hesitant hands rose. He then proceeded with the interrogation: "Who here... is a fan of Brooklyn Vegan?" "Boooooo" I yelled. Mild laughter ensued.

Roderick could serioiusly lead a class in banter. I'm a tough banter critic. I'm sick of same lame talking points, but he has charisma.

Here's the two Ultimatums. I like them both, and they are both very differnt.

The Long Winters - Ultimatum (2005 EP Version) (mp3)
The Long Winters - Ultimatum (2006 LP Version) (mp3)

They play Bowery Ballroom on September 29th [no tickets yet]. More Tour Dates. I missed Roderick's solo instore at Other Music to do laundry. I really wanted to go. Did anyone make it?