Okkervil River have changed my life

[Faded Foreign Lord]

I discovered Okkervil River late last year. I saw the film clip for Lost Coastlines on Rage and loved it straight away. I have never grown tired of this song. It has inspired me to begin work on a novel.
I now have four Okkervil River albums. The lyrics in some of their songs are mindblowing.
I don't know anyone who likes Okkervil River. I have tried to get friends and family to enjoy them, without much luck! My wife hears them quite a bit due to my hijacking of the stereo but I don't think she even understands the feeling that their music gives me.
The reason I joined this message board (I am so not 21st century and have never joined a message board before) was so that I could communicate with like-minded individuals about the greatness of Okkervil River.
By the way, does anyone know when they might be touring Australia??

[cruzichick]

Welcome! It's a little quiet around here due to the lack of a new album and extensive touring, but it should get active again whenever a new album comes out.

OR and the fans on the board who put together the Lost Coastlines video definitely inspired me to learn to play guitar. And , somewhat indirectly, my OR fandom led to me getting a microscope, which might be one of the odder positive outcomes from listening to a band.

The band has played Australia a few times, so I'm sure whenever a new album comes out they will head back down there. They are really fantastic live, so I hope to get to see them (with someone who loves them as much as you do

[justplainzach]

Welcome!

Yeah, I would've thought that the Roky album would have some effect on the activity of the board. It's pretty awesome, I have to say.

Faded Foreign Lord, you're in good company here. I'm sure each of us have at least a story or two like yours. When Okkervil toured Australia and New Zealand back in 2006[? Really? That was so long ago now!] they released a tour-only EP called Overboard & Down that is totally brilliant, I think. "O, Dana" is one of my favorite covers by any artist ever and "Love To A Monster" is one of my favorite OR songs ever...

[sweetdaddypop]

I predict a wee little perk in board activity in about a week or so. This new CD is tremendous, and there'll be lots of new visitors. Roky has a very dedicated following of older rock fans, and they'll be here. Some may even stay.

[Faded Foreign Lord]

Hi justplainzach. Not sure if this is the best way to reply to a message or not....still learning!
I've never heard of 'Overboard & Down' or 'Love to a Monster', I'll have to look them up when I get the chance.
I'd have trouble working out what my favourite OR song is. Lost Coastlines certainly stirs something in me.
The lyrics in 'A King and Queen' are amazing.
There is a line in 'A hand to take hold of the scene' that is amazingly poetic - '...and the dry, cracked trembling lips God saw fit to put this kiss inside...' Amazing!
The incredible change in the music in 'Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed on the roof of the Chelsea Hotel, 1979' is awesome. It happens at the line 'So take me I'm yours, morning star ship...' What a great name for a so as well.

Welcome!

Yeah, I would've thought that the Roky album would have some effect on the activity of the board. It's pretty awesome, I have to say.

Faded Foreign Lord, you're in good company here. I'm sure each of us have at least a story or two like yours. When Okkervil toured Australia and New Zealand back in 2006[? Really? That was so long ago now!] they released a tour-only EP called Overboard & Down that is totally brilliant, I think. "O, Dana" is one of my favorite covers by any artist ever and "Love To A Monster" is one of my favorite OR songs ever...

[diacritical]

Oh gosh, just found this message board.

I've been listening to Okkervil for the past two years ago and I can easily say, without a doubt, that they are my favorite band. No other group or artists's music resonates with me as much, or stays with me with such permanence as OR's. They've inspired me to write more, and to learn to play guitar. Too much love and respect.

I've never seen them live, but I dearly hope that their next album tour takes them to Toronto.

[kerrie]

Hi Faded Foreign Lord. OR have toured Australia four times now: 2005 (without the full band), 2006, 2008 and 2009. Each time the venue gets bigger (here in Melbourne they went from Ding Dong Lounge to Billboard). I've seen them on all four tours. I love them too! I'm sure they'll be back before long.

[mattleeds]

Welcome to the board! It is true its been a bit quiet recently but with the Roky album out today it should get busier!

I heard of OR early last year and quicky bought the whole back catalogue (apart from stars too small..(rocking horse sh*t! )) and was lucky enough to see them twice in the UK last autumn. AMAZING!!! MY wife has to put up with me playing them pretty much all the time but luckily I brainwashed one of my best friends with them and he's as obsessed as I am now! I have never actually met another OR fan apart from the ones at the gigs I've spoke to and my mate....

[cmigliaccio]

I have to give a high recommendation to the new fans to check out downtheoubliette.com, which has a fantastic archive of OR's live recordings. Also recommend listening to some of Will's solo shows (I'm fond of the soundboard recordings from early '06) - he's a really stirring performer with jst himself and a guitar or piano, and the bare arrangements really highlight his lyrics.

[Faded Foreign Lord]

How cool is it that OR use the word 'oubliette' in 'All the Latest toughs'. Where on earth would you hear that word in a song! You legends!!!!

I have to give a high recommendation to the new fans to check out downtheoubliette.com, which has a fantastic archive of OR's live recordings. Also recommend listening to some of Will's solo shows (I'm fond of the soundboard recordings from early '06) - he's a really stirring performer with jst himself and a guitar or piano, and the bare arrangements really highlight his lyrics.

[Faded Foreign Lord]

Hi Kerrie. You are so luckly to have seen them 4 times. I can't wait for them to tour again. Obviously you have been a fan for a while if you've seen them that many times. I wish I had discovered them earlier than just last year. They are so amazing! They are my favourite band of all time and I can't imagine discovering another that inspires me so. I think I have decided that 'Lost Coastlines' is my favourite song of ALL TIME and therefore my favourite OR song.
I have managed to brainwash my son (he is only 3) and the only song we listen to in my car is 'Lost Coastlines' over and over. God love him he can even say 'Okkervil River'.

Hi Faded Foreign Lord. OR have toured Australia four times now: 2005 (without the full band), 2006, 2008 and 2009. Each time the venue gets bigger (here in Melbourne they went from Ding Dong Lounge to Billboard). I've seen them on all four tours. I love them too! I'm sure they'll be back before long.

[kerrie]

It's actually five times if you include Chicago in 2008... Lost Coastlines is a good singalong song for brainwashing three-year olds with - it's got good 'la la la's. Have you gone back as far as Down the River of Golden Dreams yet? It was the first OR I heard.

[Faded Foreign Lord]

I kind of went backwards with my discovery of OR. Lost Coastlines was the song that started it all. I went out and bought The Stand Ins and The Stage Names at the same time shortly after. I loved both albums and listened in earnest! I then got Black Sheep Boy - it took me a little longer to get into this album but many of the songs on it are now some of favourites (Black, A King and A Queen, The Latest Toughs and A Stone). The oldest album I now have is Don't Fall in Love with Everyone you see. I have had trouble getting into this album though. I think I need to persevere a bit more. Do you recommend any tracks on this album?
Down the River of Golden Dreams is probably going to be my next purchase. What songs do you recommend on it??

Happy ANZAC day by the way.

It's actually five times if you include Chicago in 2008... Lost Coastlines is a good singalong song for brainwashing three-year olds with - it's got good 'la la la's. Have you gone back as far as Down the River of Golden Dreams yet? It was the first OR I heard.

[ThanksJohn]

I'm grateful and relieved like-minded people exist. Discovered OR about 6 months ago via Lost Coastlines which had been included on a free CD attached to Uncut magazine. I've a friend whose 1 year ago bounces crazily to this song in the car! This IMO is one of the greatest songs ever written, very clever lyrically and musically.

Like Faded Foreign Lord, I'm gradually working backwards through their back catalogue, finding gems in the process. From DRGD I'd recommend The War Criminal and Song about a Star. Unfortunately I just missed their 2 shows in Ireland last year.

Okkervil River are, in my experience, largely unheralded to the masses. I would place their work alongside The Smiths, a band I would argue as good and as important as The Beatles. The way the songs and albums are structured, the emotion and subjects of the lyrics, the intelligence used and understanding of popular culture really is truly astounding.

[Faded Foreign Lord]

Hey ThanksJohn. It is awesome that your first discovery of OR occurred roughly about the same time as mine, with the same song! I'm pleased to hear how great you think the song is - you have absolutely no arguments from me.

I'm grateful and relieved like-minded people exist. Discovered OR about 6 months ago via Lost Coastlines which had been included on a free CD attached to Uncut magazine. I've a friend whose 1 year ago bounces crazily to this song in the car! This IMO is one of the greatest songs ever written, very clever lyrically and musically.

Like Faded Foreign Lord, I'm gradually working backwards through their back catalogue, finding gems in the process. From DRGD I'd recommend The War Criminal and Song about a Star. Unfortunately I just missed their 2 shows in Ireland last year.

Okkervil River are, in my experience, largely unheralded to the masses. I would place their work alongside The Smiths, a band I would argue as good and as important as The Beatles. The way the songs and albums are structured, the emotion and subjects of the lyrics, the intelligence used and understanding of popular culture really is truly astounding.