“House Fire”
from the album Broom
2006
iTunes
MP3 – “House Fire” [right-click/save-as]
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin formed when singer/songwriter John Cardwell, drummer/songwriter Philip Dickey, bassist Jonathan James, and guitarist Will Knauer met at their Springfield, Missouri high school. After posting self-recorded album Broom on their website in March 2005, SSLYBY became instant Internet darlings. SSLYBY eventually signed with Polyvinyl Records, which recently released a remastered version of Broom.
The album, which was recorded in Knauer’s attic and basement, is delightfully devoid of fancy studio production. Instead, the band rely on tightly crafted pop hooks and lilting vocals to create an undeniably catchy slew of songs. Despite their young age (the oldest member was 22 at the time they recorded Broom), SSLYBY is a band who know the value of a memorable melody and a well executed bridge. The intertwining harmonies and hovering piano lines on “Travel Song” are reminiscent of Wilco, while the simplicity of “Oregon Girl” is pure pop bliss.
It’s no secret that the buzz generated in the blogosphere helped kick-start SSLYBY’s rapid rise to success. Even without a record deal, their hit “Oregon Girl” found its way onto an episode of The O.C. The song played behind a scene that featured indie-aficionado Seth Cohen and his girlfriend, who was coincidently from Oregon.