Volume 3 in the Shaking Through Series: Strapping Fieldhands
Credited with greatly bringing about the lo-fi psych movement started in the '90s, Strapping Fieldhands have kept their smart minimalistic sensibilities about them ever since. First coming together in 1991, the quintet from Philadelphia soon became an emblem for the underground bedroom-recording enthusiasts. (Their charming, unabashed Anglophilia is another thing that makes their songs and performances all the more enjoyable.) Strapping Fieldhands' punk and psychedelic influences seemed only amplified by the field-recorded sound of their music.
After a number of tours with other emblematic bands such as The Grifters, Guided by Voices, and Pavement, quintet released their critically acclaimed debut "Discus". Voted one of the top ten albums never heard of by Spin Magazine, the album's "enigmatic and beautiful songs" were instantly revered by underground fans. The release helped propel the band through two more albums in the successive years, and another great LP in 2002.
After a seven-year hiatus, Strapping Fieldhands began writing and recording more lo-fi excellence to be released in conjunction with a remastering of "Discus". The album came out on February 15, and reception was just as enthusiastic as it was two decades ago. Fans of lo-fi, both old and new, are hearing the original lo-fi remastered to an "unbelievable apex of sonic bliss."
~ Tiff O, UPenn 2011
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Exclusive Interview Tracey Tanenbaum Interview with Strapping Field Hands
When Philadelphia’s Strapping Fieldhands emerged in the early 1990’s they became part of a small cadre of indie-rock innovators. They combined low-fi recording techniques with found instruments. The result was both raw and romantic. The Strapping Fieldhands released a few albums and even toured with Pavement and Guided by Voices. But before they could capitalize on all the buzz, the band called it quits.
Nearly a decade after their demise, The Strapping Fieldhands are back together. Lead singer and songwriter Bob Malloy joins Tracey Tanenbaum to talk about the Strapping Fieldhands’ career, including their comeback on this edition of Shaking Through.
LISTEN to "Harbinger Dark Herald" by Strapping Fieldhands.
Strapping Fieldhands Recording "Harbinger, Dark Herald"
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 – Vol. 1, Number 3 in the Shaking Through Series featuring Philadelphia's Strapping Fieldhands and the song "Harbinger, Dark Herald." Curated and Produced by Shaking Through Guest Curator), Daniel Smith (of the band Danielson). Recorded by Devin Greenwood with UBK, and mixed by Daniel Smith at Miner Street Recordings. Video Produced by Brian McTear and Andy Williams. Directed by Phil Bradshaw and Jennifer Schneider, and Edited by Bryan Baker.
Vol. 3 in the Shaking Through Series featuring Philly's Own, Strapping Fieldhands
Artist Profile
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 – Vol. 1, Number 3 in the Shaking Through Series with Philadelphia’s Strapping Fieldhands. Devin Greenwood explains the equipment and techniques used to record "Harbinger, Dark Herald". Curated and Produced by Shaking Through Guest Curator Daniel Smith (of the band Danielson). Recorded by Devin Greenwood with Gregory Scott/UBK, and mixed by Daniel Smith at Miner Street Recordings. Video Produced by Brian McTear and Andy Williams. Directed by Phil Bradshaw, Jen Schneider and Edited by Bryan Baker.
Coming March 16 – Vol. 1, Number 3 in the Shaking Through Series featuring Philadelphia’s Strapping Fieldhands and the song “Harbinger, Dark Herald”. Curated and Produced by our first Shaking Through Guest Curator, Daniel Smith of the band Danielson. Recorded by Devin Greenwood, and mixed by Daniel Smith at Miner Street Recordings. Video Produced by Brian McTear and Andy Williams. Directed by BJ Downs and Edited by Peter English. Release Date: March 9, 2010.
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The Buzz About Shaking Through Artist, Strapping Fieldhands
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