It’s springtime in Texas, and everything seems possible.
For the first time in several years, we mostly sat out SXSW, though we’ll probably to be back next year – the only SW-related performance was a live soundtrack to some footage shot by Scottish filmmaker David Mackenzie on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha last year.
We’ve just started work on a new and very different album, about which we’ll have some major news soon.
Available for preorder now at your friendly local record shop, on your favorite internet music service, and/or at our Bandcamp page.
Last month, I sent Patreon friends a holiday gift: the demos that became Animal Joy. A few have appeared before, but it's fun to hear them all in one place (a decade later).
Unlike the demos for Jet Plane and Oxbow, these are very bare-bones: mostly me and drummer Cully Symington bashing away in a grim rehearsal space in Austin. These demos got us dropped from Matador—and signed to Sub Pop.
If you'd like to hear them, I'll give them to anyone who subscribes in the next week at patreon.com/jonathanmeiburg . (JM)
This "dropped by Matador" story sounds interesting. Also, I love Animal Joy. "Dread Sovereign" is probably my favorite Shearwater song.
Thank you for posting a reminder about this, I had forgotten to download them in December! I am currently listening to the Most Remarkable Creature audiobook <3
Oh gosh I’ve been listening to Animal Joy a bit this season. I’d love to hear the demos!
I love those demos, glad you're sharing them!
One of my all time favourite albums. Although as time has gone on, JPAO may. Have actually surpassed it.
I'll always defend Believing Makes It Easy as my favorite song ever, and hearing it's demo is enlightening. Such a great demo tape!
“…me and drummer Cully Symington bashing away in a grim rehearsal space in Austin. These demos got us dropped from Matador—and signed to Sub Pop.” Might be my most favourite quote this week.
Whoa, awesome! What tier gets this?
One of my favorite albums that exists. And “I’m So Glad” is one of those B-sides I really really wish were on every version of the record.
Animal Joy is my favorite Shearwater album for in the car.
That’s the stuff I like.
Please go support JM on Patreon if you don’t already! He posts wonderful things like this as well as updates on where in the world Jonathan Meiburg currently exists. His posts are always a good read and helping an artist continue to follow their muse is a worthy cause.
In a strange coincidence, or a crazy random happenstance, I just watched a documentary about Sub Pop on a show called Dark Side of the 90’s. It’s an interesting story!
How a record label would ever drop JM and Co is mind boggling. Kick rocks, Matador. I got you, JM. Animal Joy rips, btw.
Also, Matador is wack for that js. 😬
Thank you, Under the Radar, for including The Great Awakening in your top 100 albums of 2022!
Under the Radar’s Top 100 Albums of 2022
www.undertheradarmag.com
Are things back to normal in 2022? They are, aren’t they? Well not quite.Thanks for putting out such an amazing album!
Under the Radar seems like the one publication that aligned with my musical taste the most. Seems fitting your record is included. Congrats!
Seems most of the lists I see are just pop music this year. Glad to see one recognized your beautiful album.
The whole catalogue should be appreciated, and everything Loma has done as well.
Best album of 2022. I'm waiting on Tim Smith's Harp recording, this year
So good. Well deserved.
A gentle reminder that AMRC is available in paperback if you need a last minute stocking stuffer or holiday gift.
You should be able to purchase it and The Great Awakening wherever you prefer to buy books/music. But my website has some links to where you can find AMRC: jonathanmeiburg.com
The Great Awakening would also make a great gift, though books are more gift-y? Is that true?
Put a link to purchase it ? 🤗
It's a fascinating book! :)
I'm reading it. Your writing is masterful, JM!
So, now I know of three books with 'Remarkable Creature' in the title. www.tchevalier.com/10-rc/100-remarkable-creatures and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
Yesssssssss
