Dr. Dog
Encyclopedia
Dr. Dog is a psychedelic rock
band from West Grove
, Pennsylvania
. Its lineup currently consists of Toby Leaman (bass), Scott McMicken (lead guitar), Frank McElroy (rhythm guitar
), Zach Miller (keyboard), and Eric Slick (drums). Lead vocal duties are shared between Leaman and McMicken, with all members contributing harmonies
. In addition, each band member has a nickname
, and they have explained that friends of the band also receive nicknames, which are drawn from aspects of their lives and personalities (Former member Andrew Jones, for example, is a licensed attorney).
The band's version of pop-rock is strongly influenced by bands of the 1960s. Their earlier recordings show influence of the lo-fi sound and pop sensibilities of indie rock bands of the 1990s, such as Guided By Voices
and Pavement
. Recent albums have featured more polished production.
in 2002. Mark left the band in 2003 and O'Donnell left in 2004. Juston Stens replaced Ted Mark on drums. The band's early years were spent largely in and around Philadelphia where they developed a small fanbase touring with other local bands such as The Teeth
.
In 2004, My Morning Jacket
invited them on two tours after a copy of Toothbrush
was given to Jim James
after a My Morning Jacket
show. Soon after, The New York Times music critic Kelefa Sanneh praised the group's album Easy Beat in a December 2004 article, leading to attention from other critics. They signed with Park The Van Records, who released the album Easy Beat
, and completed their first cross-country tour in 2005. A music video was released for the song "Fool's Life". Late 2005 saw the departure of Jones, who became a full-time lawyer. Jones was replaced by Frank McElroy, a friend of Stens from New Jersey. The band continued to tour heavily as their popularity grew, due in part to their use of the internet to promote their growing catalog.
, which has a markedly cleaner production compared to earlier albums. They appeared on Late Night with David Letterman
in support of the album. Through the late summer of 2007, Dr. Dog streamed ten unreleased tracks on their website, with a new song debuting weekly. Songs were posted each Monday from July 2 until September 3. These recordings were later released as an album, titled Passed Away, Vol. 1
. In 2008, the band released Fate
. They appeared again on Late Night with Conan O'Brien
on July 17, 2008, in support of the album and then on the new Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
on April 2, 2009 as well as the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Then the band went on tour with The Cave Singers and label-mates Golden Boots.
On July 29, 2009, Dr. Dog signed to Anti- Records. The first album on their new label, titled Shame, Shame
, was released April 6, 2010. Scott McMicken has characterized the album as more modern, and a little more punk rock, more prominently featuring electric guitars, so as to accurately reflect the band's live show. During this year, Eric Slick replaced Juston Stens on drums for the Shame, Shame tours although Stens plays most of the drums on the record. Stens continues to make music with Juston Stens and the Get Real Gang. Dr. Dog toured in support of Shame, Shame for about two years and performed again on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. For 2010's Black Friday Record Store Day
, the band released a limited red and blue 7" collection of four tracks recorded in the summer of 2011. These were the first songs recorded with Eric Slick on drums. They were later rereleased with Shame, Shame
as a deluxe edition of the album.
On October 26, 2011, McMicken announced that their new album, Be The Void, will be released in February of 2012. This will be the first album made with Dimitri Manos, also in the band Golden Boots, as an official member of the band although he has toured with the band extensively. He has played drums on Easy Beat and once filled in for Juston Stens last minute for a whole tour. They also plan to release a new 7" for the upcoming 2011 Black Friday Record Store Day
. The 7" includes the new tracks "Warrior Man" and "Control Yourself" and each vinyl will be a different color.
Psychedelic rock
Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that is inspired or influenced by psychedelic culture and attempts to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs. It emerged during the mid 1960s among folk rock and blues rock bands in United States and the United Kingdom...
band from West Grove
West Grove, Pennsylvania
West Grove is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,854 at the 2010 census.-History:The village of West Grove derived its name from the Friends Meeting House on Harmony Road built in 1787 several miles west of the Friends Meeting House in the village of...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. Its lineup currently consists of Toby Leaman (bass), Scott McMicken (lead guitar), Frank McElroy (rhythm guitar
Rhythm guitar
Rhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
), Zach Miller (keyboard), and Eric Slick (drums). Lead vocal duties are shared between Leaman and McMicken, with all members contributing harmonies
Harmony
In music, harmony is the use of simultaneous pitches , or chords. The study of harmony involves chords and their construction and chord progressions and the principles of connection that govern them. Harmony is often said to refer to the "vertical" aspect of music, as distinguished from melodic...
. In addition, each band member has a nickname
Nickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
, and they have explained that friends of the band also receive nicknames, which are drawn from aspects of their lives and personalities (Former member Andrew Jones, for example, is a licensed attorney).
The band's version of pop-rock is strongly influenced by bands of the 1960s. Their earlier recordings show influence of the lo-fi sound and pop sensibilities of indie rock bands of the 1990s, such as Guided By Voices
Guided by Voices
Guided by Voices is an American indie rock band originating from Dayton, Ohio. Beginning with the band's formation in 1983, it made frequent personnel changes but always maintained the presence of principal songwriter Robert Pollard...
and Pavement
Pavement (band)
Pavement is an American alternative rock band that formed in Stockton, California in 1989. In their career, they achieved a significant cult following, and they were called the best band of the 1990s by prominent music critics Robert Christgau and Stephen Thomas Erlewine...
. Recent albums have featured more polished production.
Origins
The band began as an offshoot of Leaman's and McMicken's earlier music project called Raccoon. Dr. Dog formed with the addition of Miller, drummer Ted Mark, and guitarist Doug O'Donnell. Their early recordings were experimental and recorded on eight track. They self-recorded and self-released their first album The Psychedelic Swamp in 2001. They released ToothbrushToothbrush (album)
Toothbrush is the second studio album by Dr. Dog. It was self-released in 2002 by Dr. Dog, although the official release date and record label is speculated. Little is known on the official release and mass distributions of the album....
in 2002. Mark left the band in 2003 and O'Donnell left in 2004. Juston Stens replaced Ted Mark on drums. The band's early years were spent largely in and around Philadelphia where they developed a small fanbase touring with other local bands such as The Teeth
The Teeth
The Teeth was an indie rock band from Philadelphia consisting of twin brothers Aaron MoDavis on rhythm guitar and Peter MoDavis on bass guitar. Other members include Brian Ashby on lead guitar and Jonas Oesterle on drums...
.
In 2004, My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket is an American rock band from Louisville, Kentucky.The band consists of Jim James , Tom 'Two-Tone Tommy' Blankenship , Patrick Hallahan , Carl Broemel , and Bo Koster .-History:My Morning Jacket was...
invited them on two tours after a copy of Toothbrush
Toothbrush
The toothbrush is an oral hygiene instrument used to clean the teeth and gums that consists of a head of tightly clustered bristles mounted on a handle, which facilitates the cleansing of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Toothpaste, which often contains fluoride, is commonly used in conjunction...
was given to Jim James
Jim James
James Edward Olliges Jr. , professionally known as Jim James or Yim Yames, is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of Louisville, Kentucky-based rock band My Morning Jacket. James grew up in the Hikes Point neighborhood of Louisville, attended St. Martha grade school and graduated...
after a My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket is an American rock band from Louisville, Kentucky.The band consists of Jim James , Tom 'Two-Tone Tommy' Blankenship , Patrick Hallahan , Carl Broemel , and Bo Koster .-History:My Morning Jacket was...
show. Soon after, The New York Times music critic Kelefa Sanneh praised the group's album Easy Beat in a December 2004 article, leading to attention from other critics. They signed with Park The Van Records, who released the album Easy Beat
Easy Beat
Easy Beat is the third album by Dr. Dog. It was released March 15, 2005. It was the first release on Park the Van Records as well as the band's first official release on a record label.-Track listing:All tracks by Dr...
, and completed their first cross-country tour in 2005. A music video was released for the song "Fool's Life". Late 2005 saw the departure of Jones, who became a full-time lawyer. Jones was replaced by Frank McElroy, a friend of Stens from New Jersey. The band continued to tour heavily as their popularity grew, due in part to their use of the internet to promote their growing catalog.
Recent History
By 2006, Dr. Dog started using a new studio as well as new recording equipment. Philadelphia engineer/producer Bill Moriarty, who they share the studio with, is credited in helping the members use this new equipment to create particular sounds they wanted in their new recordings due to his vast knowledge in recording tools and methods. That year, they released the Takers and Leavers EP. Two of the tracks on the EP would later be released on their next album. In 2007, they released We All BelongWe All Belong
We All Belong is the fourth album by Dr. Dog. It was released February 27, 2007. The album finds the band adding more to their typical indie-rock sound, including a wider variety of instruments and psychedelic group harmony. The entire record, as well as the preceding Takers and Leavers - EP, was...
, which has a markedly cleaner production compared to earlier albums. They appeared on Late Night with David Letterman
Late Night with David Letterman
Late Night with David Letterman is a nightly hour-long comedy talk show on NBC that was created and hosted by David Letterman. It premiered in 1982 as the first incarnation of the Late Night franchise and went off the air in 1993, after Letterman left NBC and moved to Late Show on CBS. Late Night...
in support of the album. Through the late summer of 2007, Dr. Dog streamed ten unreleased tracks on their website, with a new song debuting weekly. Songs were posted each Monday from July 2 until September 3. These recordings were later released as an album, titled Passed Away, Vol. 1
Passed Away, Vol. 1
Passed Away, Vol. 1 is a digital compilation by Dr. Dog. The album, which was released March 4, 2008, is a collection of songs from a variety of times and places, found on old tapes and demos, that the band wished to release. The songs are more lo-fi than the latter releases of Dr. Dog, comparable...
. In 2008, the band released Fate
Fate
Fate commonly refers to destiny, a predetermined course of events.Fate may also refer to:* Moirae or Fates, in Greek mythology* Time and fate deities, personifications of time and human fate in polytheistic religions- Film and television :...
. They appeared again on Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Late Night with Conan O'Brien is an American late-night talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien that aired 2,725 episodes on NBC between 1993 and 2009. The show featured varied comedic material, celebrity interviews, and musical and comedy performances. Late Night aired weeknights at 12:37 am...
on July 17, 2008, in support of the album and then on the new Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is an American late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Fallon on NBC. The show premiered on March 2, 2009, as the third incarnation of the Late Night franchise originated by David Letterman....
on April 2, 2009 as well as the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Then the band went on tour with The Cave Singers and label-mates Golden Boots.
On July 29, 2009, Dr. Dog signed to Anti- Records. The first album on their new label, titled Shame, Shame
Shame, Shame
-Track listing:*Written by Toby Leaman and Scott McMicken.# "Stranger"# "Shadow People"# "Station"# "Unbearable Why"# "Where'd All the Time Go?"# "Later"# "I Only Wear Blue"# "Someday"# "Mirror, Mirror"# "Jackie Wants a Black Eye"# "Shame, Shame"...
, was released April 6, 2010. Scott McMicken has characterized the album as more modern, and a little more punk rock, more prominently featuring electric guitars, so as to accurately reflect the band's live show. During this year, Eric Slick replaced Juston Stens on drums for the Shame, Shame tours although Stens plays most of the drums on the record. Stens continues to make music with Juston Stens and the Get Real Gang. Dr. Dog toured in support of Shame, Shame for about two years and performed again on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. For 2010's Black Friday Record Store Day
Record Store Day
Record Store Day is an internationally celebrated day observed the third Saturday of April each year. Its purpose, as conceived by independent record store employee Chris Brown, is to celebrate the art of music...
, the band released a limited red and blue 7" collection of four tracks recorded in the summer of 2011. These were the first songs recorded with Eric Slick on drums. They were later rereleased with Shame, Shame
Shame, Shame
-Track listing:*Written by Toby Leaman and Scott McMicken.# "Stranger"# "Shadow People"# "Station"# "Unbearable Why"# "Where'd All the Time Go?"# "Later"# "I Only Wear Blue"# "Someday"# "Mirror, Mirror"# "Jackie Wants a Black Eye"# "Shame, Shame"...
as a deluxe edition of the album.
On October 26, 2011, McMicken announced that their new album, Be The Void, will be released in February of 2012. This will be the first album made with Dimitri Manos, also in the band Golden Boots, as an official member of the band although he has toured with the band extensively. He has played drums on Easy Beat and once filled in for Juston Stens last minute for a whole tour. They also plan to release a new 7" for the upcoming 2011 Black Friday Record Store Day
Record Store Day
Record Store Day is an internationally celebrated day observed the third Saturday of April each year. Its purpose, as conceived by independent record store employee Chris Brown, is to celebrate the art of music...
. The 7" includes the new tracks "Warrior Man" and "Control Yourself" and each vinyl will be a different color.
Discography
Albums
- ToothbrushToothbrush (album)Toothbrush is the second studio album by Dr. Dog. It was self-released in 2002 by Dr. Dog, although the official release date and record label is speculated. Little is known on the official release and mass distributions of the album....
(2002) - Easy BeatEasy BeatEasy Beat is the third album by Dr. Dog. It was released March 15, 2005. It was the first release on Park the Van Records as well as the band's first official release on a record label.-Track listing:All tracks by Dr...
(March 15, 2005) - We All BelongWe All BelongWe All Belong is the fourth album by Dr. Dog. It was released February 27, 2007. The album finds the band adding more to their typical indie-rock sound, including a wider variety of instruments and psychedelic group harmony. The entire record, as well as the preceding Takers and Leavers - EP, was...
(February 27, 2007) #30 (US Heatseekers) - FateFate (Dr. Dog album)Fate is the fifth album by Philadelphia psychedelic rock band Dr. Dog. It was released on July 22, 2008. The album introduces some new studio elements to their established indie rock sound....
(July 22, 2008) #86 (US) - Shame, ShameShame, Shame-Track listing:*Written by Toby Leaman and Scott McMicken.# "Stranger"# "Shadow People"# "Station"# "Unbearable Why"# "Where'd All the Time Go?"# "Later"# "I Only Wear Blue"# "Someday"# "Mirror, Mirror"# "Jackie Wants a Black Eye"# "Shame, Shame"...
(April 6, 2010) #44 (US) - Be The Void (February 7, 2012)
Compilations
- Passed Away, Vol. 1Passed Away, Vol. 1Passed Away, Vol. 1 is a digital compilation by Dr. Dog. The album, which was released March 4, 2008, is a collection of songs from a variety of times and places, found on old tapes and demos, that the band wished to release. The songs are more lo-fi than the latter releases of Dr. Dog, comparable...
(2008) - 10 Dr. Dog songs, for you. (Promotional)
- Twistable Turnable Man: A Musical Tribute to Shel Silverstein (2010)
7" Vinyls
- Al Thomas and the Robot (by The M'sThe M's-History:The M's were formed in 2000 by Josh Chicoine, Joey King, Steve Versaw and Robert Hicks. Chicoine, King and Versaw met in the Winter of 1999 and began collaborating in a make-shift studio in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood in which the short lived group, Sanoponic, was formed...
)/Me and My Girl (2006) - Goner/I Hope There's Love (2006)
- The Girl/Heart It Races (Architecture In HelsinkiArchitecture in HelsinkiArchitecture in Helsinki is an Australian indie pop band which consists of Cameron Bird, Gus Franklin, Jamie Mildren, Sam Perry, and Kellie Sutherland...
cover) (2007) - The Dearly Departed/Is It Worth My Time? (2008)
- The Breeze (performed by Floating Action)/Don't Stop Loving Me Now (performed by Dr. Dog) (2009)
- Take Me Into Town/Black-Red and Nobody Knows Who You Are/The Sound (2010)
- Control Yourself/Warrior Man (2011)
Amplification
- Scott plays the first Sommatone Overdrive 75 ever built. He has a custom head stripped of its tolex as well as two 2x12 open back cabinets.