Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea
Encyclopedia
Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea is indie-rock band Silver Jews
sixth, and last, studio album, released 17 June 2008. It was recorded at Marble Valley
of Lexington, Virginia
and Lake Fever Productions of Nashville, Tennessee
. Silver Jews records are known for featuring different casts of musicians. This album features the touring band of lead singer, David Berman, including his wife Cassie. Berman has said that the album is "really different" compared to previous ones.
, Berman said that whilst recording he used a new guitar to influence a new mindset. He wrote all of the songs before going into the studio, so that he could make sure each song took "into account its neighbours". The vocals were not recorded until last, as he kept changing the lyrics and wanted to be able to edit them without having to re-record the entire song. Berman went on to say that at the end of recording he wished he'd had more time to write, as there were still things he would have changed. "What Is Not But Could Be If" was a 'totally different kind of writing' for Berman, and he compared it to bands that sang slogans and epigrammatic writing.
Silver Jews
Silver Jews was an indie rock band from New York City, formed in 1989 by David Berman along with Pavement's Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich. Berman remained throughout and was the only constant member. During the last few albums, Cassie Berman became a regular member of the band...
sixth, and last, studio album, released 17 June 2008. It was recorded at Marble Valley
Marble Valley
Marble Valley is a band formed by the drummer of the indie rock band Pavement, Steve West.Steve 'John' West – VocalsRemko 'Duche' Schouten – Samples & VocalsJames Waudby – Guitars & VocalsAndy Dimmack – Drums & VocalsCarl Hogarth – Piano & Keyboards...
of Lexington, Virginia
Lexington, Virginia
Lexington is an independent city within the confines of Rockbridge County in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The population was 7,042 in 2010. Lexington is about 55 minutes east of the West Virginia border and is about 50 miles north of Roanoke, Virginia. It was first settled in 1777.It is home to...
and Lake Fever Productions of Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
. Silver Jews records are known for featuring different casts of musicians. This album features the touring band of lead singer, David Berman, including his wife Cassie. Berman has said that the album is "really different" compared to previous ones.
Recording
In an interview with Pitchfork MediaPitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
, Berman said that whilst recording he used a new guitar to influence a new mindset. He wrote all of the songs before going into the studio, so that he could make sure each song took "into account its neighbours". The vocals were not recorded until last, as he kept changing the lyrics and wanted to be able to edit them without having to re-record the entire song. Berman went on to say that at the end of recording he wished he'd had more time to write, as there were still things he would have changed. "What Is Not But Could Be If" was a 'totally different kind of writing' for Berman, and he compared it to bands that sang slogans and epigrammatic writing.
Music
Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea has been described as one of the Silver Jews' 'lightest' albums.Tracklisting
- "What Is Not but Could Be If" - 3:08
- "Aloysius, Bluegrass Drummer" - 1:54
- "Suffering Jukebox" - 4:21
- "My Pillow Is the Threshold" - 3:52
- "Strange Victory, Strange Defeat" - 2:44
- "Open Field" - 2:39
- "San Francisco B.C." - 6:15
- "Candy Jail" - 2:30
- "Party Barge" - 2:55
- "We Could Be Looking for the Same Thing" - 3:35