Moon Duo/Wooden Shjips

Post by **spzretent** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 3:01 pm

After delving in to both bands back catalogs I am amazed at the progression on each bands latest releases.
Moon Duo Circles sounds so much more confident and fun than Mazes. Mazes was one of my albums of the year when it came out but Circles is such an amazing record from start to finish. It is a huge step forward.
Wooden Shjips- Back To Land is the same exact thing over West in my opinion.
Take this with a grain of salt as I am more pop oriented in my taste than a lot of you folks.
Great to see two(related)band getting better and better with each release.

Post by **runcible** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 4:09 pm

I agree although Back to Land sounds like 'part 3' of the Shjips catalogue. I love it as it just sounds so good and it's really infectious. I take the 'samey' criticism people throw at them but my 'get out clause' is simply that I like that kind of music.

Post by **spzretent** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 4:21 pm

I am not the huge fan you are. While there is a "sound" there they seem to be having a bit more fun. That is how it pops out of the grooves to me. I think both releases are a big step forward.
The packaging on Back To Land is just fantastic.

mojo filters · Post by **mojo filters** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 5:50 pm

Whilst I'm not so au fait with the Wooden Shijps catalogue, I found that with Moon Duo I originally quite liked the two albums.

However after subsequently really enjoying the remixed versions, hearing both more recently, I found the originals a bit dull and repetitive when I went back and listened to them again - to the degree that I haven't bothered with either hardly since, as the versions of the songs on the remix albums are (mostly) those I prefer, if I'm going to listen to the band now.

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 10:50 am

Moon Duo live album on the way : http://www.sacredbonesrecords.com/colle ... in-ravenna

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 12:16 am

New Wooden Shjips album 'V' up for pre-order: https://woodenshjips.bandcamp.com/track ... at-the-sun

Preview track has a similar mellow groove to Occult Architecture Vol.2

stegraham · Post by **stegraham** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 8:30 am

Great stuff - with all the Moon Duo activity I though the Shjips had gone on permanent hiatus!

angelsighs · Post by **angelsighs** » Fri Jan 26, 2018 7:08 pm

new song sounds very Spacemen 3? or is it just me? could easily fit on Recurring

niamhm · Post by **niamhm** » Fri Jan 26, 2018 9:14 pm

angelsighs wrote:new song sounds very Spacemen 3? or is it just me? could easily fit on Recurring

I thought so as well, more Spacemen than Moon Duo, sounds very good though.

angelsighs · Post by **angelsighs** » Sat Jan 27, 2018 12:20 pm

niamhm wrote:
angelsighs wrote:new song sounds very Spacemen 3? or is it just me? could easily fit on Recurring
I thought so as well, more Spacemen than Moon Duo, sounds very good though.

Not just me then! Don't get me wrong it's a great song, just thought the Spacemen similarities were very striking.

TheWarmth · Post by **TheWarmth** » Sat Jan 27, 2018 5:20 pm

Man, this new track is great. I haven't been very impressed with anything by Moon Duo or WS over the past five years or so, but this is totally expansive and a new vibe for them. I do think the vocal sounds very Kember-ish, but that's cool with me.

Post by **MODLAB** » Sat Jan 27, 2018 5:31 pm

Great tune. I'm sure Pete has something to do with it.

M

Post by **spzretent** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 7:43 pm

Anyone else get a bum copy of the Wooden Shjips V blue vinyl LP. My side 2 is unplayable. In fact there are three rather explosive pops that sound like they are going to tear my cartridge apart.
I have contacted Thrill Jockey and they apparently cant be bothered to respond which I find infuriating.
The local shop I bought it in cant return vinyl and I don't want them to take the hit if I can avoid it.

olan · Post by **olan** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 9:41 pm

spzretent wrote: ↑Sun Jun 10, 2018 7:43 pm Anyone else get a bum copy of the Wooden Shjips V blue vinyl LP. My side 2 is unplayable. In fact there are three rather explosive pops that sound like they are going to tear my cartridge apart.
I have contacted Thrill Jockey and they apparently cant be bothered to respond which I find infuriating.
The local shop I bought it in cant return vinyl and I don't want them to take the hit if I can avoid it.

I don't recall any issues with my copy Alan. I'll give it another play to check. I was dramatically underwhelmed by the first couple of listens to it so haven't really been back to it.

Post by **spzretent** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 9:59 pm

Olan.
The bummer is side 2 is where it's at.
I posted something on their FB page.
Maybe that will get their attention.

olan · Post by **olan** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 10:38 pm

spzretent wrote: ↑Sun Jun 10, 2018 9:59 pm Olan.
The bummer is side 2 is where it's at.
I posted something on their FB page.
Maybe that will get their attention.

OK Alan, I listened to Side 2 just now. There are no issues with my pressing, which is the European white vinyl limited edition. FWIW, I have more or less given up on TJ who are about as unhelpful a label as I can think of. I bought my copy via my local record shop, Probe, in Liverpool. If there were any issues with a pressing there would be no messing about over returning them. Pretty difficult position when a retailer is on 'no returns' unless they are getting huge discounts.

Post by **spzretent** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 1:46 am

Side note Olan.
Did you enjoy side 2?

olan · Post by **olan** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 6:05 am

spzretent wrote: ↑Mon Jun 11, 2018 1:46 am Side note Olan.
Did you enjoy side 2?

It is OK. This is a decent Wooden Shjips record. My issue with it is really that it is a bit Ripley-by-numbers. I don't think they've come near to producing tunes of the quality of 'Aquarian Time' or 'We ask you to ride' on any of the last two or three records. All the LPs have all been solid, and the gigs are great. Despite the marked increase in the quality of recording and production, there is no real sense of progress. This is a good solid B+ as far as I'm concerned. I do agree that the B-side contains the superior tunes though.

stegraham · Post by **stegraham** » Fri May 31, 2019 1:26 pm

Just seen - on the Moon Duo FB page - that Ripley has a new project called Rose City Band. Listened to a couple of tracks on youtube and sound good - nothing radical or different than what he usually does, maybe a bit more country?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AJ5vGM7ID4

I'm usually a CD'er, but it seems it's only available on vinyl and download. Looking at Rough Trade and Picadilly Records the vinyl is beign sold for 25-28 quid!! Is that normal for vinyl nowadays - seems alot! Might have to go for the download if no CD emerges.

ste

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Fri May 31, 2019 4:21 pm

I was under the impression Ripley produced it, i'm not sure he plays on it. I could be totally wrong though.

My interest was piqued by the description on Piccadilly's mailout yesterday: "Sort of a back porch jam just as the shrooms are starting to kick in."

niamhm · Post by **niamhm** » Fri May 31, 2019 10:12 pm

I`m 99% he plays on it, listened to it twice last night on Bandcamp, unmistakably him from the singing and playing I would say, for what it is its a fantastic little album to my ears, I paid £24.50 I think from Norman Records, probably £5 over priced for some reason but a few listens and I had to have it

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 11:04 am

You are correct. I'm only getting to listen to it now and it's obviously Ripley! I'm liking it lots.

BROKENHEART · Post by **BROKENHEART** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 1:07 pm

Nice chilled album. Lots of the usual reverb, some slide with the trademark repetitive rhythms in a country style.
Only on my first listening, but I'm sure I'm going to really get into this album.
Review and q&a in Uncut 7/10 .

BROKENHEART · Post by **BROKENHEART** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 3:37 pm

" Fog of Love " is the one for me .

purespace · Post by **purespace** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 11:33 pm

stegraham wrote: ↑Fri May 31, 2019 1:26 pm Just seen - on the Moon Duo FB page - that Ripley has a new project called Rose City Band. Listened to a couple of tracks on youtube and sound good - nothing radical or different than what he usually does, maybe a bit more country?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AJ5vGM7ID4

I'm usually a CD'er, but it seems it's only available on vinyl and download. Looking at Rough Trade and Picadilly Records the vinyl is beign sold for 25-28 quid!! Is that normal for vinyl nowadays - seems alot! Might have to go for the download if no CD emerges.

ste

Limited edition of 300 colored vinyl on Bandcamp only for $18 US dollars

Post by **spzretent** » Sun Jun 02, 2019 2:24 am

Ordered.
Listening to the d/l right now.
Sounds gorgeous.

Shinesalight · Post by **Shinesalight** » Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:08 pm

From Discogs:-

The debut record from Rose City Band. Limited edition of 300 copies pressed on colored vinyl and only available through Bandcamp and Wooden Shjips concerts . Produced and recorded by Ripley Johnson (Moon Duo, Wooden Shjips) in Portland, and mixed by Chris Cohen, the album finds its niche in the hazy sonic landscape of private press country and psych records, and alongside artists like Relatively Clean Rivers, Jim Sullivan, Kenny Knight, and countless other explorers of the pastoral underground.

Produced by Ripley Johnson
Recorded in 2018 in Portland, Oregon
Drums recorded by Colin Stewart at The Hive
Mixed by Chris Cohen and Ripley Johnson
Additional production by Jason Powers at Type Foundry Studio
Mastered by Timothy Stollenwerk at Stereophonic Mastering
Cover art and design by D. Norsen
Special guest John Jeffrey on drums

"This album is dedicated to S.Y."

Off to see the Shjips in Brighton tonight so hopefully will be able to get my hands on one with these. The shipping costs on Bandcamp are more than the price of the album.

Post by **spzretent** » Mon Jun 03, 2019 3:16 am

Any time you get this description:

"Produced and recorded by Ripley Johnson (Moon Duo, Wooden Shjips) in Portland, and mixed by Chris Cohen, the album finds its niche in the hazy sonic landscape of private press country and psych records, and alongside artists like Relatively Clean Rivers, Jim Sullivan, Kenny Knight, and countless other explorers of the pastoral underground.

Ripley describes the album this way:
"The band was aiming to capture a timeless, natural sound, not quite of the present, past, or future, but phasing in between the consciousness of now and the stoned dream-state of the eternal. Sort of a back porch jam just as the shrooms are starting to kick in. Handmade and human, but also cosmic and transcendental. But the goal is to let the music speak for itself and hopefully find a weird and wonderful audience somewhere out there.”

When the gorgeous Relatively Clean Rivers Lp gets name checked that is reason enough to explore this further.
A tip of the hat to Sunray for Piccadilly Record's description.

stegraham · Post by **stegraham** » Mon Jun 03, 2019 8:34 am

Well, I let the moths out of the wallet, and splashed the cash on the vinyl. Odered online from a UK record shop. Looking forward to getting it and having a good listen.

veiko · Post by **veiko** » Tue Jun 04, 2019 5:30 am

Rose City Band - don't know if it is a good or bad thing, but some vocal moments remind me of 22-Pistepirkko https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWFtUbYiCMw

stegraham · Post by **stegraham** » Thu Jun 06, 2019 7:45 am

Got my vinyl from Norman Recs. It doesn't have a DL code, do you only get the DL code if you buy from their bandcamp site, does any one know?

Ste

niamhm · Post by **niamhm** » Thu Jun 06, 2019 8:10 pm

stegraham wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2019 7:45 am Got my vinyl from Norman Recs. It doesn't have a DL code, do you only get the DL code if you buy from their bandcamp site, does any one know?

Ste

Same here, I contacted them through bandcamp and they replied within about two hrs with a code, can dm you a link if you like,

stegraham · Post by **stegraham** » Fri Nov 15, 2019 2:22 pm

I see that Rose City Band have signed to the Thrill Jockey label, and they are re-releasing the debut album again:

https://thrilljockey.com/products/rose-city-band

Hope this means that there'll be more records by them, and maybe a tour?

Ste

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Thu Feb 27, 2020 10:06 pm

New Rose City Band lp arriving in May: http://thrilljockey.com/products/summerlong

Post by **runcible** » Fri Feb 28, 2020 7:10 am

sunray wrote: ↑Thu Feb 27, 2020 10:06 pm New Rose City Band lp arriving in May: http://thrilljockey.com/products/summerlong

Ordered. That's exciting news. Love that debut album!

stegraham · Post by **stegraham** » Fri Feb 28, 2020 8:31 am

Blimey! Ripley's a busy man with his various projects. Great news though - really like the first record, still play it on a regular basis.

Ste

niamhm · Post by **niamhm** » Fri Feb 28, 2020 9:23 pm

sunray wrote: ↑Thu Feb 27, 2020 10:06 pm New Rose City Band lp arriving in May: http://thrilljockey.com/products/summerlong

Ordered last night, what a work ethic, 1st album was a musical highlight of last yr,

burningwheel · Post by **burningwheel** » Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:02 am

Just got an email from thrill jockey. I didnt see this version

purespace · Post by **purespace** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 1:26 pm

burningwheel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:02 am Just got an email from thrill jockey. I didnt see this version

I preordered the Teal version as that was the only option. Anyone know the link to this version?

clewsr · Post by **clewsr** » Mon Mar 02, 2020 8:53 am

Hey Good news. Got the vinyl pre ordered, and listening the to the debut as a good way to start the day.

Post by **spzretent** » Wed Mar 04, 2020 2:47 pm

burningwheel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:02 am Just got an email from thrill jockey. I didnt see this version

https://rosecityband.bandcamp.com/album/summerlong

purespace · Post by **purespace** » Wed Mar 04, 2020 3:52 pm

spzretent wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 2:47 pm
burningwheel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:02 am Just got an email from thrill jockey. I didnt see this version

https://rosecityband.bandcamp.com/album/summerlong

Nice one, just got the email as well and ordered this version too

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Wed Mar 04, 2020 7:13 pm

spzretent wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 2:47 pm
burningwheel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:02 am Just got an email from thrill jockey. I didnt see this version

https://rosecityband.bandcamp.com/album/summerlong

Nice. Unfortunately, the postage is €6 dearer than the actual record so i will have to pass.

Post by **spzretent** » Wed Mar 04, 2020 7:26 pm

purespace wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 3:52 pm
spzretent wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 2:47 pm
burningwheel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:02 am Just got an email from thrill jockey. I didnt see this version

https://rosecityband.bandcamp.com/album/summerlong
Nice one, just got the email as well and ordered this version too

I bought both too. I love this band.

purespace · Post by **purespace** » Wed Mar 04, 2020 10:00 pm

spzretent wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 7:26 pm
purespace wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 3:52 pm
spzretent wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 2:47 pm
burningwheel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:02 am Just got an email from thrill jockey. I didnt see this version

https://rosecityband.bandcamp.com/album/summerlong
Nice one, just got the email as well and ordered this version too
I bought both too. I love this band.

We do too. Was blasting the 1st one all summer outside on the farm. Great stuff. Ripley is one prolific and right on artist

burningwheel · Post by **burningwheel** » Wed Apr 29, 2020 8:35 pm

spzretent wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 2:47 pm
burningwheel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:02 am Just got an email from thrill jockey. I didnt see this version

https://rosecityband.bandcamp.com/album/summerlong

Fuck. Didn't see this so I missed out. I wonder how many copies there were. Fuck

purespace · Post by **purespace** » Wed Apr 29, 2020 9:52 pm

burningwheel wrote: ↑Wed Apr 29, 2020 8:35 pm
spzretent wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2020 2:47 pm
burningwheel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:02 am Just got an email from thrill jockey. I didnt see this version

https://rosecityband.bandcamp.com/album/summerlong
Fuck. Didn't see this so I missed out. I wonder how many copies there were. Fuck

Looks like the spatter vinyl may still be available for preorder on Rough Trade https://www.roughtrade.com/us/rose-city ... ng/lp-plus

Post by **runcible** » Thu Apr 30, 2020 1:53 pm

I played a load of Shjips stuff last night and felt surprised at just how loads of it was. I'd forgotten! I've got more into the Moon Duo and Rose City vibe but the Shjips have so many great tunes across every album they released.

That said I am really excited about this new RCB album!

Post by **runcible** » Thu May 07, 2020 9:20 am

New Rose City Band tunes are sounding great. A neat country rock angle is noticeable here, with the 2nd tune tipping a hat to the Grateful Dead's classic 'Cumberland Blues'. But Ripley is something of a Deadhead so perhaps not too surprising.

https://rosecityband.bandcamp.com/album/summerlong

Post by **runcible** » Mon May 18, 2020 9:46 am

The Rose City Band album is there to stream in full and those of us who bought it were sent downloads too. It's absolutely beautiful - some of Ripley's finest music to date and one where he is obviously very happy to show the influences he's brought in here. His guitar is unmistakable but the Grateful Dead vibe is obvious on several songs. Some of it is almost pastiche. The closing section of 'Empty Bottles', most of 'Real Long Gone' and the Pigpen like 'Reno Shuffle' all have that Dead vibe, but Ripley recently proudly displayed his Dead tickets stubs on Instagram recently so he's obviously in that zone right now.

I know someone else is drumming but I think Ripley plays everything else. I'm a sucker for quality pedal steel and he uses that to fine effect here. The album is psychedelic in essence but with a quality country rock twang from the word go.

It's perfect summer sunshine music and the release couldn't have been better timed. It really lifted our lockdown mood over the weekend and was a perpetual soundtrack for most of it. Music like this just makes you smile. Album of the year? It's certainly a contender. Love it!

SpEnCeR1 · Post by **SpEnCeR1** » Mon May 18, 2020 12:14 pm

Yeah. I'm digging it. Very nice liked the previous album alot too. They are certainly mining a groove in their various incarnations. Moon Duo were supposed to be playing Nottingham (hometown) in autumn. I suspect that's off now.

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Mon May 18, 2020 10:01 pm

Good album alright. Plenty of tripped-out, blissed-out, sunshine goodness.

However, Ripley stil persists with a chord/key change/switch-up (i dunno what the fuck you call it) on most of his songs that frustrates me. Nice groove going then a few seconds that snaps you out of the reverie before dropping back down into the groove again. I wish he'd just bounce along on the intial riff for the whole song with no change but it's a minor quibble i guess.

I've always thought there was a Dead influence in his solos. In fact i made such a claim here many years ago, which piqued Redcloud's interest if i recall correctly! But who gives a fuck about that?!

olan · Post by **olan** » Tue May 19, 2020 2:05 pm

runcible wrote: ↑Mon May 18, 2020 9:46 am The Rose City Band album is there to stream in full and those of us who bought it were sent downloads too.

I dropped a polite email to Mike Boyd at Thrill Jockey on Sunday asking for a FLAC d/l from Bandcamp. He responded yesterday and I've just finished downloading the LP. Might be useful bit of information for those of us who don't use MP3s.

I still haven't managed to listen to it though.

angelsighs · Post by **angelsighs** » Fri May 22, 2020 6:21 pm

Had a quick listen to Rose City Band, quite liking it.

This isn't a criticism- but I think it's interesting how all of Ripley's projects, you can right away tell it's him.
It's almost like, given a different arrangement and treatment, the songs could fit in with his other bands.

good dope/good fun · Post by **good dope/good fun** » Fri May 22, 2020 7:21 pm

Yeah.
His sound definitely crosses over between bands.

niamhm · Post by **niamhm** » Tue Jun 23, 2020 11:30 am

Not a massive Black Sabbath fan but really enjoying Moon Duo`s contribution to this Sabbath tribute album, 9 mins of super mellowness

Post by **runcible** » Thu Feb 11, 2021 1:29 pm

New Rose City band album due in May. can't wait!

https://rosecityband.bandcamp.com/album/earth-trip

stegraham · Post by **stegraham** » Thu Feb 11, 2021 2:49 pm

Wow! That is great news - love the first two records. One a year at the moment - he's a grand chap that Ripley!

Ste

Post by **runcible** » Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:40 am

The new Rose City Band album 'Earth Trip' just out.

It's as you'd expect - lots of soft textures, easy slide and pedal steel - but even more laid back then before. Ripley's fondness for country rock shines through throughout but there's less Dead influence for me in this album. The previous one had tracks that were almost pastiche Dead. Whatever, it's a great listen and one of the best things I've heard this year.

stegraham · Post by **stegraham** » Thu Jun 03, 2021 11:49 am

Didn't think it was out until the end of June!! Is it in the shops now? Need to get this ASAP!

Alex English · Post by **Alex English** » Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:16 pm

runcible wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:40 am The new Rose City Band album 'Earth Trip' just out.

It's as you'd expect - lots of soft textures, easy slide and pedal steel - but even more laid back then before. Ripley's fondness for country rock shines through throughout but there's less Dead influence for me in this album. The previous one had tracks that were almost pastiche Dead. Whatever, it's a great listen and one of the best things I've heard this year.

I agree, it is much more laid back than the first two albums. It will be perfect for when I am lying on a lakehouse porch in Northern Vermont in the afternoon sun with a Heady Topper in my hand in a few weeks.

Post by **runcible** » Fri Jun 04, 2021 8:00 am

stegraham wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 11:49 am Didn't think it was out until the end of June!! Is it in the shops now? Need to get this ASAP!

I get a few bits sent to a US address and then forwarded on. It arrived there this week and I got the download code. I suspect it's not available in the UK just yet. A few tunes are streamable on their Bandcamp site but not the whole album.

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 5:08 pm

Rose City Band announced UK/Ireland tour for September. Only Irish date is in Belfast. Bah!

09. 02. 2022 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK
09. 03. 2022 Manchester Psych Fest, Manchester, UK
09. 04. 2022 Broadcast, Glasgow, UK
09. 05. 2022 Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh, UK
09. 06. 2022 Cluny, Newcastle, UK
09. 07. 2022 Golden Lion, Todmorden, UK
09. 08. 2022 Black Box, Belfast, UK
09. 10. 2022 District, Liverpool, UK
09. 11. 2022 Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, UK
09. 12. 2022 Crofters Rights, Bristol, UK
09. 13. 2022 Moth Club, London, UK
09. 14. 2022 Arts Centre, Norwich, UK

Post by **runcible** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:40 pm

RCB at the Brudenell is a live date I've been hoping for! Great news!

Laz69 · Post by **Laz69** » Fri Mar 11, 2022 8:37 am

sunray wrote: ↑Thu Mar 10, 2022 5:08 pm Rose City Band announced UK/Ireland tour for September. Only Irish date is in Belfast. Bah!

09. 02. 2022 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK
09. 03. 2022 Manchester Psych Fest, Manchester, UK
09. 04. 2022 Broadcast, Glasgow, UK
09. 05. 2022 Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh, UK
09. 06. 2022 Cluny, Newcastle, UK
09. 07. 2022 Golden Lion, Todmorden, UK
09. 08. 2022 Black Box, Belfast, UK
09. 10. 2022 District, Liverpool, UK
09. 11. 2022 Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, UK
09. 12. 2022 Crofters Rights, Bristol, UK
09. 13. 2022 Moth Club, London, UK
09. 14. 2022 Arts Centre, Norwich, UK

Excellent news. Glasgow show!

rapideye · Post by **rapideye** » Fri Mar 11, 2022 8:57 pm

More excellent news...Norwich show