Molina's Eclectic Co.

The last time we heard from Jason Molina's Magnolia Electric Co. was in 2007, when the band issued the Sojourner boxed set—a definitive four-CD statement containing the albums Nashville Moon, Shohola and Black Ram, as well as a four-song EP recorded in Memphis' legendary Sun Studios. Since then, the ever-prolific Molina's been strangely quiet, though two new releases now sit on the horizon for those obsessed with his lonesome howl and schizophrenic songcraft--an equal mix of stark Will Oldham balladry and CCR-meets-Crazy Horse highway boogie. The first, a solo collaboration with Centro-matic's Will Johnson recorded at the Echo Lab back in February, is currently penciled in for an early 2009 release (and followed by a tour, if we're lucky). The full band will also return to Steve Albini's Chicago studio after its current tour to work on the tentatively titled A Map of the Falling Stars, which they'll surely preview as they take the stage for this show. They'll be joined by labelmate David Vandervelde, who alternates between T. Rex-inspired guitar pop and soft-focus James Taylor-isms. Denton's Tre Orsi opens the show, fresh off their tour with The New Year, before heading out on the road again with Molina and Co.
Mon., Oct. 27, 2008