Okkervil River is an indie rock band from Austin, Texas. Formed in 1998, the band takes its name from a short story by Russian author Tatyana Tolstaya. They self-released their first album, Stars Too Small to Use, which led them to the South by Southwest music festival. After recording their first album in a garage, they signed with Jagjaguwar. Okkervil River continued by releasing four more albums, including critically lauded concept album Black Sheep Boy.
After a period of touring for Black Sheep Boy, Okkervil River followed up with The Stage Names. The album sold 10,000 in its opening week in the United States. The group released a free covers album, Golden Opportunities Mixtape from their live performances.
The band has garnered positive critical reception. Especially noted are each song's lyrics, intricate instrumentation, and thematic albums. In addition, they were recently featured on the talk show Late Night with Conan O'Brien and have performed with high profile bands such as The Decemberists, The New Pornographers, and Lou Reed.
Okkervil River released their most recent album The Stand Ins on September 9th, 2008. They are promoting the release with a series of cover songs from the album on YouTube by people they've met as a band.
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The Stage Names
2007
Track listing
All songs written and composed by Will Sheff.
"Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe" – 4:23
"Unless It's Kicks" – 4:38
"A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene" – 3:59
"Savannah Smiles" – 3:38
"Plus Ones" – 3:43
"A Girl in Port" – 6:36
"You Can't Hold the Hand of a Rock and Roll Man" – 4:53
"Title Track" – 5:22
"John Allyn Smith Sails" – 4:33
