When we evaluated The Stand-Ins, we highlighted “Lost Coastlines” as (a) a standout and (b) a continuation of The Stage Names‘s and the group’s seafaring themes and metaphors via its discussion of the turbulent ups and downs (aka waves) facing a working band (aka Okkervil River). It’s also “farewell” to the departed Jonathan Meiburg, who duets with Will Sheff, intoning about his voyage into Shearwater. The result is both poignant and rollicking. Much like the typical Stereogum office party.
“We sail out on orders from him, but we find / the maps he sent to us don’t mention lost coastlines. / Where nothing we’ve actually seen has been mapped or outlined / For we don’t recognize the names upon these signs.” Sucks for you, guy replacing Jonathan.
The Stand-Ins is out 9/9 via Jagjaguwar.
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Will Sheff is the scariest looking person I have ever seen
This is a pretty great tune!
from wikipedia: Christopher Joseph Burke (born August 26, 1965, in Point Lookout, New York) is an American actor, best known for his character Charles “Corky” Thatcher on the television series Life Goes On. Burke now fronts the “lit-rock” band Okkervil River. Ob-la-di. Ob-la-da.
no.
I think Will Sheff is incredibly talented and I don’t think he’s “scary” at all. I think he’s gorgeous! But words fail to describe how fantastic Okkervil River is.
Go Suzy Lee White! I have to agree….Will is both gorgeous and talented.
Agreed. Will Sheff is gorgeous and talented. And he has the coolest t-shirts.
The end of this song reminds me of a riff from Twin Peaks. Not sure why, but it does. can’t wait to see them at treasure island.
I reckon he has a touch of downs.
The scariest…? You really should consider getting out more. Oh, and try listening to the SONG.
Scary? I think not. Short-bus “special”, perhaps. In a hot way. It’s strange.
Before I knew what he looked like, I thought he might be some kind of generically good-looking rocker, a la Brandon Boyd or something. It’s nice to imagine while listening to the songs that there’s a misunderstood beauty behind them.
But the way his real face looks twice as plaintive as his already soulful voice, makes the music ache that much more. The touch of the ordinary in his face makes his emotions seem more genuine– makes it seem like he could have been through all that shit, and he’s not just saying so to be deep.
I’m pro-Sheff and proud.