The Landfill sonically demonstrates Eric D. Johnson’s strength as a leader and commanding presence, accompanied by a full band for the first time in a few Fruit Bats’ records. In the days following the album’s release, during the early days of bringing the songs on the road, AD spoke to Johnson about adopting a share-but-shroud songwriting style as his career continuously progresses, the influence of Michael Hurley and reflections on this being his most collaborative body of work under the Fruit Bats name.
Category: Fruit Bats
Fruit Bats’ Spelled in Bones at 20
Twenty years ago this month, Chicago songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Eric D. Johnson dropped his third album under his Fruit Bats moniker. Spelled in Bones took the charming indie folk melodies and landscape painting lyrics of his earlier work and spun them into a swirling, hook-laden power pop masterpiece. The album, with its sepia-tinged memories of youth and lost love and its apprehensions of fate and the future, found Johnson staring adulthood in the face. Two decades on and it has lost none of its punch.
The Lagniappe Sessions :: Fruit Bats
On the heels of their exceptional tenth LP, A River Running To Your Heart, Eric D. Johnson’s long-running Fruit Bats return to AD with their second Lagniappe Session. While the 2014 entry found Johnson and co. covering the likes of Richard and Linda Thompson (along with ’80s avatar Joe Jackson), this new installment pays tribute to both the lyricism of Ewan MacColl and Fred Neil as well as the enduring nature of the chosen pair of tunes. Giants, both.
Fruit Bats :: The Aquarium Drunkard Interview
Eric D. Johnson reflects on 20 years of Fruit Bats, working with The Shins and Bonny Light Horseman, and his new album, The Pet Parade. Johnson joined us for a discussion about the new album, home recording, the pandemic, and how it feels to walk his musical path for two decades.
Diversions :: Fruit Bats on Film Favorites
( Diversions , a recurring feature on Aquarium Drunkard, catches up with our favorite artists as they wax on subjects other than recording and performing.) For fans, Fruit Bats re-entry this year, both touring and on record, was […]