The Parson Red Heads Catch The Worm

Since the release of their debut LP King Giraffe, the Parson Red Heads have found themselves streaking faster and faster toward widespread recognition and success. Being natives of Eugene, they have no qualms with tickling our Oregonian fancies, but their 2010 tour finds them kicking up beautiful, Croce-esque dirt from Chicago to Santa Cruz. Along the way, the group will offer a tour-only, four track EP, Early Birds, which contains three re-recorded versions of old Red Heads songs (including “Choose”), as well as the new “Never Ending Road,” which allows the group’s consistent songwriting talent to shine through.



Early Birds essentially contains more of the beloved, upbeat folk-pop that has served as a staple of the Red Heads sound over the years — and all ye who enter here in search of a folkier Neil Young, Fairport Convention or Byrds influence, do not be disheartened; there is great beauty and poise to be found in the noodles and harmonies of the EP as well as a finely tuned sense of lyricism.

Live Red Heads performances have been known to turn the original three-person group into a gigantic, 14-musician collective that still keeps a tight-knit performance going. Most shows exhibit a mellow, smile heavy atmosphere, interrupted only by the occasional psychedelic pedal fuck-around. In short: the perfect music for a chilled out night in the band’s hometown. The Parson Red Heads and Cotton Jones play at 9 pm Thursday, Aug. 12, at Sam Bond’s Garage. 21+. $5. — Andy Valentine

[From the 8/5 Issue of the Eugene Weekly]
Also Scope: Rick Levin's T-Model Ford Write Up, 3rd down, http://www.eugeneweekly.com/2010/08/05/music2.html