Pete Yorn – Back & Fourth

First of all, I would like to thank iTunes for somehow convincing me to pre-order this album over a month ago. It was the first time I had ever done this, and had totally forgotten about it! So what a pleasant surprise it was when it appeared out of nowhere in my iTunes a few days ago. Ever since then, I can’t stop listening to it!

Back & Fourth is Pete’s first album in three years, and is rather different than his earlier work. In an attempt for some change, he packed up his beach house in sunny LA, and headed to Omaha, Nebraska to work with producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Cursive) for two months. 

In Pete’s previous work he played most of the instruments himself, but for this album, he sought out the help of some friends including drummer Joey Waronker (Beck), pianist/arranger Nate Wolcott (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley), guitarist Jonny Polonsky, bassist Joe Karnes (John Cale) and backing vocalist Orenda Fink (Azure Ray).

 ”As much as it was what I wanted to do, it was definitely hard on me,” Pete says of working with a band for the first time. “I’m so used to doing it all myself, it’s definitely a challenge for me to let go and let people bring their stuff to the table. But these were all musicians I definitely have a lot of respect for, and they played some things I don’t think I would have thought of myself, so that was good.”

Personally, I am loving his new style! I think once adjusted, having his new band really benefited this album. It allowed him more time to focus solely on his lyrics, which I absolutely love, before composing any music. 

Aside from Back & Fourth, Pete also has an entire duet album with Scarlett Johansson, which just came out yesterday. The album is called Break Up, and from what I’ve heard so far, it’s actually pretty good! 

My favorite songs off the Back & Fourth album would have to be his first single, Don’t Wanna Cry, and Thinking of  You, which are both posted below. He is also playing at The Fillmore here in San Francisco on August 24th. So any bay area listeners should definitely attend! 

Don’t Wanna Cry 

Thinking of You 

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