John Vanderslice will follow up his 2007 hit Emerald City with his seventh album Romanian Names.  While recording Emerald City Vanderslice was in the middle of a customs battle trying to obtain a visa for his French girlfriend (now wife), and the album reflects his frustration as well as references to post-9/11 politics.  You can expect something much different from his new release.  Romanian Names has less to do with national politics and instead focuses on the difficult and wonderful aspects of relationships.

Owner of San Francisco-based recording studio, Tiny Telephone, Vanderslice opted to record the album in his basement studio, and make the switch from Barsuk to the much smaller Dead Oceans record label.  Incorporating keyboards, saxophones, and horns, Romanian Names delivers some incredibly catchy tracks.  “C&O Canal” has a surprisingly foot-tappin’ beat, and “Too Much Time” and “D.I.A.L.O” follow up nicely with beautiful vocals and choruses that you’ll be humming to yourself for days to come.  Other key songs include the much softer self-title track and “Fetal Horses.”  Romanian Names offers a balanced combination of domestic bliss and a realistic take on break-ups and relationships.  While you’ll probably find your favorite tracks and keep them on repeat, Romanian Names is certainly worth a listen.

John Vanderslice will have a CD release show on May 22^nd at Easy Street Records in Seattle.

Caitlin Boersma

Public Marketing Director

90.1 fm THE SOUND