The Capitol Years began as a bedroom pop experiment, morphed into a bombastic live band of Philadelphian song-obsessed noisemakers, and today continues as one of the city's most beloved groups.
With critically embraced albums that veer from lush, melodic harmonies to cacophonous noise-fests, Shai, Son of Eli and The Capitol Years have amassed a notable, genre-bending catalog of classic indie records.
In 2001, Shai Halperin self-produced the first record, a home made full-length entitled Meet Yr Acres. Drawing comparisons to George Harrison, Guided By Voices, and Dylan, the lo-fi pop gem garnered a surprising amount of critical attention and was named one of Magnet Magazine's Top 10 Hidden Treasures of the Year, as well as one of the Top 100 Philly Albums of All Time, etc.
Other recordings include Pussyfootin, Jewelry Store, Let Them Drink, and one of last year's finest albums, Dance Away The Terror. Well regarded for their own production skills, The Capitol Years have also worked with other recording talents on multiple occasions including Thom Monahan (Devendra Banhart, Vetiver), Pete Donnelly (The Figgs, Graham Parker) and Brian Mctear (Mazarin, Burning Brides).
In addition to recording, The Capitol Years have toured the US, UK, Israel and Spain and have made multiple appearances on late night national television (NBC). The band has been heard in Scarlett Johanssen motion pictures, as well as on countless MTV programs. The band has shared the stage with many other talented groups/artists: The Pixies (the very first reunion show in Minneapolis), Daniel Johnston (backing him up in 2008), The Walkmen, Dr. Dog, Sloan, Beachwood Sparks, The High Strung, Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Frogs, Natural History, David Cross, Ted Leo & Pharmacists, The Kills, Brendan Benson, Shy Nobleman and more.
From time to time, The Capitol Years have been known to perform as Daniel Johnston's backing band.
Please contact the band here or through www.capitolyears.com with comments, questions, recipes, or triangle schemes.
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