Glenn Yoder
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Glenn Yoder

Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2010

Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Established on Jan, 2010
Band Rock Americana

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"An A to Z guide on the Rock n Roll Rumble"

Y – Y is for Glenn Yoder & the Western States (Night 3, April 9). The perfect-voiced Yoder has the chops to make a run, and as mentioned before, the judges tend to like the whole Americana thing these days (see Cask Mouse and Bow Thayer last year). But Yoder and his Western States have enough zing and zip to woo the rock-leaning decision-makers as well. Also, Glenn Yoder is dreamy as fuck.

Predictions:

Just kidding predictions are lame. That said, here it goes: Parks wins it all, with Glenn Yoder & the Western States and the Field Effect playing in one hell of a final party on Friday, April 26. - Vanyaland


"Rock n Roll Rumble preview"

Their latest release Javelina will have you wondering if you’re listening to the next Tom Petty, maybe with a little Uncle Tupelo thrown in. With heavier hard-rock tunes mixed with Americana-tinged folk rock, Glenn Yoder and the Western States bring a rougher alt-country feel to this year’s Rumble. - Allston Pudding


"The best bands in Boston square off"

Glenn Yoder and the Western States: Remember when Wilco was alt country? Glenn Yoder does. He also remembers the artistic boost Wilco got adding straight rock and flashes of feedback to its sound. Yoder hits that sweet spot between honky-tonk twang and bar stool poetry.

Why they’ll win: The Rumble loves roots rock (see recent champs Bow Thayer and Girls Guns and Glory).

The song: Brilliant barnburner “Just Want You to Love Me.” - Boston Herald


"Twangville February playlist: "Just Want You to Love Me" by Glenn Yoder & the Western States"

With all due respect to Punxsutawney Phil, there is usually one song each year that is the true harbinger of spring. You know the type, the kind of song that radiates sunshine and induces a smile on even the grayest of days. Congratulations Glenn, this year you claim the prize. - Twangville


"Free music for Mondays"

Raise your hand if you find incredibly hard to get up and go to work the day after St. Patrick’s Day.

Well… let’s put it this way – if you didn’t raise your hand, then you did it wrong.

Fortunately I have some music on tap that will wake you right up! “Javelina” is the second release by Glenn Yoder after departing from the band Cassavettes. Backed up by a motley crew of talented musicians that Glenn calls “The Western States”, the album dabbles in a bevy of genres while maintaining a certain twang that keeps it grounded within the Americana realm. - Americana Rock Mix


"Yoder’s sophomore solo effort 'Javelina' knocks it out of the park"

The music has pop sensibility in the fact that almost anyone would enjoy listening to the songs, but it’s certainly not pop in the current sense of the word. There is a certain familiarity to the sonic qualities that draw a listener into each track, however, the music is undoubtedly an original blend and Yoder’s exciting and unique use of time in his song structure keeps the listener on their toes. His songwriting is on point, filling the 13 track work with catchy hooks and clever lyrics backed by a strong, clean vocal (with a hint of Texas twang).

Often garnering comparisons everywhere from The Jayhawks to Tom Petty, Yoder’s development as a songwriter and musician is in the forefront of the crafting of this project, while still holding strong to his roots. “Javelina” takes a shot at a wide variety of sounds ranging from gritty blues to folky ballads. Stand out tracks include the swampy sing-along “Pretty Little Girl” and yearning, harmony painted “Row”. Listening to those two tracks truly exhibits the dynamic range of this album. You can hear and feel the organic growth of this band as a tight unit and it certainly shows on this record with Josh Kiggans always on point drum efforts, Cilla Bonnie holding down the rhythm on bass, and Jeff Katz’s blistering guitar work.

All in all, this record has something for everyone. A great collective work from one of Boston’s best roots artists. - Red Line Roots


"Yoder’s sophomore solo effort 'Javelina' knocks it out of the park"

The music has pop sensibility in the fact that almost anyone would enjoy listening to the songs, but it’s certainly not pop in the current sense of the word. There is a certain familiarity to the sonic qualities that draw a listener into each track, however, the music is undoubtedly an original blend and Yoder’s exciting and unique use of time in his song structure keeps the listener on their toes. His songwriting is on point, filling the 13 track work with catchy hooks and clever lyrics backed by a strong, clean vocal (with a hint of Texas twang).

Often garnering comparisons everywhere from The Jayhawks to Tom Petty, Yoder’s development as a songwriter and musician is in the forefront of the crafting of this project, while still holding strong to his roots. “Javelina” takes a shot at a wide variety of sounds ranging from gritty blues to folky ballads. Stand out tracks include the swampy sing-along “Pretty Little Girl” and yearning, harmony painted “Row”. Listening to those two tracks truly exhibits the dynamic range of this album. You can hear and feel the organic growth of this band as a tight unit and it certainly shows on this record with Josh Kiggans always on point drum efforts, Cilla Bonnie holding down the rhythm on bass, and Jeff Katz’s blistering guitar work.

All in all, this record has something for everyone. A great collective work from one of Boston’s best roots artists. - Red Line Roots


"CD review: "Javelina""

No Depression magazine take notice! Glenn Yoder and the Western States may have just made one of the finest alt-country albums of 2013.

If you've never heard of Glenn Yoder, to give you some background, he played in a band called Cassavettes which garnered quite a bit of attention in the Boston area. They opened for tons of well known bands, were voted "Best Local Act" in The Boston Phoenix Readers Poll, and even won a Boston Music Award for "Best Americana Act".

Now fast forward to 2013, Javelina is the 2nd album Glenn has released as a solo artist and without question, his best work yet. This creepy backwoods beast of a record, is full of huge pop hooks, muscular Drive-By Truckers style rock, and much more. Yoder's songwriting has never been sharper, and his voice never stronger and more confident. The Western States are equally as impressive and sound as though they were born to play in this band. And don't let me forget, the production. The team of Jeremy Moses Curtis and David Minehan (who is also featured in the new Replacements documentary) cannot be underestimated.

The first half of this album screams radio play. "Everything You Want" and "Younger Brother" offer infectious choruses that are exactly what country pop should be. My favorite song on the album is definitely "Row"(80% because it's damn good song with inspiring lyrics; and 20% because there just aren't enough songs that mention rowing). For some reason (perhaps I'm an old pervert), whenever I hear "Just Want You to Love Me" (my pick for lead-off single), I picture swarms of fist pumping, starry eyed college freshmen girls singing along.

The second half gets a little spookier and jammier. Yoder seems to dig up the ghost of Mark Sandman on vocals for the excellent - "Messing with My Head" which also includes some ace playing from the rhythm section of Cilla Bonnie on bass, and Josh Kiggans on drums. While Jeff Katz (Three Day Threshold) showcases some mean guitar on the 6 minute "Not That Man for You".

There are quite a few more highlights ("Pretty Little Girl", "Loraine", "Like a Radio Song", and "Once in My Lifetime"), but it might be best if you just take a listen for yourself, and before doing so, raise your shot glasses high, and make a toast to JavelinaaaaaaaAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!.

The album is currently available for download at a very affordable "name your price" special at:
http://glennyoder.bandcamp.com/album/javelina - Eargazms


"CD review: "Javelina""

No Depression magazine take notice! Glenn Yoder and the Western States may have just made one of the finest alt-country albums of 2013.

If you've never heard of Glenn Yoder, to give you some background, he played in a band called Cassavettes which garnered quite a bit of attention in the Boston area. They opened for tons of well known bands, were voted "Best Local Act" in The Boston Phoenix Readers Poll, and even won a Boston Music Award for "Best Americana Act".

Now fast forward to 2013, Javelina is the 2nd album Glenn has released as a solo artist and without question, his best work yet. This creepy backwoods beast of a record, is full of huge pop hooks, muscular Drive-By Truckers style rock, and much more. Yoder's songwriting has never been sharper, and his voice never stronger and more confident. The Western States are equally as impressive and sound as though they were born to play in this band. And don't let me forget, the production. The team of Jeremy Moses Curtis and David Minehan (who is also featured in the new Replacements documentary) cannot be underestimated.

The first half of this album screams radio play. "Everything You Want" and "Younger Brother" offer infectious choruses that are exactly what country pop should be. My favorite song on the album is definitely "Row"(80% because it's damn good song with inspiring lyrics; and 20% because there just aren't enough songs that mention rowing). For some reason (perhaps I'm an old pervert), whenever I hear "Just Want You to Love Me" (my pick for lead-off single), I picture swarms of fist pumping, starry eyed college freshmen girls singing along.

The second half gets a little spookier and jammier. Yoder seems to dig up the ghost of Mark Sandman on vocals for the excellent - "Messing with My Head" which also includes some ace playing from the rhythm section of Cilla Bonnie on bass, and Josh Kiggans on drums. While Jeff Katz (Three Day Threshold) showcases some mean guitar on the 6 minute "Not That Man for You".

There are quite a few more highlights ("Pretty Little Girl", "Loraine", "Like a Radio Song", and "Once in My Lifetime"), but it might be best if you just take a listen for yourself, and before doing so, raise your shot glasses high, and make a toast to JavelinaaaaaaaAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!.

The album is currently available for download at a very affordable "name your price" special at:
http://glennyoder.bandcamp.com/album/javelina - Eargazms


"Winter preview soundtrack: Javelina, Glenn Yoder & The Western States"

It's been nearly three years since Cassavettes disbanded, but Glenn Yoder has retained his position as one of Boston's finest Americana songwriters." - On the Download


"Winter preview soundtrack: Javelina, Glenn Yoder & The Western States"

It's been nearly three years since Cassavettes disbanded, but Glenn Yoder has retained his position as one of Boston's finest Americana songwriters." - On the Download


"10 records that will set the tone — and soundtrack — of what could be the best year ever"

The former Cassavette rocks out a bit more than in past turns, but still retains the charm that made his former band one of Boston's brightest.
- The Phoenix


"10 records that will set the tone — and soundtrack — of what could be the best year ever"

The former Cassavette rocks out a bit more than in past turns, but still retains the charm that made his former band one of Boston's brightest.
- The Phoenix


"Barrel O' Songs"

Folk music is not just an excuse to buy some old wooden instruments and not plug anything in. Folk music, at its core and source of origination; was a communicational tool for the community. You know, the folks. It could stand to reason, then, that a song could be named after a place as a sort of map marker. Whether it’s memorializing a famous (or infamous) location or simply making it famous; Glenn Yoder’s “Okono Road” is a perfect example of the roots of Americana music, as redundant as that may sound.

It is further refreshing that “Okono Road” is not all zithers and plinkety-plink strings. Yoder and his minstrels break free of the “normal” woodsy trappings of the Americana genre and let things get a little bigger than one might expect. The recurring parts of this song make it as familiar as an old road that you have come to enjoy traversing. The modern elements of “Okono Road” make it bridge the time-gap between “Americana” and today’s sense of, well, “America.” Is Glenn Yoder a true American? Of course he is. Just listen. - Boston Band Crush


"Q&A with Glenn Yoder"

January 2011

Q. How was the band started?
A. I played in a band called Cassavettes for five years, and though things were going well for us a few years back, we were fairly confined to a particular "rock" sound. I had all these songs piling up that just didn't fit, so I decided to make a solo record down in Rhode Island, and slowly but surely a live band started to form. As Cassavettes neared its end in 2010, this group picked up steam and I decided to throw myself headlong into the curl of the wave.

Q. If someone has never heard your music, how would you describe it to them?
A. It's songwriting-based folk rock. There are touches of dirty blues, Appalachian folk, and other sounds I like, but generally it's about the song dictating what we do, and letting the band deliver it in a clear form. People compare it to Neil Young -- probably because of the mix of clean and dirty sounds, and hopefully because he's my favorite songwriter -- with the occasional Replacements, Wilco, Jayhawks, and Ryan Adams reference thrown in. All comparisons are welcome.

Q. What are some of your musical influences?
A. Neil Young, first and foremost. When I reached the age where kids paw through their parents' vinyl collection, Neil was the artist that stood out. Needless to say, I was hooked. I also grew up loving the Replacements, and I think that shows up. But these days, I'm listening to a lot of classic songwriters -- John Prine, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, that kind of thing. Since I grew up in Texas, and that shines through in the songs, it's a natural fit for my music's sound.

Q. How did you come up with the band name?
A. After Cassavettes, I wanted to keep it simple and use my own name. I already had a solo record out under my own name, so I figured it simply made sense. Problem is, I most often play with a full live band, and I should note that somehow so people don't think they're going to just see an acoustic guitar strumming dude (though sometimes it is that). We were going as Glenn Yoder & His Merry Band last year, but that fell out of favor. Glenn Yoder Band welcomes too DMB comparisons. We'll find something that fits...someday. For now, just Glenn Yoder works.

Q. What are some of the future plans for the band?
A. Future plans are going to include a full length record that we are in the process of recording now. Prior to the release of the album we will be leaking out singles. After that we'll prepare for a late spring/summer east coast tour.

Glenn Yoder plays the Millcreek Tavern January 20. - Cloud Weekly (Philadelphia)


"One Night Band Q&A: Glenn Yoder"

Glenn Yoder fronts the rock band Cassavettes, working tirelessly to perfect Neil Young's caveman stage stomp. Unfortunately, this move isn't even close to ready to debut. He also occasionally gets busy (musically) with Glenn Yoder & His Merry Band.

BBC: What Boston rockers, past or present, would you most like to have a One Night Band with?
GY: We in Cassavettes and Girls Guns & Glory always wished to assemble a hirsute dream team called the Ruckus Brothers, featuring former GGG bass player Bruce Beagley, Cassavettes drummer Matt Snow, and ex-GGG/current Glenn Yoder & His Merry Band guitarist Jeff Katz (a.k.a. Colt Thompson). They'd each get a rabblerouser name like Randy Ruckus, have rough-rider facial hair configurations, and play bruising rock music. Obviously, I wouldn't be included in this ONB (I'm not a tough guy, and I can't grow the requisite facial hair), but I'd forfeit an opportunity to play with Black Francis or Ric Ocasek in a dream ONB to instead see the Ruckus Brothers come together for a night.

BBC: What Boston rockers, past or present, would you most fear having a One Night Band with?
GY: The Ruckus Brothers.

BBC: Did you attend One Night Band last year? If so, what was the highlight? If not, what do you anticipate the event to be like?
GY: Due to a Cassavettes tour, I was not able to take part in it. But I hear good things. Many good things.

BBC: What is your normal song or part writing process? Will writing three songs in a single day drastically differ from your usual approach to creating music?
GY: Like all writers, it's often very much a flood or a drought. So hopefully
we can kick the flood gates open on August 21. I know it won't be a problem once we get rolling and playing off each other. To paraphrase Chris Farley (as Hank Williams, Jr.), we just need to get the Bocephus juices flowing.

BBC: What Boston band do you have the biggest crush on right now?
GY: This morning, I was listening to Kingsley Flood, and I think my heart skipped a beat at one of Nick Balkin's basslines. So, yeah, you could call that a crush. Or infatuation. - Boston Band Crush


"Live Review: Glenn Yoder CD release at the Lizard Lounge, Jan. 22, 2009"

March 2009 issue

It’s a beautiful thing when a band just gets up on stage and with their first song, they completely captivate you. Tonight, Glenn Yoder and his boys do just that. One song in and I’m practically knocked right off my barstool. Ten songs, a plate of delicious pepper jack covered sliders later (with some curly fries from the bar menu, of course), I’m still hooked. Glenn’s band is essentially a four piece that plays a mix of Americana that is sort of along the lines of the Jayhawks before they got poppy. Sometimes Glenn tones it way down and brings in guests like singer Sarah Blacker on backing harmonies, which gives the music a sensitive Joan Baez folk rock feel. At other times, the band explodes with playful energy. It’s at those times that Glenn especially reminds me of a young Paul Westerberg. Coincidentally, just as Westerberg did with the Replacements, Glenn is exploring a solo career and branching off from Cassavettes, his main band. There doesn’t seem to be much tension between the boys however, as Glenn’s Cassavettes bandmates look on proudly, even jumping up and joining in for a few songs. It shows some real class and support for their friend and fellow musician. Overall, it’s a great night of music. - The Noise


"CD review: Okono Road"

April 2009 issue

Glenn Yoder is one of those guys who just know how to write a good tune. Combining the right parts of catchy, captivating and melodic, Glenn has proven himself as a quality songsmith. This isn’t big news to anyone who’s ever heard of the Boston by way of Texas band, Cassavettes, Glenn’s main project. Glenn’s solo debut is outstanding and while he may not take the listener to the same places as he does with his band, where he does bring you is an amazing journey unto itself. The music is a bit folkier, and at times a bit softer and rootsier but the result is an intimate look into the soul of a musician. Well done sir, well done. - What's Up Magazine


"Artist spotlight: Paying homage"

Published: Jan 22, 2009

Cassavettes are one of our favorite Boston bands of the last few years - so it's only natural we would be all over the talented Glenn Yoder's solo debut - Okono Road, released today! On the new record, Yoder shines like a star and in many ways transcends his prior accomplishments. On Okono Road, Yoder pays homage and affection for the great American song.

Tracks on Okono Road are original, modern takes on classic song forms. The spirits of great musicians (both past and present) are heard in the background on these recordings. Yoder lists George Harrison, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, and Bob Dylan as inspirations. On Okono Road, the singer-songwriter dabbles (dwelling for just a bit with) traditional folk, the blues and country-western, but Yoder's strongest work here reflect great indie rock singers who also used the previous styles as stepping stones: Elliott Smith, Ryan Adams, Paul Westerberg, Evan Dando, and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. - Ryan's Smashing Life


"Crush of the Week"

Published Jan. 18, 2009

Glenn Yoder, of Cassavettes fame has gone solo! No worries about the Cassavettes just yet, as they are still very much up to really great things...

The record is alt-country, singer-songwriter, reminiscent of Neil Young and Ryan Adams... though the song "Til the Wheels Fall Off" reminds me a bit of Okkervil River. - Boston Band Crush


"7 Questions with Glenn Yoder"

February 12, 2009 issue
By Kier Byrnes

Q. What inspired the move to go solo? Are the Cassavettes done?

A. It's funny, there's this perceived notion that "going solo" must signal the demise of the band. When people hear about the record, that's the first question I get asked (for example, this is the first question you asked me!). In the liner notes of the disc, I wrote a short paragraph hoping to dispel this idea. When I first told the band that I was planning on doing this, I said that I felt the more you do in music, the more attention all of your projects get. It's all circular. So I don't think my solo disc precludes the band from getting recognition -- in fact, it increases it. Look, we're talking about Cassavettes right now. This is press the band wouldn't have had otherwise. So, the solo thing is in ADDITION to Cassavettes; it's not a death-knell at all. Everybody wins.

Q. Whats the difference between Glenn Yoder solo versus Glenn Yoder as a Cassavette?

A. The music is more open, and that's not a knock on Cassavettes. As bands evolve, I think, they kind of start to realize what works and what doesn't for their group of players. They hopefully learn to play to their strengths. Cassavettes started out trying to be this americana/rootsy sort of thing, with pianos and banjos and stuff that didn't really make sense for us. We took pride in NOT using distortion, or pedals of any kind. But in actuality, we all grew up playing garage rock. That's the kind of music we are the most comfortable playing. When we started stepping on the distortion and allowing Matt to dig in to the drums (he, by the way, is a VERY hard-hitting drummer, who possibly struggled with and sacrificed for the americana identity more than anyone), it felt very natural. At the same time, I had a stockpile of songs that didn't fit with this new sound and new direction for Cassavettes, and I just wanted to shed some daylight on them. I think that with a lot of songwriters, when you write a lot of material, if you don't get to air it out once in a while, it starts piling on your brain, like dirty laundry. You have to get it out some way in order to make room for new, fresh material. I was sort of going through that, and had a lot of songs getting backed up, and I just needed an outlet. So, they're different stylistically than Cassavettes -- maybe more "rootsy" and acoustic guitar-based than the band's new rock sound -- and they're just some songs I wanted to get out into the open.

Q. Is going solo harder because there are less people contributing or easier as there are less egos to deal with?

A. It's both. A lot of folks I've known who have gone the solo route go that way because they want complete control, and are tired of relying on a system with shared input. But while being in total creative control has its benefits, it can also be very isolating. The way I made this record, down at Lakewest Studios in West Greenwich, R.I., I was driving myself down from Somerville five nights a week. It's only an hour and a half down, but going both ways, that's three hours of alone time a day. You drive back after a session and think, "Man, I'd sure like someone to talk to about these songs," and that's natural. I found myself missing one of the core joys of being in a band: Having people to share successes with. And at the same time, band members also have folks to share failures with, which in turn, makes the solo thing all the more daunting. Instead of people going to see a show and thinking, "This band sucks," they'll put all the blame on your shoulders. It's my name on the record -- so all the glory and all the pain that come of this release are mine to bear, for better or worse. And that can be a very empowering -- albeit scary -- thing.

Q. Who (or what) were some of your inspirations when you were writing and recording these songs?

A. Thinking about the concept of a solo record, I looked back at what some of my favorite songwriters did when they went in a new direction. Did they try to sound different than their main band? That can be hard, because your writing style is still the same. And you shouldn't try to be something that you're not -- that's a recipe for disaster. So, I looked toward Bruce Springsteen's work outside the E Street Band, the early Neil Young stuff after he left Buffalo Springfield, the first few post-Beatles records (of which "All Things Must Pass" is clearly number one), Paul Westerberg's post-Replacements stuff -- that kind of thing. But I was also listening to a lot of music by Alejandro Escovedo at the time, Tom Waits, Ron Sexsmith, and the fantastic gentleman who produced the record, Todd Thibaud. Those records sort of gave me perspective of what vibe we were looking for with this collection of songs and where we should take them.

Q. You recently released your album at The Lizard Lounge. How was it playing music with your bandmates looking on?

A. The guys in Cassavettes are my three - Spare Change News


"Smooth as silk"

Jan. 2009

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Boston-based Glenn Yoder carries his influences with him like memories. They infuse his musical choices as seamlessly as breathing. The singer/guitarist of Boston's Cassavettes heads out on his own with the release of Okono Road. Trimming a list of fifty songs down to twelve, Yoder leads with his best foot on his solo debut, mixing radio anthems with ballads and some old fashioned Rock N Roll in a highly commercial yet likable debut.

Yoder opens with the radio-friendly anthem "Broken, Beaten & Blue." It's an incredibly tuneful song that fits neatly into several demographics. Yoder's voice is pleasant and easy on the ears, and the arrangement is as smooth as silk. That polished feel carries over to "Okono Road" in a very accessible acoustic pop tune. "A Thousand Ways" looks to be a mix-tape favorite, mixing balladry and soul in a moving performance. "Til The Wheels Fall Off" is a great acoustic pop tune, very likely to end up in licensing or on the radio if offered in those venues.

"Just Like You" is the best pure pop song on the record and likely to be a crowd favorite at shows. "It's Gonna Take Time" is a very close second. Yoder reminds me very much of Canada's The Waltons on several songs, but nowhere more so than on "It's Gonna Take Time." Other songs of note are "Home," "Give Me A Moment" and "You Led Me Into Your Love."

Glenn Yoder infuses pop-savvy acoustic rock with elements of country and soul to full effect on Okono Road. At times he sounds a great deal like Jason Plumb of The Waltons (I consider this a supreme compliment). Yoder is a very polished songwriter who will appeal heavily to several demographics, and is probably one of the more likely artists to end up with songs licensed for prime time shows you'll come across. Okono Road is a smooth and accessible recording with significant commercial legs.

Rating 3.5 Stars (Out of 5) - Wildy's World


"Crush of the Week"

Published Jan. 18, 2009

Glenn Yoder, of Cassavettes fame has gone solo! No worries about the Cassavettes just yet, as they are still very much up to really great things...

The record is alt-country, singer-songwriter, reminiscent of Neil Young and Ryan Adams... though the song "Til the Wheels Fall Off" reminds me a bit of Okkervil River. - Boston Band Crush


Discography

"JAVELINA"
Release date: Jan. 26, 2013
Produced by Jeremy Moses Curtis
Engineered by David Minehan, Woolly Mammoth Studios, Waltham, Massachusetts
Notes: Appearances by James Rohr, Laurence Scudder, and Dave Westner

"OKONO ROAD"
Release date: January 22, 2009
Produced by Todd Thibaud
Engineered by Jack Gauthier, Lakewest Studios, West Greenwich, Rhode Island
Notes: Debut solo album, with appearances by members of Cassavettes, Girls Guns & Glory, the Low Anthem, Aimee Mann, Todd Thibaud, and Annie Lynch & The Beekeepers

Photos

Bio

Praise for Glenn Yoder & the Western States' new album "Javelina":

"No Depression magazine take notice! Glenn Yoder & the Western States may have just made one of the finest alt-country albums of 2013 ... This creepy backwoods beast of a record is full of huge pop hooks and muscular Drive-By Truckers-style rock. Yoder's songwriting has never been sharper."
-Eargazms, album review (4 out of 5 stars)

"The former Cassavette rocks out a bit more than in past turns, but still retains the charm that made his former band one of Boston's brightest."
- The Phoenix, "10 records that will set the tone — and soundtrack — of what could be the best year ever"

"Remember when Wilco was alt country? Glenn Yoder does. He also remembers the artistic boost Wilco got adding straight rock and flashes of feedback to its sound. Yoder hits that sweet spot between honky-tonk twang and bar stool poetry."
- Boston Herald

"Yoder [is] a talented songwriter and singer."
-Boston Globe

"'Javelina' will have you wondering if you’re listening to the next Tom Petty, maybe with a little Uncle Tupelo thrown in."
- Allston Pudding

"There is a certain familiarity to the sonic qualities that draw a listener into each track, however, the music is undoubtedly an original blend and Yoder’s exciting and unique use of time in his song structure keeps the listener on their toes."
- Red Line Roots

"The album dabbles in a bevy of genres while maintaining a certain twang that keeps it grounded within the Americana realm."
-Americana Rock Mix

"With all due respect to Punxsutawney Phil, there is usually one song each year that is the true harbinger of spring. You know the type, the kind of song that radiates sunshine and induces a smile on even the grayest of days. Congratulations Glenn, this year you claim the prize."
-Twangville, on the song "Just Want You to Love Me"

"Glenn Yoder & Western States includes some topnotch players ... and Yoder's songwriting continues to intrigue."
-Patriot Ledger

"It's been nearly three years since Cassavettes disbanded, but Glenn Yoder has retained his position as one of Boston's finest Americana songwriters."
- On the Download, "Winter preview soundtrack"

Like Neil Young and Alejandro Escovedo, Glenn Yoder glides between churning guitar-driven rock and folk-tinged acoustic balladry. Infusing the hallowed Texas songwriter tradition with modern jangly pop (think Wilco and the Jayhawks), other songs beckon to a darker place: swampy blues in the vein of Ray Wylie Hubbard and Morphine.

Glenn Yoder & the Western States' latest record, "Javelina," released in January 2013, rolls these influences into a powerful, 13-song punch. Eargazms called it "one of the finest alt-country albums of 2013," adding "this creepy backwoods beast of a record is full of huge pop hooks and muscular Drive-By Truckers-style rock." The Boston Globe and Patriot Ledger praised Yoder's skill for songcraft, while the Phoenix named "Javelina" one of "10 records that will set the tone in 2013." NECN made the album its featured on-air soundtrack in July 2013.

The album, which was produced by Jeremy Moses Curtis (Booker T. Jones, Bow Thayer & Perfect Trainwreck) and engineered by David Minehan (The Neighborhoods), opens with the dark "Everything You Want," which has been compared to Roky Erickson's band 13th Floor Elevators, before charging into the first single "Just Want You to Love Me," an "A.M."-era Wilco singalong. While "Younger Brother" gives the record a lighthearted, mid-90s chorus, things get swampy with the barnburner "Pretty Little Girl" and the Morphine-type blues groove of "Messing with My Head."

Raised just north of Dallas, Yoder settled in Boston in 2003 and formed the award-winning folk-rock group Cassavettes with several longtime friends and fellow Texans. Over a five-year period, the band released four albums, toured the country (including bills with the Allman Brothers and Kings of Leon), and collected a wall's worth of awards and accolades.

But as Cassavettes moved increasingly toward a pop-rock sound, Yoder's prolific pen continued writing roots music. In search of a home for these orphan songs, Yoder teamed up with producer Todd Thibaud and released "Okono Road" in 2009 under his own name.

Calling upon a veritable all-star cast of fellow musicians for the recording sessions, including members of the Low Anthem and Girls Guns & Glory, Yoder and Thibaud carefully crafted a record where the "song comes first." Folks took note, as one publication noted that "Yoder pays homage ... to the great American song." Critics were quick to label Yoder a "young Paul Westerberg" while drawing comparisons to Gram Parsons, Townes Van Zandt, Ryan Adams, and the Lemonheads.

Cassavettes broke up in December 2010, clearing the way for Yoder’s full-time pursuit of the sound most comfortable to him. He enlisted a first-rate backing band, including Jeff Katz, Cilla Bonnie, and Josh Kiggans and hit t