The Moldy Peaches
Encyclopedia
The Moldy Peaches was an indie group founded by Adam Green
and Kimya Dawson
. Leading proponents of the anti-folk
scene, the band has been on hiatus since 2004. The appearance of their song "Anyone Else but You
" in the film Juno
has significantly raised their profile; Dawson and Green made a handful of reunion appearances together in December 2007.
The band is known for their slow-paced songs, often discussing themes of childhood or young adulthood. Dawson's distinctive child-like voice contributes to their unique sound.
and began working together. Adam put out a 7" Ep called "X-Ray Vision" under the name The Moldy Peaches, featuring recordings he made from 1994-96 with Kimya and various other friends. Adam and Kimya recorded a CDR album in 1998 under the name Moldy Peaches 2000 called FER THE KIDS before Kimya moved to Port Townsend, Washington
. In early 1999 Adam joined her there, and more home and live recordings transpired. The band returned to NYC as a 4 piece later in the year (including Jest Commons, guitar, and Justin Campbell, drums). They became active on the NYC Anti-folk
scene, playing at the Sidewalk Cafe before the band broke up. Kimya and Adam both recorded solo albums. The band reformed in August 2000 with Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors
on lead guitar, Brian Piltin on bass guitar, and Strictly Beats (Brent Cole) on drums. (The "2000" was dropped from their name around this time). A new 11 song album was recorded, which led to a deal with Rough Trade
in the UK. They gained recognition after their initial 7" 'Who's Got the Crack" was named 'Single of the Week' in NME
. Rough Trade released the album The Moldy Peaches
in 2001. Released in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, it contained the song "NYC Is Like a Graveyard". The band expanded to a six-piece, with guitarists Jack Dishel
and Aaron Wilkinson, bass player Steven Mertens, and drummer Strictly Beats, augmenting the original duo of Kimya and Adam. They toured internationally with The Strokes
with whom they shared record label and management.
Aaron Wilkinson left the band and was replaced by Toby Goodshank
. Wilkinson died from an overdose in July 2003. The Strokes dedicated their album Room on Fire
to his memory.
In 2003 a second album Moldy Peaches 2000
was released, a double-CD compilation of various scraps and live recordings.
After an extensive US headlining tour in the winter of 2003, the band went into hiatus in early 2004. However, the band reunited in late 2004 for a one-off show to benefit Accidental CDs, Records and Tapes, a hole-in-the-wall record store on Ave A in NYC. That store was an early supporter of the band and helped hook them up with the gig that ultimately got them their record deal. Both central members embarked on solo careers, and supposedly have an agreement in place not to play Moldy Peaches songs during solo performances, although Adam has been known to break this rule having performed "Who's Got the Crack" with Carl Barat
and Pete Doherty
of The Libertines
.
On December 2, 2007, Dawson and Green played an impromptu set together at Los Angeles' The Smell to end a show where Dawson was headlining. They changed the lyrics of the song "Who's Got The Crack" to "Who's Got The Blues". On December 3, 2007 the Moldy Peaches played at the Juno
film premiere.
The band was booked to appear on the Conan O'Brien
television show on January 14, 2008, but they canceled because of the writer's strike. Kimya has said that she is not keen to reform the band at present. However, Dawson and Green did appear together on the NPR radio show The Bryant Park Project on January 16, 2008. and appeared on television show The View on January 21, 2008.
Subsequent to the success of the Juno soundtrack, which hit #1 on the Billboard 200 on its third week of physical release, the song "Anyone Else but You" was released as a UK single on February 25, 2008.
has been well-received. She recently became a mother. Jack Dishel's former outfit Stipplicon having broken up, he formed a new band Only Son, who have toured with Regina Spektor
. Jack also plays in Regina's band. Steven Mertens has his own group SpaceCamp and plays in Adam Green's backing band. Strictly Beats has his own group, Wooden Ghost, and plays in Dufus
. Toby Goodshank plays solo shows and is also in a duo, Double Deuce, with his sister Angela.
. In the United States
records were originally released under the Sanctuary Records
banner but, since the demise of Sanctuary and the takeover of Rough Trade by the Beggars Group
, U.S. releases are now also on Rough Trade.
Adam Green (musician)
Adam Green is an American singer-songwriter.Green's off-kilter style has achieved a moderate college radio following in the United States, and enjoys increasing popularity in a number of European countries, particularly Germany.-Career:Green attended Emerson College for one semester in 1998 before...
and Kimya Dawson
Kimya Dawson
Kimya Dawson is an American singer-songwriter, best known as a solo performer and as one half of The Moldy Peaches. In Swahili, "Kimya" means "silence" or "silent".-Career:...
. Leading proponents of the anti-folk
Anti-folk
Anti-folk is a music genre that takes the earnestness of politically charged 1960s folk music and subverts it. The defining characteristics of this anti-folk are difficult to identify, as they vary from one artist to the next...
scene, the band has been on hiatus since 2004. The appearance of their song "Anyone Else but You
Anyone Else but You
"Anyone Else but You" is a popular song by the indie rock band The Moldy Peaches. The song became popular after being featured on the soundtrack of the 2007 film Juno, as it was used extensively in the climax along with several other songs by Kimya Dawson in the film...
" in the film Juno
Juno (film)
Juno is a 2007 comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. Ellen Page stars as the title character, an independent-minded teenager confronting an unplanned pregnancy and the subsequent events that put pressures of adult life onto her. Michael Cera, Olivia Thirlby, J. K....
has significantly raised their profile; Dawson and Green made a handful of reunion appearances together in December 2007.
The band is known for their slow-paced songs, often discussing themes of childhood or young adulthood. Dawson's distinctive child-like voice contributes to their unique sound.
History
Adam Green and Kimya Dawson met at Exile on Main Street Records in Mount Kisco, New YorkMount Kisco, New York
Mount Kisco is a community that is both a village and a town in Westchester County, New York, United States. The Town of Mount Kisco is coterminous with the village. The population was 10,877 at the 2010 census.- History :...
and began working together. Adam put out a 7" Ep called "X-Ray Vision" under the name The Moldy Peaches, featuring recordings he made from 1994-96 with Kimya and various other friends. Adam and Kimya recorded a CDR album in 1998 under the name Moldy Peaches 2000 called FER THE KIDS before Kimya moved to Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is a city in Jefferson County, Washington, United States, approximately north-northwest of Seattle . The population was 9,113 at the 2010 census an increase of 9.3% over the 2000 census. It is the county seat and only incorporated city of Jefferson County...
. In early 1999 Adam joined her there, and more home and live recordings transpired. The band returned to NYC as a 4 piece later in the year (including Jest Commons, guitar, and Justin Campbell, drums). They became active on the NYC Anti-folk
Anti-folk
Anti-folk is a music genre that takes the earnestness of politically charged 1960s folk music and subverts it. The defining characteristics of this anti-folk are difficult to identify, as they vary from one artist to the next...
scene, playing at the Sidewalk Cafe before the band broke up. Kimya and Adam both recorded solo albums. The band reformed in August 2000 with Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors
Spin Doctors
Spin Doctors is an American alternative rock band formed in New York City, best known for their early 1990s hits, "Two Princes," and "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong," which peaked the Billboard Hot 100 charts at #7 & #17 respectively....
on lead guitar, Brian Piltin on bass guitar, and Strictly Beats (Brent Cole) on drums. (The "2000" was dropped from their name around this time). A new 11 song album was recorded, which led to a deal with Rough Trade
Rough Trade Records
Rough Trade Records is an independent record label based in London. It was formed in 1978 by Geoff Travis who had opened a record store off Ladbroke Grove...
in the UK. They gained recognition after their initial 7" 'Who's Got the Crack" was named 'Single of the Week' in NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
. Rough Trade released the album The Moldy Peaches
The Moldy Peaches (album)
The Moldy Peaches is the eponymous debut album by anti-folk band The Moldy Peaches. It was primarily recorded in a basement in Port Townsend, Washington and was released in 2001. The album has the dubious distinction of being released in the U.S...
in 2001. Released in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, it contained the song "NYC Is Like a Graveyard". The band expanded to a six-piece, with guitarists Jack Dishel
Jack Dishel
Jack Dishel is an American singer-songwriter. Dishel was frontman of the New York City band Stipplicon, lead guitarist for The Moldy Peaches and is currently pursuing his individual project Only Son...
and Aaron Wilkinson, bass player Steven Mertens, and drummer Strictly Beats, augmenting the original duo of Kimya and Adam. They toured internationally with The Strokes
The Strokes
The Strokes are an American indie rock band formed in 1999 in New York City. Consisting of Julian Casablancas , Nick Valensi , Albert Hammond, Jr. , Nikolai Fraiture and Fabrizio Moretti ....
with whom they shared record label and management.
Toby Goodshank
Toby Goodshank is a musician and visual artist based out of New York City. In addition to his solo work, he performs regularly with New York City-based bands Double Deuce, the Tri-Lambs, and the Christian Pirate Puppets.-Biography:...
. Wilkinson died from an overdose in July 2003. The Strokes dedicated their album Room on Fire
Room on Fire
Room on Fire is the second studio album by American indie rock band The Strokes. Released in October 2003, it follows 2001's Is This It and includes three singles: "12:51", "Reptilia", and "The End Has No End." Grammy-winning producer Nigel Godrich was initially in charge of production, but The...
to his memory.
In 2003 a second album Moldy Peaches 2000
Moldy Peaches 2000: Unreleased Cutz and Live Jamz 1994-2002
Moldy Peaches 2000: Unreleased Cutz and Live Jamz 1994–2002 is a compilation album by anti-folk band The Moldy Peaches. It is a two-disc album featuring live songs and rarities from the band. It was originally released in November 2002 at a final live concert in New York on the self publishing...
was released, a double-CD compilation of various scraps and live recordings.
After an extensive US headlining tour in the winter of 2003, the band went into hiatus in early 2004. However, the band reunited in late 2004 for a one-off show to benefit Accidental CDs, Records and Tapes, a hole-in-the-wall record store on Ave A in NYC. That store was an early supporter of the band and helped hook them up with the gig that ultimately got them their record deal. Both central members embarked on solo careers, and supposedly have an agreement in place not to play Moldy Peaches songs during solo performances, although Adam has been known to break this rule having performed "Who's Got the Crack" with Carl Barat
Carl Barât
Carl Ashley Raphael Barât is an English musician, actor and author. He was the frontman and lead guitarist of Dirty Pretty Things, and recently debuted a solo album, but is best known for being the co-frontman with Peter Doherty of the garage rock band The Libertines.-Early life:Carl Barât was...
and Pete Doherty
Pete Doherty
Peter Doherty is an English musician, writer, actor, poet and artist. He is best known musically for being co-frontman of The Libertines, which he reformed with Carl Barât in 2010. His other musical project is indie band Babyshambles...
of The Libertines
The Libertines
The Libertines were an English rock band, formed in London in 1997 by frontmen Carl Barât and Pete Doherty . The band, centred on the song-writing partnership of Barat and Doherty, also included John Hassall and Gary Powell for most of its recording career...
.
On December 2, 2007, Dawson and Green played an impromptu set together at Los Angeles' The Smell to end a show where Dawson was headlining. They changed the lyrics of the song "Who's Got The Crack" to "Who's Got The Blues". On December 3, 2007 the Moldy Peaches played at the Juno
Juno (film)
Juno is a 2007 comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. Ellen Page stars as the title character, an independent-minded teenager confronting an unplanned pregnancy and the subsequent events that put pressures of adult life onto her. Michael Cera, Olivia Thirlby, J. K....
film premiere.
The band was booked to appear on the Conan O'Brien
Conan O'Brien
Conan Christopher O'Brien is an American television host, comedian, writer, producer and performer. Since November 2010 he has hosted Conan, a late-night talk show that airs on the American cable television station TBS....
television show on January 14, 2008, but they canceled because of the writer's strike. Kimya has said that she is not keen to reform the band at present. However, Dawson and Green did appear together on the NPR radio show The Bryant Park Project on January 16, 2008. and appeared on television show The View on January 21, 2008.
Subsequent to the success of the Juno soundtrack, which hit #1 on the Billboard 200 on its third week of physical release, the song "Anyone Else but You" was released as a UK single on February 25, 2008.
Solo projects
Adam Green recently released his sixth solo album, Minor Love, via Rough Trade. His initial band included a 3-piece string section. Kimya has continued to tour playing small clubs and house parties. Her album Remember That I Love You on K RecordsK Records
K Records is an independent record label in Olympia, Washington, co-founded, owned, and operated by Calvin Johnson, formerly of the bands Cool Rays, Beat Happening, The Go Team, The Halo Benders and presently in the bands Dub Narcotic Sound System and The Hive Dwellers...
has been well-received. She recently became a mother. Jack Dishel's former outfit Stipplicon having broken up, he formed a new band Only Son, who have toured with Regina Spektor
Regina Spektor
Regina Ilyinichna Spektor is a Russian American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is associated with the anti-folk scene centered in New York City's East Village.-Early life:...
. Jack also plays in Regina's band. Steven Mertens has his own group SpaceCamp and plays in Adam Green's backing band. Strictly Beats has his own group, Wooden Ghost, and plays in Dufus
Dufus (band)
Dufus is an American band, led by Seth Faergolzia since 1997. The band is known for their revolving door membership, where they may start one tour with two members, and the next with upwards of twenty. Seth Faergolzia is the mainstay of the group but sometimes tours as a solo artist...
. Toby Goodshank plays solo shows and is also in a duo, Double Deuce, with his sister Angela.
Notable appearances
- The song "Anyone Else but YouAnyone Else but You"Anyone Else but You" is a popular song by the indie rock band The Moldy Peaches. The song became popular after being featured on the soundtrack of the 2007 film Juno, as it was used extensively in the climax along with several other songs by Kimya Dawson in the film...
" was used in the Academy AwardAcademy AwardsAn Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
-nominated documentary Murderball. - The song "Anyone Else but You" was used in a mobile phone TV-ad in France during World Cup 20062006 FIFA World CupThe 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
, featuring French star Zinedine ZidaneZinedine ZidaneZinedine Yazid Zidane is a retired French footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Zidane was a leading figure of a generation of French players that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship...
. - The song "Anyone Else but You" is central to the 2007 Academy Award-winning film JunoJuno (film)Juno is a 2007 comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. Ellen Page stars as the title character, an independent-minded teenager confronting an unplanned pregnancy and the subsequent events that put pressures of adult life onto her. Michael Cera, Olivia Thirlby, J. K....
and a version is also performed by the two main characters (Ellen PageEllen PageEllen Philpotts-Page , known professionally as Ellen Page, is a Canadian actress. Page received both Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Actress for her role as the title character in the film Juno...
and Michael CeraMichael CeraMichael Austin Cera is a Canadian actor best known for his roles in Arrested Development, Youth in Revolt, Superbad, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist and Juno. Cera received the 2008 Canadian Comedy Award for best male performance for his work in Superbad.-Early...
). - A re-written version of "Anyone Else but You" was featured in a commercial for Atlantis Resorts in the Bahamas.
- The song "Jorge Regula" was used in a PepsodentPepsodentPepsodent is a brand of toothpaste with a minty flavour derived from Sassafras. The brand is owned by Unilever, but in 2003 the rights to the brand in the United States and Canada were bought by Church and Dwight....
commercial in Latin America, without the group's permission. - A version of the song "Jorge Regula" also appears in the 2006 indie film The Guatemalan HandshakeThe Guatemalan HandshakeThe Guatemalan Handshake is a 2006 comedy-drama film, written and directed by Todd Rohal. It is Rohal's feature film debut. The film premiered at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival and won the Special Jury Prize.-Story:...
Discography
After releasing their first few records themselves, The Moldy Peaches have released music internationally through Rough TradeRough Trade Records
Rough Trade Records is an independent record label based in London. It was formed in 1978 by Geoff Travis who had opened a record store off Ladbroke Grove...
. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
records were originally released under the Sanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records Group Limited was a record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Until June 2007, it was the largest independent record label in the UK and the largest independent music management company in the world...
banner but, since the demise of Sanctuary and the takeover of Rough Trade by the Beggars Group
Beggars Group
Beggars Group is a British record company that owns or distributes several other labels, including 4AD, Rough Trade Records, Matador Records, and XL Recordings...
, U.S. releases are now also on Rough Trade.
- X-Ray VisionX-Ray Vision (album)X-Ray Vision is a 7", 33⅓ rpm EP released by The Moldy Peaches. There are three copyright dates listed on the album: 1994, 1995, and 1996. An insert inside the album states that Adam Green was the sole member of The Moldy Peaches at the time of the recording...
(LP) - Average Cabbage Records - 1996 - Moldy Peaches 2000: Fer the Kids/ Live 1999Moldy Peaches 2000: Fer the Kids/ Live 1999The Moldy Peaches: Fer The Kids/ Live 1999 contains two separate albums and is available in both cassette and CD formats. The artwork proclaims, "It's like two for the price of one!" Many songs on this album were later released with different titles...
(Cassette/CD) - Average Cabbage Records - 1999 - The Moldy Peaches (CD-R) - Pro-Anti Records - 2000 (11-song CD, similar cover to next release, all songs included on later albums or singles.)
- The Moldy PeachesThe Moldy Peaches (album)The Moldy Peaches is the eponymous debut album by anti-folk band The Moldy Peaches. It was primarily recorded in a basement in Port Townsend, Washington and was released in 2001. The album has the dubious distinction of being released in the U.S...
(CD/LP) - Sanctuary Records/Rough Trade - 2001 (compilation from previous self-releases plus 1 re-recording of "Nothing Came Out") - "County Fair/RainbowsCounty Fair/Rainbows"County Fair/Rainbows" is a single by anti-folk band The Moldy Peaches. The single consists of two songs on one CD track. The track County Fair has innocent lyrics about enjoying a county fair, but the second one Rainbows contains vulgar lyrics which refer to various sexual practices, including...
" (CD single) - Sanctuary Records/Rough Trade - 2002 - Moldy Peaches 2000: Unreleased Cutz and Live Jamz 1994-2002Moldy Peaches 2000: Unreleased Cutz and Live Jamz 1994-2002Moldy Peaches 2000: Unreleased Cutz and Live Jamz 1994–2002 is a compilation album by anti-folk band The Moldy Peaches. It is a two-disc album featuring live songs and rarities from the band. It was originally released in November 2002 at a final live concert in New York on the self publishing...
(CD) - Sanctuary Records/Rough Trade - 2003 - "Anyone Else but You" (single) - Rough Trade - 2008
Compilation appearances
- Music from the Motion Picture JunoJuno (soundtrack)Music from the Motion Picture Juno, released on January 8, 2008, is the soundtrack that accompanies the Academy Award-winning film Juno.-Background:...
("Anyone Else But You") - Rhino Records 2007 - Music from the Film Murderball ("Anyone Else But You") - Commotion 2005
- Music from the Film Garage Days ("Lucky Number Nine") - Festival Mushroom Records 2002
External links
- www.moldypeaches.com Official site.
- MP2K The original official site (archive.org)
- The Moldy Peaches Beggars Group USA page