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.
" You won't be there" How this song is not on the radio entertaining ears around the world is beyond me. Listen to that talent, so original. The Caps Rule! Thanks for he music boys...
I caught the show at Toad's with Daniel Johnston last week. It was my 1st encounter with your music. It felt right, especially the 2nd song in your set. I felt Johnston's set was strongest when you were backing him. Good stuff. Thanx
I had a dream last night about tcy but the only face that was clear was Jeff's. I think this means that he's in love with me. Or he should be. I miss you boys. xxx
While I can't attend as I live on an island a million miles away, if there is a camera present, it would be awesome if you guys could record a live performance of maybe "May," "Here Comes," "faces and beer," and "Sinking Ships." I know its a lofty request, so I don't expect it to be carried out, but if at least one of those songs were done, that'd be awesome.
i saw you guys two years ago opening for sloan. i love the daniel johnston cover, wanted to make it out for the show but didn't. anyway, you guys are awesome.
Hope the show went well. I wish I coulda been there. I may just have to take a trip to Philly now that it is not as far, I have no excuse. Oh yeah, lack of money but otherwise...
I wish you guys were playing a show in D.C. or close to before I move to Orlando. Please come as far south as commercialized Orlando so my year there won't be as uneventful.
"you can stay there" gives me a feeling similar to the one i get from being a mommy. kind of indescribable, kind of sneaky and really, really happy-like. xoxoxo
Hi, guys, many thanks for adding us and for your friendship, like the things you do a lot - lovely videos and beautiful music! Hope you're fine, best wishes, K&Kzz
That kitty picture is just too good. Please tell me you were thinking of me when you decided to put it up. You know how big of a CapYrs/kitty fan I am.
