The Long Winters

When John Roderick was a member of Harvey Danger, few would have predicted that he would go on to do bigger and better things. But after leaving Danger, he did just that by forming the Long Winters, which turned out to be the perfect vehicle for his considerable songwriting talents. In 2002, aided by members of the Posies, Built to Spill and Death Cab for Cutie, the act issued its charming, eclectic debut, The Worst You Can Do Is Harm. Often compared to R.E.M. because of Roderick's literate, acutely observational lyrics, the Long Winters have once again created another batch of perfect pop songs. Their latest effort, Putting the Days to Bed, released this past July on Barsuk, brings warmth and a sardonic sense of humor that's in sharp contrast to the throwaway drivel that often gets passed off as indie rock these days.