Note: The Stand Ins is considered by the band to be the sequel to last year’s The Stage Names (my #9 Album of 2007). The songs on The Stand Ins were written and recorded during The Stage Names sessions, but set aside and released as a separate album (instead of packing them onto a double album…a wise move).
Sound: Very similar to The Stage Names – a mix of bouncy, rootsy-flavored indie rock and mid-tempo, dramatic ballads driven by Will Sheff’s descriptive and emotive wails and whispers.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Singer Songwriter”; “Pop Lie”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Starry Stairs”; “On Tour With Zykos”
Recommended: Though there are a handful of quality, standout tracks, the album does feel a bit like a group of leftovers from an excellent album. On the whole, these songs aren’t quite as good as the ones on The Stage Names (which is really no surprise). There are technically 11 tracks, but three are instrumental interludes. So with only eight actual songs, The Stand Ins feels a little skimpy, too. Regardless, Okkervil River continues to show that they’re one of the most captivating, powerful and original bands out there.
Grade: B+

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