Root Down in the Shadow

Photo by Jeff Coon Photo by Jeff Coon Just over two years ago, Max García Conover in preparation for his first show in Philadelphia at The Grape Room , he reached out to Root Down In The Shadow to connect.  Could I review his new album Burrow?   A review wasn't possible, but the Grape Room was just down the hill from my house.  Since then we've collaborated many times for house shows and connections for other line-ups and sessions.  This last August was a very special day for both of us.  He was able to join make a Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia show and since we had made arrangements with the host, we had the ability to do more recording and pulled off a Cover Club Session. It isn't just the last two years that made Max García Conover's relationship with Philly special.  It's been going on for most of his life.   He explains, "My romanticization of philadelphia started way back in elementary school, dancing and singing in my bedroom to Boyz II M

Covers Mix #12 from Wake The Deaf on 8tracks Radio .

You would think for Cover Club, a series based on covers, that it might be heavily influenced with what might be popular with viewers.  However, that's the least of the considerations for the amazingly respectful Philadelphia bands doing these Philly-centric covers, celebrating their scene.  Some choices are born from days shared on the road, like Joe Fletcher with Toy Soldiers or Aaron Brown covering Allison Polans/Paper Trees .  There are instances from days shared in the studio, such as Kevin Killen covering Ben Arnold .  In some cases, the songs chosen are based simply on mutual love of Ween shared between Root Down In The Shadow and the cover artists including Brian Strouse & Vanessa Winters or The Fleeting Ends. For today's session, the path to the cover started as a fan catching shows.  Alex Luquet of Our Griffins told Root Down In The Shadow all the details:  "The first time I saw Strand of Oaks was two years ago at Union Transfer with The T