Introducing “The Pushkin Sessions” — a collection of recordings made on two special days sixteen years ago that breathe new life into beloved songs from the existing Fancy Trash catalog. These recordings capture a unique moment in time, with a fresh perspective and a heightened emotional depth from an expanded line-up of the band.
The collection of fifteen tracks was released to all digital platforms on November 10, 2023.
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About The Pushkin Sessions
In September 2007, Fancy Trash celebrated their five-year anniversary with a sold-out show at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA. The core lineup at this time was Dave Houghton (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Joshua Thayer (upright bass), and Ben Laine. For this special occasion, the band expanded their lineup by bringing back founding member Jason Smith on drums and percussion. They also welcomed Katy Schneider (Katyland, Jerks on the Loose) on pedal steel, lap steel, and backing vocals. Additionally, Thane Thomsen of the Figments joined the band on piano and keyboards.
The double-size lineup of six musicians added a new dimension to Fancy Trash’s sound, enhancing their live performance and creating a unique experience for the audience. However, this lineup was a one-time live occurrence specifically for the anniversary show.
After the memorable performance, Fancy Trash decided to take the opportunity to capture the magic of this six-piece lineup in a studio recording. And so, in November 2007, they entered The Pushkin in Greenfield, MA with Max Adam engineering the session. The group decided to record the songs live with all the musicians playing together, in order to capture the energy and spontaneity of the Iron Horse performance.
The recording setup at The Pushkin was arranged to accommodate the band’s vision. Josh, Dave, and Katy were together in one space, harmonizing and creating sonic landscapes that defined the band’s sound. Ben and Jason found themselves in another dedicated room, forming a rhythmic unit as they traded off on drums and percussion. Meanwhile, Thane took his place on a separate floor below, at the piano, adding his melodic touch to each composition.
The recording sessions were filled with creative synergy as the band members fed off each other’s energy, their music interweaving and blending to create a captivating sonic tapestry. The live recording approach allowed them to capture the essence of their performance, preserving the raw emotion and spontaneity characteristic of a live Fancy Trash performance — and that had captivated the audience during the anniversary show.
Rescuing the past
However, after the sessions, the raw tracks were stored away and then traveled from place to place on a spindle of CD-Rs. It wasn’t until 2023 that the band unearthed these files and decided to give these long-awaited recordings the attention they deserved. They entrusted the mixing of the album to the highly acclaimed engineer Mark Alan Miller at Sonelab in Easthampton, MA, in April 2023 — sixteen years after they were recorded.
Mark Alan Miller, known for his meticulous approach and extensive experience, skillfully crafted the sonic landscape of the recordings. Drawing from his notable credits, which include working with esteemed artists such as J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.), Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), and Amanda Palmer (The Dresden Dolls), Miller ensured that each instrument and vocal found its rightful place and made these recordings sparkle with his touch. He captured the energy and magic of the live show and transformed the raw tracks into a cohesive and powerful album.
Once the mixing process was complete, the tracks were passed on to the highly regarded mastering engineer Jonathan Wyner of M-Works Mastering in Boston, MA. Wyner, a Grammy-winning engineer (and Berklee professor!) with an illustrious career, including working with artists such as David Bowie, James Taylor, and Nirvana, brought his expertise to the project. He built upon Mark’s mixes to enhance the sonic quality of the album while preserving Fancy Trash’s artistic vision and the vibe of the sessions. The result was a meticulously mastered album that showcases the band’s dynamic sound and captures the essence of their musical journey.
Familiar yet fresh
While these songs may be familiar to some, “The Pushkin Sessions” bring something extraordinary to the Fancy Trash table. The energy and chemistry of the six-piece lineup, featuring the added talents of Jason Smith, Katy Schneider, and Thane Thomsen, create a sonic experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new. At the time of the recording, in 2007, two-thirds of the songs were already fan favorites and the rest were new material that was part of live shows but had not been recorded or released in any form yet.
“Windows,” “Relapse,” and “Broken Hearts” appeared in their original forms on the first self-titled Fancy Trash release, released in 2003. “Half of Nothing” and “Days That I Don’t” were released on the 2005 EP Weighted Down. “Chickenhawk,” “Tulips,” “Deeply Concerned,” “Lost in the Evening,” “Three Cheers for the Cheated,” and “What Can You Say?” all come from the 2006 full-length release — Three Cheers for the Cheated. “Missing Elvis,” “Nestles,” “No Branches,” and “Blow Your Kisses” were all new songs emerging from the band’s rigorous touring and rehearsing schedule as they pushed into new territory with their writing and arranging. The versions performed at the five-year anniversary show and then captured in the studio (but not heard since those days) were the band’s first go at fleshing out the arrangements and instrumentation, and those new songs would later be released on the 2009 full-length For The Kids — by which time the core lineup of the band had morphed.
A tribute to the roots of Fancy Trash
The Pushkin Sessions recordings invite you to delve deeper into the music and that unique moment in time for the band. The live setting at The Pushkin allowed the band to harness the essence of these songs in a way that feels both intimate and grand. And, at times, gets a bit wild — in true Fancy Trash tradition.
“The Pushkin Sessions” is a testament to Fancy Trash’s artistic growth, their commitment to their craft, and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. It represents a pivotal moment in the band’s history, capturing the energy and magic of their five-year anniversary show and showcasing the remarkable chemistry, raw talent, musical synergy, camaraderie, and commitment to their craft that exists and persists between its members — even through over two decades of change and growth.
Through the collaborative efforts of Mark Alan Miller and Jonathan Wyner, listeners have the opportunity to immerse themselves in these captivating performances. The album serves as a testament to the band’s growth and creative spirit, solidifying their unique musical identity and establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the indie rock and indie folks scenes.
Release celebration
To commemorate the release of this long-hidden record, the band has announced two special release shows. On Friday, November 10, they will take the stage at The Marigold Theater in Easthampton, MA, for an unforgettable night of music and celebration with Chris Goudreau and Moon Hollow supporting. The following day, November 11, they will bring their dynamic performance to The Burren in Somerville, MA, where they will be joined by the talented Honest Mechanik. These release shows promise to be memorable events, as Fancy Trash shares their passion and the songs from “The Pushkin Sessions” with their dedicated fans.