Old ’97s

Old 97’s return with Fight Songs, the follow-up to their acclaimed 1997 release Too Far To Care. On Fight Songs, Old 97’s show tremendous growth in their charismatic songwriting, bringing a fresh new accessibility to their solid musical parenting.

Old 97’s made their initial impact as one of the smartest, highest-energy bands of the “No Depression” scene. However, they quickly left that label behind, with records and concerts that demonstrated a pop and lyrical depth that couldn’t be contained by the genre narrow confines.

Option magazine said it well: “What really makes their music work is the band’s gift for songwriting: with exceptionally sharp turns of phase and hooks great and small, Old 97’s packs pure pop satisfaction into every tune.” And they make it look easy.

The album features a dozen songs about love in all its stages of falling apart – anger, grief, regret, hope. (Fight Songs. Get it?) Highlights include the plaintive loneliness of “Jagged”; the coming-of-age anthem “19”; the propulsive “Oppenheimer”; and the breakneck “Let The Idiot Speak.”

Old 97’s success is due to no small part to their explosive live performances. They’ve established a solid fan base and much credibility through incessant touring on their own, and in support of bands like Third Eye Blind, Bad Religion and Wilco. They also joined Lollapalooza in 1997. In 1999, Old 97’s will tour extensively in support of Fight Songs, and if you haven’t seen them, you’re really missing out. “One of the most ferocious and inspiring live bands in the US.” –Details

It’s a testament to the band’s talent that they are a favorite of fellow musicians and are considered a band’s band.” Avowed fans include Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas, Kim Mould and Waylon Jennings. Actors Vince Vaughn and Janeane Garofalo count themselves as major fans, too.

With Fight Songs, Old 97’s are poised for a major breakthrough, and we plan to build on the goodwill and momentum the band earned with their previous releases. Look for heavy advertising and the usual avalanche of excitement and kind words from the press.