Album Notes

Born of soul-touching melodies, rich vocal harmonies, and the restlessness of growing up in Washington DC, The Beanstalk Library's debut album, America at Night, is an intoxicating musical canvas created by songwriters Ryan Walker and Brian Kent. The Beanstalk Library's lineup includes Walker (vocals, guitar, piano, organ), Kent (guitar, vocals), Mike Fellenbaum (drums), John Rapoza (bass), and a large cast of friends and fellow musicians who add horns, strings, and vocals to the eight songs on America at Night. Self-produced with mixing duties handled by Chad Clark (Fugazi, The Dismemberment Plan), America at Night opens with the gorgeous piano ballad Bleak House in which Walker intones, "Let's go out tonight." And from there, the rest of the album plays like a night on the town, effortlessly weaving together a variety of styles heard in music clubs across the country. The second track, Fake It, mixes and matches early Who with a country twang, while Elephantitis, serves up a pop sprint anchored by its giddy organ hook and propelled by the athletic rhythms of Fellenbaum and Rapoza. Female Form is a standout built on lush strings and driving guitars to reach its anthem peak, and Fog Over My Mind is a pure sing-along gem. After five years of hiatuses, lineup changes, stops and starts, The Beanstalk Library has begun to build a loyal following, playing regular shows at D.C. venues such as Iota, Jammin' Java, Rock and Roll Hotel, Velvet Lounge, DC9, and The Red & The Black, and sharing bills with Exit Clov, The Eames Era, Illinois, The Subjects, Vandaveer, The Rewinds, and Death By Sexy. -Dallas Hudgens ************************************************************ "Wonderfully done record by locals The Beanstalk Library. Catchy, driving music, well-written lyrics and beautiful harmonies. Tracks can go from piano heavy to guitar thunder, from sleepy chill to jarring, all seamless. The feel and sound from these tracks sound big time. The wait for this effort has been worth it. 3 1/2 (out of 4) Beer Mugs." -On Tap Magazine ************************************************************