speed of dark

It must have been just after the breakup of his former band, the Flashing Astonishers, that Gregg Yeti wrote this about himself:

"Gregg Yeti plays all of the instruments on his recordings, writes and sings the lyrics and music, records it all at home on his ancient PC, produces and reproduces the releases, arranges the cover art, and lives the d.i.y. ethic because he trusts no one to ever do anything right."

That is why two of the songs posted below feature Yeti as a solo artist.

But things change. Recording alone is one thing, but Yeti found it boring to perform as a solo act. He has a new band now, the Best Lights, that includes his fiancée Jessica Rudy. They are working on a full-length album of new songs and remixes of his solo material. Due out in spring, that album will probably be released under the Best Lights without Yeti's name preceding it. He's already writing new songs for a follow-up after that.

I wasn't surprised to see among Gregg's long and varied list of influences other artists that I like: Grant Lee Buffalo, Teenage Fan Club, Nada Surf, Elliott Smith, Sun Kil Moon, Idlewild, and Iggy Pop. With that many influences, you can't sound like someone else; you have to sound like yourself. But to get an idea, think of Elvis Costello backed up by Red House Painters. That's some gorgeous guitar on "Bulding Houses," and I hope to hear more of it.

Gregg Yeti: Building Houses (For Sarafina)

Gregg Yeti: Deal With You Perfect

Gregg Yeti and the Best Lights: Laughter Be Your Slave from Star Off Machine - EP (2006)


Visit Gregg Yeti's MySpace page for info, pictures, videos, and more downloads. You can also order Star Off Machine. I did.