The Knitters
The Knitters are a Los Angeles-based band who play country, rockabilly and folk music. The Knitters' name is a play on the name of the folk group The Weavers.[1]
Background
The Knitters formed in 1982 as a side project to the band members' primary commitments. Vocalist Exene Cervenka, singer/bassist John Doe and drummer DJ Bonebrake were three of the four members of the punk band X; guitarist Dave Alvin was a member of roots rock band The Blasters as well as The Flesh Eaters; and stand-up bassist Jonny Ray Bartel was a member of blues-rock band The Red Devils.[3]
The Knitters' debut album Poor Little Critter on the Road was released in 1985. It included mainly traditional and cover songs, together with some X songs performed in an acoustic style. The album drew on blues, folk, country and rockabilly influences. In 1999, the label Bloodshot Records released a track-by-track tribute to the album entitled Poor Little Knitter on the Road.[4]
After the debut album's release, all the group members continued to work with their primary bands. Dave Alvin also later pursued a solo career.[5]
Twenty years later, in 2005, the group released their second and ironically-titled album, The Modern Sounds of the Knitters. John Doe has been quoted as saying "The Knitters, like their music, don't do anything hasty.[3] Since our last record's been out for a while and it did pretty good, we figured it was just about time to put out another." The Modern Sounds of the Knitters has been well received by critics.[3]
Discography
- Poor Little Critter on the Road (1985) – US No. 204
- The Modern Sounds of the Knitters (2005)
Reviews
- Klinge, Steve (2005-08-12). "These critters are punk, country, "anything goes"". Philadelphia Inquirer.
- "The Modern Sounds Of The Knitters". Blogcritics –.
- "Review of The Modern Sounds Of The Knitters". Rhino.
References
- Lankford, Jr, Ronnie D. "The Knitters". All Music. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
- "Modern Sounds, a Blast from the Past". All Things Considered. NPR. October 8, 2005. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
- "Beyond and Back with the Knitters". Warped Reality. 2006-01-22. Retrieved 2016-03-23.
- "Rhino Recommends – Rzine No. 482". Rhino. Retrieved 2007-06-09.
- "The Knitters, The Modern Sounds of the Knitters". Harp. Retrieved 2007-09-26.