6. April 2018 By Walter Price 0

Pony League and the Five Albums That Helped Influence Them

Pony League are available on Bandcamp.

We were honored to have been asked to compile the five albums that we think most influenced Pony League’s sound. At first, I was a little overwhelmed, thinking it would be too daunting a task to try and whittle down such a long list of influential albums into just five. But after a surprisingly brief conversation with our drummer Jay, it actually came pretty easy. While the five of us all bring a variety of musical tastes to the table, there were really only a handful of albums that brought us all together and into the band room when we started carving out the first few Pony League songs. These are the albums that, when we listen to them, they remind us who we are. Take a look at our choices below!

The Hold Steady – Stay Positive

Before we had a band name, we’d play “Lord I’m Discouraged” from this album over and over. It was like therapy. It set the tone for the first few songs we ever wrote. (Spotify)

Bruce Springsteen – Nebraska

While it features some of his best writing, the thing about this album that stuck with us was its aesthetic as this sort of DIY bedroom record. It’s this visceral approach to recording. Just Bruce, his guitar and a four-track. The result is imitable. (Spotify)

The Weakerthans – Reunion Tour

Fronted by ex-Propagandhi member, John K Samson, for us, The Weakerthans served as a bridge from the loud and fast to the quiet and reflective. (Spotify)

Dawes – North Hills

This record opened our eyes to a resurrection of The Laurel Canyon sound of the west coast and made the idea of following in the footsteps of Jackson Browne seem cool. “That Western Skyline” is one of our favorite songs. (Spotify)

The Band – The Last Waltz

Our entire band is entranced by Scorsese’s epic concert film of The Band’s final show. From Levon Helm’s ability to sing while drumming in the pocket to Robbie Robertson’s cinematic guitar solos. It was love at first sight and continues to influence our songwriting and live show. (iTunes)