SUNDAY CLASSIC GTC: PONY LEAGUE Share 5 Albums
Pony League are available at Bandcamp, Apple Music, Apple Music.
by Pony League
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.
Bruce Springsteen – Nebraska
While it features some of his best writing, the thing about this album that stuck with us was it’s 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.
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.
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.
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.
PONY LEAGUE
Band photo via Tumblr
Produced by Marshall Coats. Recorded at Itchy Brain Recording in Avondale Estates as well as various other rooms around Atlanta. Engineered by Steve Waide, Craig Carlson, and Mark Gallegos. All songs, written by Pony League.
“Atlanta’s Pony League have a new single, “Mile Marker Dance”, from their forthcoming albúm A Picture of Your Family (Bear Kids Records) that explores life’s uncertainties. The track metaphorically traveling ‘life is a highway’ and one must take a leap of faith and let life and love follow their long and winding courses. A nicely crafted and played story-song in a modern time when such a thing is a rarity. Classic.” – Walter Price (GTC)