David Lowery of Cracker/Camper Van Beethoven readies new solo album for May

David Lowery, chief singer-songwriter and frontman for Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven who grew up in Redlands, will release his 28-song solo album, "Fathers, Sons and Brothers," on May 30 through Cooking Vinyl. 

It combines three of Lowery's previously online-only released solo albums "In the Shadow of the Bull," "Leaving Key Member Clause," and "Vending Machine," and also includes four new previously unreleased songs, as well as four newly re-recorded tracks. 

Physical formats are 3LP limited edition vinyl gatefold and 2CD. New lead single "I Wrote A Song Called Take The Skinheads Bowling" is out now.

Personal notes on the album from Lowery:

"Over the years, many have encouraged me to write an autobiography. However, it never really appealed to me. Partly because it seemed like I would have to learn an entirely new skill set, but mostly because there is a standard arc to all successful “rock” autobiographies: a tough childhood, a deep passion for music, many obstacles to overcome, relentless striving, and finally, against all odds, success. And that’s not my story."

"While I have a deep passion for music, I never really struggled. I grew up in a two-parent home. My parents stayed together their whole lives. We didn’t have much, but we never wanted for anything. My father was a career military man but was a sweet and gentle soul. My parents always supported my musical career. The first album I recorded was immediately played on the BBC and later MTV. Within 18 months of releasing the first Camper Van Beethoven album, we were playing arenas with REM. The first song Cracker recorded was immediately in heavy rotation on MTV. And so on. Honestly, I feel like I’ve lived a charmed life."

"So, in lieu of an uninteresting written autobiography I’ve made this record. I do this not so much to tell my own story but to pay tribute to my mother, father, sisters, extended family, friends, and those who have shared their lives with me. I wanted to sing the songs of the unsung, celebrate friends and family, make amends, and apologize where necessary. It took me nearly 5 years to make this recording and I’m a little sad the process is over. Although much of this I recorded alone during the pandemic I had an amazing set of virtual collaborators spread across 5 time zones and three continents. I couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you, Jim, Leith, Mark, Bryan, Lisa, Jeremy, Luke, Carlton, Thayer, Megan, Pistol, Velena and Bob. Also, thanks to Drew Vandenberg and Jason Nesmith for piecing this all together and making it sound good."

Track List:

01-Frozen Sea (new recording)

02-Plaza De Toros
03-Super Bloom
04-Disneyland Jail
05-How Does Your Sister Roller Skate? (previously unreleased)
06-Mom I'm Living the Life
07-I Wrote a Song Called Take the Skinheads Bowling (previously unreleased)
08-Mexican Chickens (new recording)
09-Europass
10-We Hate You
11-Everybody Get a F*cking Day Job
12-Battle of Leros (previously unreleased)
13-Leaving Key Member Clause
14-Piney Woods
15-Let it Roll Down that Hill
16-Pretty Girl From Oregon Hill
17-It Don't Last Long
18-Fat Little Babies
19-Mark Loved Dogs and Babies
20-Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey
21-Vending Machine
22-Fathers, Sons and Brothers [featuring The Bellrays] (new recording)
23-Yonder Distant Shore
24-Darken Your Door [Richmond version]
25-Giving Tree Father
26-Art Basel
27-Every Time I Try to Get Out
28-Beautiful [Georgia Version] (previously unreleased)

Cracker Tour Dates:

Now through 3/8 - Cracker CAMP-IN #11 @ 40 Watt Club, Athens, GA (w/ Ike Reilly, The Hackensaw Boys, Jim Dalton, Abe Partridge & others)

3/13 - MadLife Stage & Studios, Woodstock, GA

3/14 - MadLife Stage & Studios, Woodstock, GA

6/7 - Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO (with Big Head Todd and Cheap Trick)

Camper Van Beethoven - Telephone Free Landslide Victory 40th Anniversary Dates:

4/26-27 The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA (SOLD OUT)

Additional David Lowery solo shows to be announced soon.