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The first thing I remember about the recording of Bright Flight is that when we opened the door to Hum Depot's roller rink of a basement studio, the console was in a jillion pieces. Why we were the reason it got cleaned for the first time since 1972, who can say? Marky cussed heroically, recomposing the board while the Joos idled High Life ponies in the parking lot. Everyone was well in character by the time the reels sputtered to life.

Mostly I recall catnapping under globe lights on and off for days with these incredible songs I'd only heard skeletons of at that point drifting through the lounge. Occasionally I was roused to harmonize, completely amazed with wonder to hear my own voice joined to this band that I had loved already for years. David says it's boring when people tell their dreams. Nevertheless, crowding around a laughing, out of tune piano singing "Let's Not and Say We Did" as Tony blew the lid off the joint is as wildly surreal today as it was then.

Cassie Berman

Formed in 1989 in Hoboken NJ during jam sessions between David Berman, Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich, the Joos released six acclaimed albums through 2008, when Berman, the sole constant member of the band, retired. Revered largely for his exquisite songs and lyrics and his singular imagination, Silver Jews continue to grow in the ears of new listeners with every passing year.