The Broken West

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Broken West


Img_capt = The Broken West performing in Toronto
Img_size =
Landscape = yes
Background = group_or_band
Alias = The Brokedown
Origin = Los Angeles, California, USA
Genre = Indie rock
Power pop
Years_active = 2004–present
Label = Merge
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.myspace.com/thebrokenwest myspace.com/thebrokenwest]
Current_members = Ross Flournoy
Dan Iead
Brian Whelan
Jeff Howell
Sean McDonald
Past_members = Rob McCorkindale
Scott Claassen
Jon Shaw

The Broken West is an American power pop band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 2004, [cite news| last =Nguyen| first =Mary T| title =Band is 'good, clean fun'| page =| publisher ="Columbia Daily Tribune"| date =2007-10-11| ] and now signed to Merge Records. The members are Ross Flournoy (guitar, vocals), Dan Iead (guitar, backing vocals), Brian Whelan (bass, backing vocals), Rob McCorkindale (drums, percussion), and Scott Claassen (keys, backing vocals). Recently, drummer Rob McCorkindale was replaced by Sean McDonald on drums. Rob recently gave birth to his first child and had family commitments. Also, Jeff Howell(Dan Iead's high school friend from Connecticut) has joined the Broken West as their touring keyboardist, playing synth, organ and piano.

Initially named "The Brokedown", they changed their name in 2006 because of legal concerns with a Chicago band with a similar name.cite news| last =Perry| first =Jonathan| title =Love of LA powers the pop of the Broken West's debut| page =D19| publisher ="Boston Globe"| date =2007-03-02| ] Their debut full-length release is "I Can't Go On, I'll Go On", referencing a Samuel Beckett quote.

Their single "Down in the Valley" was featured in an episode of "Grey's Anatomy". They have played the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and toured the U.S. and Canada with Fountains of Wayne and with The National.

None of the band members are originally from Los Angeles. Frontman Ross Flournoy was born in Memphis, Tennessee and moved with his family to Santa Barbara, California when he was 11 years old. His musical pleasures growing up included Big Star, Teenage Fanclub, and The Beatles. Dan Iead and Jeff Howell grew up in Branford, CT. Brian Whelan split time between Seatle and Northern California.

On June 12, 2008, the band announced plans to release their sophomore album "Now or Heaven" on September 9, 2008 through Merge Records.

"Now or Heaven" was leaked onto the internet on August 28, 2008

Discography

* 2005: "The Dutchman's Gold" EP (as "The Brokedown")
* 2007: "I Can't Go On, I'll Go On"
* 2008: "Now or Heaven"

Notes

References

* Dye, David. [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6946875 "The Broken West: Indie-pop's new face (and name)"] , NPR, January 22 2007.
* Katzif, Michael. [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7107539 "A power-pop gem with a hint of turmoil"] , NPR, February 2 2007.
* Dye, David. [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9959097 "The Broken West: catchy hooks, sweet harmonies"] , NPR, May 2 2007.
* Deusner, Stephen. [http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/40787-i-cant-go-on-ill-go-on Pitchfork record review] , Pitchfork Media, February 1 2007.
* Wenzel, John. [http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_5971222 "Concerts in review: The Broken West"] , "The Denver Post", May 25 2007.
* Perler, Elie Z. [http://www.spin.com/features/band_of_the_day/2007/01/070117_thebrokenwest/ "Artist of the Day: The Broken West"] , "Spin", January 17 2007.
* Perry, Jonathan. [http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2007/03/02/love_of_la_powers_the_pop_of_the_broken_wests_debut/ "Love of LA powers the pop of The Broken West debut"] , "The Boston Globe", March 2 2007.

External links

*
* [http://www.mergerecords.com/band.php?band_id=111 The Broken West] at Merge Records