Jeremy Messersmith at Slowdown Jr. in May 2010.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Minnesota singer/songwriter Jeremy Messersmith, who played a solo set with The Mynabirds at Slowdown Jr. last May (2010, review here), returns to Slowdown tonight, but expect something completely different.

“The show tonight will be much much different than the last time I played at The Slowdown, mainly because I’m bringing a band with me,” Messersmith said via e-mail. “It’ll be a mix of ’60s (influenced) rock with a bit of fingerpicking guitar songs, too (I have to keep my singer-songwriter credentials). Oh, and no looping pedals this time!”

Backing up Messersmith is Peter Sieve from the band Rogue Valley on guitar, Alex Young on drums, and Ben Rosenbush on cello, bass, keys.

The tour is in support of his 2010 release, The Relunctant Graveyard, which is sort of a concept album about death performed from a very sunny, pop-music perspective. You can download it on a “pay-what-you want” basis here. If you’re wondering about his business model, read my 2010 interview with Jeremy, where he talks about why he self-releases and offers his music for download.

“Also, I think we’ll be doing a cover of The Magnetic Fields tune ‘Epitaph for My Heart.’ Y’know, to stick with the whole death and dying bit o’ sunshine,” Messersmith said. “I’ll probably try out a new song or two, kinda depends on the vibe, if people are really listening.”

He asked if I had any requests, and I told him I’d love to hear “Virginia,” from his 2008 album The Silver City, which happens to be one of my favorite records. You can also download that one online, here. Make sure you throw some cash into his digital hat.

Opening for Messersmith is Ted Wulfers, In Love. $8, 9 p.m. Attendance is required.

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Tomorrow: The 2Q’11 CD review round-up.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2011 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.