I was pretty close to Norfolk over the weekend. Each time we passed a sign indicating if we drove a few more miles (28) we would, in fact, be in Norfolk I thought about the band Norfolk & Western. Norfolk & Western actually call Portland home, but they are about to release a new record called The Unsung Colony next week on October 24th.I like this album so much because while it seems like you are listening to folk music at one point seconds later erupts into a Neil Young-like guitar solo until finally yielding it’s power to a muffled and departing horn section towards the end. Alright, I guess that’s what I really like about the second track, “The Shortest Stare,” but I think there’s a lot of great stuff going on with this record. The fourth track, “How To Reel In” would have fit perfectly alongside anything Sam Beam has ever written. Perfect combinations of piano, guitar, and vocals lend to a perfect “winter album.” Founding members Adam Selzer and Rachel Blumberg have enjoyed quite a bit of success outside the Norfolk & Western machine as well. Adam has spent time touring as M Ward’s bassist, while Rachel is handling (edit: has handled) the drumming duties for The Decemberists.

Norfolk & Western return to Madison to play Cafe Montmartre on November 14th, a show I strongly suggest you check out.

Norfolk & Western Myspace site
Adam and Rachel help M Ward out on the David Letterman [youtube video]