Pernice Brothers

The Boston-based Scud Mountain Boys were much beloved in 1990s indie circles, as much for leader Joe Pernice's literate and thoughtful take on the alt-country form as for their excellent playing. But when the band dissolved, few were prepared for what followed. In 1998, Sub Pop released Pernice's new band's album, OVERCOME BY HAPPINESS, which abandoned the dour and earth-toned countryisms for an expansive, sun-drenched classic pop sound that employed strings, horns, and keyboards. The Pernice Brothers quickly joined the ranks of the great orchestrated pop bands of the day, and their tuneful, intelligent albums have consistently pleased fans and critics alike.