So Long, Astoria

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
Contains two hidden tracks following "Eight Of Nine."
The Ataris: Kris Roe (vocals, guitar, Mellotron, Moog synthesizer);
John Collura (guitar, background vocals); Mike Davenport (bass); Chris Knapp (drums).
Additional personnel includes: Angus Cooke (cello); James Muhawi (piano).
Recorded at Ocean Studios, Burbank, California; Grandmaster, Hollywood, California and Orange Whip Studios, Santa Barbara, California.
With an EP and several full-length albums under their collective belt, the Ataris made their bones with five years of hard work, leading up to their debut for Columbia--SO LONG, ASTORIA. Principal writer/vocalist Kris Roe drew inspiration for the album's concept from author Richard Hell's novel GO NOW, exploring his past stomping grounds with a Polaroid camera and a notebook. Recapturing the essence of past memories made excellent fodder for the songs that make up SO LONG, ASTORIA.
Written to his daughter, "The Saddest Song," is sweet and heartfelt, coming across with even more emotional impact reprised as an acoustic, hidden track at the end of the CD. Longtime fans will experience momentary deja vu as a new version of "I Won't Spend Another Night Alone" sneaks into the sequence as well (originally found on 1999's BLUE SKIES, BROKEN HEARTS). Despite the move to one of the biggest labels in the world with SO LONG, ASTORIA, the Ataris' indie sensibilities and integrity remain intact.