Let It Go is the fourth full-length LP from reggae-rock band State Radio, headlined by former Dispatch guitarist/vocalist, Chad Urmston.

It was released on September 29th, 2009. It is notable for being the first State Radio release available in vinyl format.

Tracks

Category:2009 albums

Category:State Radio albums

Artist/Band Information

State Radio is an alternative rock band from Sherborn, Massachusetts, consisting of Chad Urmston (lead vocals, guitar), Chuck Fay (bass) and Mike Najarian (drums). The band's first full-length album, Us Against the Crown, was released in December 2005, their second, Year of the Crow in September 2007, and their most recent album, Let it Go, in September 2009.

Biography

A Boston based trio band led by singer and primary songwriter Chad Urmston (a former member of Vermont jamsters Dispatch), State Radio largely managed to avoid the usual post-Phish clichés, injecting a punk-influenced sound and politically charged viewpoint while staying true to the tenets of the band's chosen style, which infuses a blend of Roots-Reggae, Ska, Punk and Rock.

Urmston, who disbanded Dispatch at the height of its popularity in 2002, formed State Radio later the same year. Focusing exclusively on guitar and vocals instead of the instrument switching he was previously known for, he brought in second guitarist Pete Halby, bassist Chuck Fay, and drummer Mike Greenfield to round out the lineup. After the exploratory debut EP Flag of the Shiners was released by Fenway Recordings in late 2002, State Radio went on a temporary hiatus throughout 2003 as Urmston recovered from throat surgery. Returning to active duty in 2004 as a slimmed-down trio with new drummer Brian Sayers, State Radio followed a second EP, Simmer Kane, with the release of 2005's Us Against the Crown. Another personnel change occurred before State Radio toured in support of the album, with drummer Mike Najarian replacing Sayers.

The sophomore effort Year of the Crow followed in fall 2007, bringing with it an emphasis on louder guitars and sociopolitical themes. State Radio reinforced such themes by launching service projects in each city the band visited, and Urmston briefly reconvened Dispatch for a three-night charity performance at Madison Square Garden, with funds going toward Zimbabwe relief. State Radio maintained such political awareness on 2009's Let It Go.

Official recording sessions for their third album began on November 3, 2008 in North Brookfield, Massachusetts at Long View Farm Studios. The album, entitled Let It Go, was released on September 29, 2009.

Following the release of "Let It Go" State Radio launched their winter tour. The winter 2010 tour was titled "Lefty Rides Again" and visited many cities across the United States. State Radio also completed a small European tour during the last two weeks of March.

Discography

Studio albums

*Us Against the Crown (2006)

*The Barn Sessions (2007)

*Year of the Crow (2007)

*Let It Go (2009) U.S. #96http

Live Albums/EPs

*Live at the Sync (2005)

*State of Georgia EP (2009)

*Live At the Brattle Theater (2009)

EPs

*Flag of the Shiners EP (2002)

*Simmer Kane EP (2004)

*Peace Between Nations EP (2005)

*Wicker Plane EP (2007)

*Calling All Crows EP (2009)

Singles

* "Gang of Thieves" (2007)

* "Knights of Bostonia" (2009)

In the media

The band's song "Keepsake" was featured in the season three finale of Showtime's dark comedy Weeds.

State Radio opened for Dave Matthews Band on May 30-31, 2008 in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, and on June 3-4, 2008 in Camden, New Jersey.Tady, Scott. , Beaver County Times & Allegheny Times, 2008-05-30. Retrieved on 2008-06-03.

State Radio played at a concert near the 2008 Republican National Convention alongside Rage Against the Machine and other politically active bands as an act of protest.

More Recently, Kayem Foods, based in Chelsea, Mass.,has used their songs "Right Me Up" and "Sybil" in their commercials.

Activism

In 2008, State Radio started an activist group called Calling All Crows to "inspire public service" and "promote human rights." Currently, they are working with Oxfam America's Stoves for Sudan Project. Calling All Crows is hoping to raise money for 5,000 stoves for 5,000 different women in Sudan through fan activism before concerts. , "Calling All Crows: Mobilizing Musicians and their Fans to Promote Human Rights".

References