Gob Iron Reshapes Folk Classics

[Above: Jay Farrar]

Gob Iron — British slang for "harmonica" — is the somewhat unsavory name of Anders Parker and Jay Farrar's new collaborative side project. The musicians reshape classic folk standards, tweaking lyrics and arrangements to give the songs an innovative, modern feel. Their first album, Death Songs for the Living, is set for an Oct. 31 release.

Farrar, the alt-country pioneer behind Son Volt and Uncle Tupelo, and Parker, who fronts the indie-rock outfit Varnaline, wasted no time in recording this CD. The two laid down 19 tracks over the course of only two days. Death Songs combines modernized Americana, instrumental numbers and a new song by Farrar, "Buzz and Grind."

Gob Iron will embark on a short U.S. tour three days after the album's release. For complete dates and more information about the band, visit jayfarrar.net.

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