Okkervil River announces cover EP, new video, tour

With the “spend, spend, spend” mentality of the holidays, many folks might be finding their pockets lined with little more than old gum wrappers and crumpled gift receipts. How do you go about treating yourself after graciously giving to all your loved ones? Well, there’s always the self-appointed pat on the back, but, if you are itching for something that’s more substantial, yet not a wallet breaker, Okkervil River is here for you.

Last week, the Austin-based band released a cover EP, Golden Opportunities. With retooled songs from the likes of John Cale, The Fugs and Randy Newman, the nine featured tracks are from recordings that took place everywhere from radio stations to hotel stairwells.

To make this even more amazing, Golden Opportunities is free. Not two for one. Not 50% off. Most certainly not five easy payments of $39.99. It’s just refreshingly available via OkkervilRiver.com, sans price tag.

In other news, the band continues its tour de force across the globe. Having confirmed European/Australian dates, the lads will start off in Belfast, Ireland on Feb. 2 and keep on trucking all the way until March 5 when they reach New Zealand.

For those of you stranded on other continents, unable to make it to the shows, there’s Okkervil’s new video for “A Girl in Port.” May it bring you comfort and joy as your favorite band flies to other lands.

Dates:

February
2 - Belfast, Ireland @ Empire
3 - Edinburgh, Scotland @ Cabaret Voltaire
5 - London, England @ Scala
7 - Leuven, Belgium @ Stuk
8 - Paris, France @ La Maroquinerie
9 - Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
10 - Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
23 - Adelaide, Australia @ Laneway Festival
24 - Melbourne, Australia @ Laneway Festival
26 - Melbourne, Australia @ Corner
27 - Sydney, Australia @ Manning Bar
29 - Perth, Australia @ Perth International Arts Festival

March
1 - Brisbane, Australia @ Laneway Festival
2 - Sydney Australia @ Laneway Festival
4 - Auckland, New Zealand @ Kings Arms
5 - Wellington, New Zealand @ San Francisco Bath House