Because this seemed to be my assumption all of these years, but since I picked up my first Silver Jews album, I realize that I was mistaken. This isn’t another group of simple songs written by Stephen Malkmus, as Dave Berman has released six albums over a 15 year span, and most of the albums are of the critically acclaimed variety. His songs always get stuck in my head and not really the lyrics, but the music. I find that the melodies and how the instruments flow is what really draws me into his music.

Unfortunately to my dissapointment this morning, I found out that back in January, Berman released this statement

Hello, my friend.

Cassie and I went to the cave and it looks great. 58 degrees but the humidity makes it feel like 72.

I’m just going to play fifteen songs. My fifteen favorite ones.

A dollar per song. Plus Arnett Hollow. I don’t

want to keep you underground for too long. Fall Creek Falls State Park State Lodge is great by the way.

Yes I cancelled the South American shows. I’ll have to see the ABC Countries another way.

I guess I am moving over to another category. Screenwriting or Muckraking.

I’ve got to move on. Can’t be like all the careerists doncha know.

I’m forty two and I know what to do.

I’m a writer, see?

Cassie is taking it the hardest. She’s a fan and a player but she sees how happy i am with the decision.

I always said we would stop before we got bad. If I continue to record I might accidentally write the answer song to Shiny Happy People.

What, you thought I was going to hang on to the bitter end like Marybeth Hamilton?

Essentially, Silver Jews are no more. In tribute, here’s a video of Berman joining Malkmus on stage singing Blue Arrangements.