Silver Jews

Formed in 1989 by David Berman, the Silver Jews blended indie rock, country-rock, and lo-fi with witty and profound lyrics. Originally a trio with Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich, the band's spontaneous, noisy style evolved from recording songs on answering machines to a more polished sound over the years. While initially overshadowed by Malkmus' success with Pavement, the Silver Jews carved their own niche with albums like Starlite Walker and The Natural Bridge, showcasing Berman's reflective vocals and abstract lyrics.

Despite challenges and lineup changes, the Silver Jews persevered with albums like American Water and Tennessee, featuring collaborations with notable musicians like Will Oldham and Azita Youseffi. Berman's struggles with depression and substance abuse led to a hiatus before the band's return in 2005 with Tanglewood Numbers. Following a final album in 2008, Berman retired the Silver Jews moniker and focused on writing. In 2019, he resurfaced with a new project, Purple Mountains, releasing a self-titled album before his untimely death at 52.