ABOUT THIS ITEM

The easiest thing to say about Herman Düne is that they are atypical. Created by brothers David-Ivar Herman Düne and Andre Herman Düne over 10 years ago, the 2 Swedish-rooted fans of American music were already playing Europe and the States before they'd even begun making records. Having written over 400, they have become a reference in the modern folk-rock songwriting scene. In recent years, founder member Andre has left the band but despite this David and drummer Neman (also of Zombie Zombie) have continued relentlessly. A decade ago, songwriter and vocalist David-Ivar Herman Dune and drummer Cosmic Neman let go of their secular life and created the band Herman Dune. Out of Paris, all across Europe and all the way to NYC, they gained a formidable Cult Status with the help of John Peel. Without stepping out of the DIY network, with tape and 7” releases and devoted bedroom labels, some 12 albums were released.

In 2006 Herman Dune changed their line-up after the departure of David’s brother Stanley (aka Andre) and recorded songs in a professional studio for the first time. The ensuing album propelled them to a wider recognition, with “I Wish That I Could See You Soon” (Rolling Stone US’s choice of “Best Songs Of 2007) and an acclaimed Sesame-Street-Style video by director Toben Seymour, who has also made their most recent video for the new single “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” starring Jon Hamm of Mad Men fame. Herman Dune then started to headline bigger venues in Europe, the peak of this being a sold out 2500 capacity show at The Olympia in Paris. With a wealth of new material they chose 15 out of a possible 20 newly recorded songs to create "Strange Moosic". With a focus this time on melody and simple production, this is their most accessible record to date. Featuring David-Ivar’s idiosyncratic vocals and engaging poetry. Inspired by songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, Jonathan Richman and David Berman, his soft accent lends a naïve charm to his words. Adam Selzer recorded the album at his studio in Portland (M Ward / Decemberists). A perfect fit for Herman Dune, he was able to record songs played live and make them sound rich and vibrant. The songs were played on an acoustic guitar, the way they were originally conceived, each telling a different story but working together beautifully as a whole to create an effortlessly classic album.

1. Tell Me Something I Don't Know
2. Ah Hears Strange Moosic
3. Be A Doll And Take My Heart
4. Where Is The Man?
5. Lay Your Head On My Chest
6. Monument Park
7. In The Long Long Run
8. Your Love Is Gold
9. The Rock
10. Just Like Summer
11. My Joy
12. Magician