Scott Yoder’s “Scooter Pie”: A Modern Homage to Glam Rock with a Unique Twist
Scott Yoder, a name that may not immediately ring a bell, has steadily built a reputation that places him alongside notable acts like Kevin Morby, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Roky Erickson, with whom he has shared the stage. However, it’s his latest release, “Scooter Pie,” that solidifies his position not just as a performer but as a distinctive voice in the indie music scene. The fourth album in his discography, “Scooter Pie,” showcases Yoder’s adept ability to draw inspiration from the glam rock era, invoking the spirit of The Kinks, David Bowie, and Marc Bolan, while simultaneously forging a sound that’s unequivocally his own.
Dubbed a “Seattle-based glam folk singer” on his website, Yoder defies easy categorization, blending elements of glam rock with folk sensibilities to create something truly unique. “Scooter Pie” is a testament to this blend, featuring standout tracks like ‘Sweet Breath of Love’ and ‘The Guttersnipe’ that combine memorable melodies and tasteful arrangements reminiscent of glam rock’s golden age, yet feel entirely modern and fresh.
The album is a celebration of glam rock’s enduring legacy, marked by Yoder’s capacity to craft songs that are both melodically rich and lyrically profound. The lead single ‘Sing Your Broken Song’ hooks listeners with its optimistic melancholy, described as “a happier Elliott Smith merged with George Harrison.” Yet, Yoder’s range is evident throughout the album, with tracks like ‘Half-Lived Phantasy’ and ‘Canopy Of Night’ showcasing his knack for integrating strings and organ into his compositions, enhancing the emotional depth of his music.
“Too Foolish” emerges as a highlight, encapsulating Yoder’s lyrical wit and melodic prowess in a song that could easily be a manifesto for the album: “Anything that is too foolish to be written down can be sung…” This line not only underscores the album’s embrace of whimsicality and earnestness but also highlights Yoder’s skill in balancing intricate melodies with straightforward, compelling lyrics.
“Scooter Pie” is an album that wears its influences proudly yet refuses to be constrained by them. It’s an invitation to explore the richness of glam rock through the lens of an artist who respects its roots while boldly pushing its boundaries. Yoder’s individuality shines through every track, offering a collection that is as theatrically engaging as it is musically enriching.
For fans of Bowie, Lou Reed, Elliott Smith, and beyond, Scott Yoder’s “Scooter Pie” is a compelling argument that quality glam rock is not only alive but evolving. It’s a rare find in today’s music landscape — an album that celebrates the past while looking firmly to the future, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking depth, drama, and a dose of glam in their playlists.
Tour Dates
3/20 @monksbarmissoula (Missoula MT)
Th 3/21 Labor Temple with @thelovedarts (Bozeman MT)
Fr 3/22 @kirksgrocery (Billings MT)
Sa 3/23 @abysrcsd (Rapid City SD)
Su 3/24 @taubemuseum (Minot ND)
Mo 3/25 @cloudlandtheater (Minneapolis MN)
Tu 3/26 @mickeys_madison (Madison, WI)
We 3/27 @theburlingtonbar (Chicago IL)
Th 3/28 @theouterlimitslounge (Hamtramck MI)
Fr 3/29 @theemothership with @themagnavoxs (Mansfield OH)
Sa 3/30 @alphavillebk (NYC NY)
Su 3/31 @khyberpasspub (Philadelphia PA)
Mo 4/1 @thecobracabanarva (Richmond VA)
Tu 4/2 @the_pinhook (Durham NC)
We 4/3 @fleetwoodsavl (Asheville NC)
Th 4/4 @cherrystreettavern (Chattanooga TN)
Fr 4/5 @jeffnblues (Huntsville AL)
Sa 4/6 @innerspace_atl (Atlanta GA)
Su 4/7 @theslab912 (Savannah GA)
Mo 4/8 @shantytownpub (Jacksonville FL)
Tu 4/9 @sarbez_ (St Augustine FL)
We 4/10 @willspub (Orlando FL)
Th 4/11 @barnancymiami (Miami FL)
Fr 4/12 @respectablestreet (West Palm Beach FL)
Sa 4/13 @portal4records (Gainesville FL)
Su 4/14 @siberianeworleans (New Orleans LA)
Mo 4/15 @chessclubaustin (Austin, TX)
Tu 4/16 @wronside_tx (Lubbock TX)
We 4/17 @thesoundponybar (Tulsa, OK)
Th 4/18 @bigmoodnaturalwines (Kansas City MO)
Fr 4/19 RKR MTN Ripper @thecryptdenver (Denver, CO)
Sa 4/20 @longhairrecords (Albuquerque, NM)
Su 4/21 @the.quarry.bisbee (Bisbee AZ)
Mo 4/22 @chesloungeaz (Tucson AZ)
Tu 4/23 @sardinepedro (San Pedro CA)
We 4/24 @genghiscohenla (LA CA)
Th 4/25 @theestorkcluboakland (Oakland CA)
Fr 4/26 @phatsyklinesparlorlounge (Eureka CA)
Sa 4/27 @luckeysclub (Eugene OR)
Su 4/28 @thefixinto (Portland OR)
Mo 4/29 @the_crypt_olympia (Olympia WA)