Silkworm (band)

Silkworm
OriginMissoula, Montana, U.S.
GenresIndie rock
Years active1987–2005, 2024
Labels
SpinoffsBottomless Pit
Past membersMatt Kadane
Ben Koostra
Joel RL Phelps
Andy Cohen
Michael Dahlquist
Tim Midyett
Websitewww.silkworm.net

Silkworm was an American indie rock band active from 1987 to 2005 whose core members were Tim Midyett, Andy Cohen, and Michael Dahlquist.

History

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Origins: 1985–1987

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Founding members Tim Midyett (formerly Midgett), Joel RL Phelps, and Andy Cohen began writing and performing under the name Ein Heit in Missoula, Montana from 1985 to 1987. In 1987, they adopted the name Silkworm.[1]

Relocation: 1987–1990

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They relocated to Seattle in 1990, where they met drummer Michael Dahlquist.[2] During a radio interview on WNUR at Northwestern University, Steve Albini called in to contact the band. Albini had attended Hellgate High School, the same high school that Phelps, Midyett, and Cohen attended in Missoula, Montana. This connection led to Albini recording the band's album In the West.[3] Phelps left the band in 1994 due to mental health issues and the rigors of touring.[4]

Matt Kadane of Bedhead and The New Year played keyboards on Italian Platinum and It'll Be Cool.

Breakup: 2005

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Drummer Michael Dahlquist was killed on July 14, 2005, when his car was rammed from behind.[5] Friends Douglas Meis (Exo, the Dials) and John Glick (Returnables) were also killed in the crash.[6]

Later projects: 2005–present

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After Dahlquist's death, Midyett and Cohen went on to form Bottomless Pit.

A feature-length documentary, Couldn't You Wait? The Story of Silkworm, was released in February 2013, featuring interviews with Jeff Tweedy, Steve Albini, Stephen Malkmus, Gerard Cosloy, Clint Conley, and others.[7]

A remastered and expanded 2x12" + CD edition of the third Silkworm album Libertine including the group's "Marco Collins Sessions" and two additional tracks was issued by the label Comedy Minus One in May 2014.[8]

On July 27, 2024, the band reunited for a tribute concert after Albini's sudden passing. The lineup was Midyett, Cohen, and Phelps (playing with the band for the first time since leaving in 1994), with Jeff Panall of Songs: Ohia & Mint Mile on drums.

A remastered and expanded 2x12" edition of the fifth Silkworm album Developer including five Japan-only bonus tracks was announced by Comedy Minus One for release in early 2025.[9]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Compilations

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  • Even A Blind Chicken Finds A Kernel of Corn Now And Then: 1990-1994 (1998, Matador Records)

Singles and EPs

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  • "Slipstream" b/w "Inside Outside" 7" (Punchdrunk, 1991)
  • "The Chain" b/w "Our Secret" 7" (Temporary Freedom, 1992)
  • "Violet" b/w "Around A Light" 7" (Blatant, 1993)
  • His Absence Is A Blessing 12" EP (Stampede, 1993)
  • "In The Bleak Midwinter" b/w Engine Kid's "The Little Drummer Boy" (split Christmas single, C/Z, 1993)
  • "Into The Woods" b/w "Incaduce California" 7" (Rockamundo, 1993)
  • "Couldn't You Wait" b/w "The Grand Tour" 7" (Matador, 1995)
  • "The Marco Collins Session" 7"/CD EP
  • "Quicksand" b/w "On The Road, One More Time" 7" (My Pal God, 1996)
  • "Never Met A Man I Didn't Like" b/w "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere" 7" (Matador 1997)
  • "The Other Side" b/w "I Must Pianner", "I Must Prepare" 7" (Moneyshot, 1998)
  • You Are Dignified CD EP (12XU, 2003)
  • Chokes! CD EP (12XU, 2006)

References

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  1. ^ Powell, Mike (2014-05-02). "Silkworm: Libertine Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2021-10-14.
  2. ^ Midyett, Tim (April 17, 1997). "Tim's History of Silkworm". Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  3. ^ Morris, Chris (January 8, 1994). "Uke-ing out a living; Silkworm turns to hometown inspiration". Billboard Magazine. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
  4. ^ Laugher, Nick (April 24, 2014). "Overcoming Addiction and Making Albums with Joel RL Phelps". Vice. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  5. ^ "Michael Dahlquist 1966-2005". Touch and Go Records. July 18, 2005. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  6. ^ Ritchie, Al (9 September 2005). "Rock 'n' remember". Isthmus: 24.
  7. ^ Cohan, Brad (April 11, 2013). "Go Inside the Silkworm Legacy". MTVHive.com. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  8. ^ "Details on & preorders for the Silkworm 2×12" + CD "Libertine" reissue". Comedy Minus One. 9 April 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  9. ^ comedyminusone (2024-12-06). "Expanded 2xLP reissue of Silkworm's "Developer" album announced, out February 2025". Comedy Minus One. Retrieved 2024-12-06.
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