Silver Jews Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Alternative rock Indie rock Art rock Alternative country Indie folk Freak folk Anti-folk Lo-fi gbvfi alt country

Members

Select a Silver Jews band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Stephen Malkmus

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Pavement Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks Ectoslavia

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Duane Denison

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The Jesus Lizard Tomahawk Revolting Cocks Firewater Th' Legendary Shack*Shakers The Denison/Kimball Trio

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Paz Lenchantin

Roles:

Singer Bassist Keyboardist Violinist

Groups:

Queens of the Stone Age Pixies A Perfect Circle Zwan

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David Berman

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Ectoslavia

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Will Oldham

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Palace Brothers Superwolf Chivalrous Amoekons

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Steve West

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Pavement Danger Danger Marble Valley Unmastered Masters

Needs more gear

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Bob Nastanovich

Roles:

Singer Drummer Keyboardist

Groups:

Pavement Ectoslavia

Needs more gear

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Mike Fellows

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Rites of Spring Government Issue Happy Go Licky

Needs more gear

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Bobby Bare, Jr.

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

Guided by Voices Bare Jr.

Needs more gear

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J. D. Wilkes

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

Th' Legendary Shack*Shakers

No gear added

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Azita
No gear added

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About

Silver Jews were an influential American band that seamlessly blended elements of alternative rock, indie rock, and lo-fi with a touch of country inflections. Founded in 1989 by the late David Berman, the group initially began as a recording project among friends while attending the University of Virginia. The original lineup featured David Berman (vocals, guitar), Stephen Malkmus (guitar), and Bob Nastanovich (drums), with Malkmus and Nastanovich concurrently gaining fame through their work with Pavement. Over the years, Silver Jews evolved with various contributors but remained anchored by Berman's insightful songwriting and poignant vocal delivery.

How to Sound Like Silver Jews

Silver Jews' sound is characterized by its raw, unpolished charm and the poignant juxtaposition of witty, profound lyrics against a backdrop of simple yet effective melodies. Their recordings often embraced a lo-fi aesthetic, favoring an intimate, analog warmth that complemented Berman's evocative storytelling. The use of vintage equipment, like the Vox AC10C1 Custom amplifier, helped achieve a warm, midrange-heavy tone that supported their laid-back and introspective style. Gritty guitar tones, often produced with the likes of a Fender Jazzmaster, and the occasional use of effects such as the Pro Co The Rat for a touch of distortion, added texture and depth. This combination of elements produced a sound that was both melancholic and inviting, capturing the essence of the Silver Jews' unique musical landscape.

Discography

Starlite Walker

1994

The Natural Bridge

1996

American Water

1998

Bright Flight

2001

Tanglewood Numbers

2005

Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea

2008

Early Times

2012

Get the Silver Jews Sound

Want to sound like Silver Jews? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.