The Place We Ran From

The side projects of internationally famous rock stars are very often worth a listen just for their sheer folly, but the name of this one promises nothing so entertaining – and rightly so.

Tired Pony are Gary Lightbody’s brainchild, something he dreamt of doing while on the long haul around the States with his main band. It’s a hastily convened combo, which includes REM’s Peter Buck on mandolin, and, well, Belle & Sebastian’s drummer, with the aim of pursuing the ‘stadium-indie’ singer’s interest in alt-country. His favourites include, he says, “Wilco, Calexico, Lambchop, Palace, Smog – these bands that look at the darkness in America”.

(BBC Music)

(iTunes)