The story goes….

In 2001, Shai Halperin self-produced a home made full-length entitled Meet Yr Acres. Co-produced by Thom Monahan (Devendra Banhart, Vetiver, Beachwood Sparks), the self-released album spent much of 2001 innocently making its way around the globe while garnering a goldmine of critical accolades and regular comparisons to Guided By Voices, Beck, George Harrison, and Bob Dylan. All of this unexpected critical attention culminated in a spot on Magnet Magazine's "Top 10 Hidden Treasures" list.

Urged to leave the bedroom and share his music with a live audience, Halperin (aka Shai, Son of Eli) recruited Dave Wayne Daniels, Jeff Van Newkirk and Sir Kyle Lloyd on bass, guitar and drums, respectively. Immediately, The Capitol Years sought to do away with the 'one-man band' aesthetic of Meet Yr Acres and began concentrating on new material. With collective backgrounds in noise-rock as well as Beatle-esque pop, this full-band incarnation of The Capitol Years immediately generated a buzz in Philadelphia's growing music scene. Word quickly spread about this maniacal live band whose songcraft suggested Guided By Voices as much as their performances recalled The Who.

Ready to take their show to the national level, The Capitol Years set out on a series of U.S. tours, sharing the stage with bands as diverse as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Rooney, The Kills, Lilys, Daniel Johnston, Crooked Fingers, and Beachwood Sparks.

In the midst of this frenzied touring, The Capitol Years sought to capture their live energy on tape and returned to the studio. They once again commissioned Monahan as well as Philadelphia's Brian McTear (Mazarin, A-Sides) to record their first full-band release: the 6 track EP, Jewelry Store. While Jewelry Store documented The Capitol Years' garage rock tendencies, it also helped to set them apart from the crowd as it featured the goose-bump-inducing harmonies and melodies that typify The Capitol Years' sound. Sonically, the band had moved several worlds away from the subtle and sometimes lush Meet Yr Acres. But the critical praise continued…

In 2003, The Capitol Years released their 'long lost' album, Pussyfootin. Originally recorded in 2001, it was another homemade and self-produced gem from their one-man band past. The album was as far removed from garage rock as one could travel with an acoustic guitar and a harmonica, and its lush and country-tinged sound helped solidify the respect of local scribes. At year's end, and with their popularity rising, The Capitol Years were named Philadelphia Magazine's "Best Band of 2003."

In 2004 the band began recording its first true full-length and full-band album. Renting a house in the small town of Northampton, MA for two weeks, The Capitol Years and Thom Monahan created Let Them Drink. Byrds-like harmonies, Stooges riffs, and even ethereal shoegazing atmospherics coexist on 2005's Let Them Drink, a record that enjoyed success overseas as well as on American TV and radio.

In 2006, The Capitol Years began work on Dance Away the Terror, the most realized collection of songs and sounds the band has ever recorded. The self produced album marked a return to the Capitol Years own production style, featuring lush harmonies, interweaving piano and guitar hooks, and the homemade feel that connected with so many listeners early in the band's career. A classically paced album, Dance Away the Terror introduced some of the most enduring and popular songs in the band’s catalog. The album landed on Magnet Magazine's Top 20 for the year among other random accolades. It continues to be regarded as their finest work to date.

Some noteworthy factoids: The band has enjoyed positive press in Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, SPIN, Magnet, Village Voice, The Boston Globe, and other reputable publications. The Capitol Years have toured the US, UK, Israel and Spain and have made multiple appearances on late night national television (NBC). The band has been heard in Scarlett Johanssen motion pictures, as well as on countless MTV programs. In addition to a handpicked opening slot for THE PIXIES’ first show in 12 years, the band has shared the stage with: Daniel Johnston, The Walkmen, Sloan, Beachwood Sparks, The High Strung, Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Frogs, Natural History, David Cross, Ted Leo & Pharmacists, The Kills, Brendan Benson, Shy Nobleman and The Pixies (did we mention it was the very first reunion show?)

On Feb. 22, 2008, the band supported and performed as backing band with the legendary Daniel Johnston.

A new album is in the works as well as other magical surprises.

Please contact the band here or through www.capitolyears.com with comments, questions, recipes, or triangle schemes.