OurStage

Yes, yes, yes, we've heard a lot about how the Eau Claire-based Jim Pullman Band was on The WB. Yes, he's played a fajillion shows. There's just one thing, have you actually listened to Pullman's most recent album, The End of the Beginning? (CD Baby) Released last summer without a ton of hype (and that's typical of all these guys' work – lots of goodness without a ton of bells, whistles, and gimmicky thrills) it took me this long to really sit down with it. Eric "pedals" Thompson, and Joe Gunderson lay down track after track of solid, if fairly mainstream, indie rock while Jim's voice croons over churning guitars. These guys have been doing this forever, and it totally shows in the production and polished sound that has quickly become JPB's hallmark. "Meteor" is by far the best track, a song that conjures up the best parts of Foo Fighters or Ryan Adams, but that's not to say you won't find a ton of awesome stuff on this record. When you're done with all the angsty winter of Bon Iver, it's nice to know that we have a group that can conjure up at least one other Wisconsin season. Best if enjoyed with a giant PBR and a good attitude.

When The Jim Pullman Band recorded its new CD, there was one problem: It was too darn loud. So the Eau Claire modern-rock trio toned it down to encourage repeated listening. "We wanted it to be comfortable," lead singer and guitarist Jim Pullman said. "It's very much a summertime record - just hanging out." The album is titled "The End of the Beginning." The Jim Pullman Band will play two shows Thursday to coincide with the CD's release. "The End of the Beginning" has 10 songs, all written by Pullman. The disc features modern rock, classic rock and hints of pop. "Musically, it's pretty diverse," drummer Joseph Gunderson said. "I think it will keep listeners engaged in the record. It almost sounds like a concept album, but there is no concept." Bass player Eric "Pedals" Thompson provided sound effects by interchanging 16 guitar pedals. "He's tap dancing and playing his bass at the same time," said Gunderson, 34, of Eau Claire. "A lot of bass players are jealous of the effects he can make." The Jim Pullman Band started recording the album in April. Eau Claire producer Jaime Hansen mixed the disc. Several local musicians contributed. Formed in 2001, The Jim Pullman Band changed members and musical styles about three years ago. Veering from its acoustic origins, the band adopted a modern-rock approach. "The End of the Beginning," a follow-up to the band's debut album, "Shed My Skin," showcases the group's new rock sensibility, Pullman said. "It's definitely a guitar-driven album," he said. "It's big guitars and lots of rhythm." The Jim Pullman Band plans to promote the CD with a Midwest tour including stops in the Twin Cities, Madison and Chicago. "We haven't had a product to push," Gunderson said. "This has given the band more focus."

You'd think members of a band that rarely plays outside of Eau Claire would know when they were among the top 25 in a national competition. But someone had to mention it to The Jim Pullman Band, just like someone had to mention the contest on the WB's morning show "The Daily Buzz." About two weeks ago while playing at House of Rock, 422 Water St., Pullman learned of the contest "Best Artist You're Not Listening To." He took a chance and sent in a press packet, not expecting anything to come of it. Needless to say, once the band's name showed up in the top 25, the trio started paying attention. And when they saw the band's name on the top five, the trio started losing sleep. The Jim Pullman Band is among Atticus, Xzamen, S. Eric Ketzer and 12 oz. Prophets, all vying for the top spot. Winners are decided via e-mailed votes to buzz@dailybuzz.tv. The top two will be decided by Friday and the winner will be decided by Dec. 16. The winner will get to fly out to the City of Angels to perform in studio on "The Daily Buzz." It's all for a national audience and any record producers who might be watching with great interest. Not bad for a trio that's comprised of Pullman on guitar and vocals, Bill Nelson on drums and newcomer Kalin Capra on bass, that just released its first CD in May (available at Borders, 4030 Commonwealth Ave.) and is only beginning to play outside of Eau Claire. The contest on "The Daily Buzz" played a song from each band, in JPB's case, a song called "Hardwater Highway," and the viewers voted the bands down to the final handful. When Pullman saw his band in the top five, he couldn't believe it. "I was psyched," he said. "I think my exact reaction was holy bleep, really?" Since then, his band has been working hard spreading the word of the contest by posting flyers, e-mailing fans and doing anything else the members can think of. Pullman is trying to take on a low-key and humble attitude. And he does it pretty well, considering he's just a few votes away from being on national television. "I'm really excited about it, but I'm trying to keep grounded about it," he said. "To get this far is awesome." But Pullman will admit to anyone that he's already lost some sleep over the possibility of playing for a national audience. If nothing else, he said he's enjoyed the chance to simply be featured on a national program. He's also enjoyed the chance to hear music from other bands on the list. The contest is perfect timing for The Jim Pullman Band, with the relatively new CD release and upcoming shows in Winona, Minn., and Minneapolis. It's quite an accomplishment. Almost by chance someone mentions a contest and Pullman enters it just to say he did. And now The Jim Pullman Band, a trio not known for much outside of the Chippewa Valley, is close to getting an enormous break. What's that saying about people who take chances? Regardless, they're getting to shine in the national spotlight, if only for a short while. The Jim Pullman Band got to this spot by chance. But I assure you, it wasn't an accident.

BEST INDIE ROCK BAND 1st Place: Bon Iver 2nd Place: Jim Pullman Band 3rd Place: Daredevil Christopher Wright.- Instead of taking these 125 words to tell you what you already know about Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), let’s instead use this space to celebrate the man that has become something of a legend overnight. Are any of us really surprised? When the world turned inside out after, For Emma Forever Ago came out, there was part of us that knew, deep down, this had to happen. Justin’s success hasn’t just brought the world to us, it has brought Eau Claire to the world. Even now we appreciate more and more what we have here, a vibrant and creative group of people making extraordinary music. You needn’t look any farther than the rest of this list to see that Justin’s talent isn’t a singular force in the Chippewa Valley. Jim Pullman and the Daredevil Christopher Wright are both fantastic, and are deserving of the critical press that is only starting to heap upon them. And it is for this reason that we should thank Bon Iver, not just for the music that awakened our hearts, but the cultural phenomenon that opened our eyes. – Ian Jacoby