The Weed Tree

Description

The Weed Tree is the second album by the American psych-folk group Espers, released in 2005. Mostly consisting of covers, this album combines traditional folk songs, such as "Rosemary Lane" and "Black Is The Color," with songs by Nico, Michael Hurley, and even Blue Oyster Cult. The whole comes together beautifully thanks to Espers' unique touch. The arrival of new members, Helena Espvall on cello and Otto Hauser on drums and percussion, elevated the group's chemistry to its highest level, creating music that draws from tradition while renewing it. Espers is part of a current of ideas that relates as much to the revelations of the 60s and 70s as to contemporary themes, particularly autonomy and security, which are being debated today. Their music has retained a mysterious and unknown vitality that continues to express an individualism, optimism, and empathy unique to the group. The album, which had been unavailable since the band's breakup in 2009, is now being reissued by Drag City.