The 1900s have seen prolongued stage of adjustment within the band since making their debut with 2007′s Cold & Kind; a few members of the group have since departed and others have taken on additional roles moonlighting in a variety of acts. Reconveigning to record the band’s sophomore release over the past two years however, the 1900s took on a refreshed focus in approaching their new material, creating a comfortable sound by combining both home recording and studio sessions in producing Return of the Century. Eventually seeing its release early last moth, the album was welcomed with open arms by a number of outlets including Chicagoist, which noted how “the songs throughout the album are beautifully delicate, buoyed along by a stoner country vibe that makes me want to take off my shoes, find a grassy hill, and lay beneath the wide branches of a tree dripping with leaves.” The AV Club also chimed in with warm words for the recording, noting, “This is bright, upbeat music; even the me-first anthem ‘Lay A Ghost’ has such a snappy beat and ingratiating melody that it generates goodwill.” Most recently, the Chicago Tribune named Century one of the Top 2010 albums from Chicago indies, adding, “The second album from these pop stalwarts is so beautiful, the songs swept along by open-hearted vocals, swooning violin and counterpoint melodies, that it might be easy to miss the turmoil beneath.” As the band looks to move into the new year and continue to build on the positive momentum it has gained recently, vocalist Jeanine O’Toole checked in with a few thoughts on what has stood out as her favorite musical memories from the past year.
