Chappaquiddick Skyline

Chappaquiddick Skyline was the side project of singer/songwriter Joe Pernice, previously best known for fronting the alt-country band Scud Mountain Boys as well as its chamber-pop predecessor the Pernice Brothers. While earning his master's degree in creative writing and poetry from the University of Massachusetts, Pernice co-founded the Northampton-based Scuds in 1991, earning great critical acclaim for the heartbreaking lyrics and gorgeous melodies which distinguished albums like 1996's Massachusetts; seeking to move beyond the band's rustic minimalism, he formed the Pernice Brothers with sibling Bob to expand into lushly-orchestrated pop, issuing 1998's Overcome by Happiness to further critical fanfare. Chappaquiddick Skyline emerged from the Pernice Brothers' touring lineup and also featured bassist Thom Monahan, guitarist Peyton Pinkerton, keyboardist Laura Stein and drummer Mike Belitsky; their superb self-titled debut appeared on Sub Pop in early 2000. ~ Jason Ankeny