Camper Van Beethoven

When beloved, quirky outfit Camper Van Beethoven formed 28 years ago, critics struggled to categorize the band’s blend of pop, folk, punk, country, acid rock, and ska. Camper’s eclectic musical style and irreverent attitude (evidenced by fan-favorite songs like “The Day That Lassie Went To The Moon” and “Take The Skinheads Bowling”) made it popular on college radio stations, but the complexity and depth of its lyrics, coupled with music built on a solid foundation of classic rock, lent the group a surprising staying power. After taking most of the ’90s off, CVB reunited in 1999 and released its first studio album in 15 years, New Roman Times, in 2004. Wrapping up 2011, frontman David Lowery and company rolled out new material from a follow-up to New Roman, due sometime in 2012.

Updated 12/15/2011