Julian Koster And His Singing Saw Finalize Caroling Schedule

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 4, 2009 9:40PM

If you’re not familiar with Julian Koster, he’s famous for heading the experimental pop band the Music Tapes and playing the banjo and singing saw in a number of Elephant 6 bands. He’s sort of like the Willy Wonka of the Midwest music scene - awkwardly shy with an abundant imagination and a plethora of eccentric toys, such as a 7 foot metronome and the Clapping Hands machine, among other bizarre structures that clutter the stages of most of his shows. He’s also a little obsessed with Christmas music.

Last year, Koster released The Singing Saw at Christmastime,his solo debut of classic Christmas songs performed with his unsettling croon and the ethereal tones of his saw. He even led the Music Tapes around the U.S. on a caroling tour, visiting fans’ homes for three hour performances of his collection of holiday tunes. And it looks like the Caroling Ambassador has set up another door to door tour this year.

Up until this morning, Koster directed any fan who wanted their home to be a stop in the 27-city tour to send him their phone number, address and accommodation information. However, the Official and Final Caroling Path has just been posted, so unless Koster’s already accepted your invitation, chances are he’s not coming by your place. But not all is lost: homes included in the tour are open to fans who want to be a part of the experience. The addresses are not posted publicly, but you can email musictapescaroling@gmail.com to find out exactly where they’ll be caroling. The Chicago stop is scheduled for this Tuesday December 8, and the band will only be caroling between 6 and 9:30 pm.

If you don’t get to see Koster this year, chances are he has some other wacky project up his sleeve for next year. You can check out his band’s latest album, Music Tapes for Clouds and Tornadoes, a compilation of songs that feature a vast collection of instruments, such as accordion, piano, tape organ, euphonium, trumpet, flugelhorn, and clarinet. The album ends up sounding both warbly and angelic, like it was recorded on a warped tape. They also recently recorded a music video, “For the Planet Pluto,” which features the 4th graders of Barrow Elementary School in Athens, GA. Like the rest of Koster’s music, it will either leave you feeling happy and warm or a little bit creeped out ... or both.