Band of Horses Beloved Bonus Track Is the Perfect Fit PopMatters

I couldn’t have been the only one who assumed Band of Horses’ “The First Song” was their introduction to the world, a rather fitting way to launch a career. Of course, I wouldn’t have heard that song or any other track from Everything All The Time (2006) if not for “The Funeral”, which captured the hearts of millions and came to be featured on dozens of soundtracks, many of which were highly stylized, a quality that ran counter to the band’s overall aesthetic.

Little did I know that Band of Horses distributed theirTour EP(2005) at early shows; it preceded the album and featured some demos and live tracks, a few of which have become fan favorites, and others were reworked into the eventual LP. In celebration of the debut album’s 20th anniversary, Sub Pop is releasing an expanded edition featuring bonus tracks, including a previously unreleased version of the beloved “(Biding Time Is a) Boat to Row”. The song is accompanied by an official video, featuring actor Josh Whitehouse, which tells the story of the 52-hertz whale, a moving tale that is well worth viewing.

“(Biding Time Is a) Boat to Row” matches the tone of Everything All The Time, with its glistening, kaleidoscopic sound, repeated in simple patterns and showcasing Ben Bridwell’s measured but passionate vocals. It would have slotted in perfectly on the record, so it remains a puzzle why such a sophisticated composition never made the cut (making one especially sorry for “Dilly”, the sympathetic character referenced in the song). The good news is that fans will be rewarded for their patience. If this release is any indication, we will be in for quite a treat with the upcoming double LP and anniversary tour to follow.

2026 Spring Tour Dates
Thu. Mar. 19 – Seattle, WA – The Vera Project
Sat. Mar. 21 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
Sun. Mar. 22 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
Thu. Apr. 09 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
Fri. Apr. 10 – Beverly, MA – The Cabot
Sun. Apr. 12 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount
Tue. Apr. 14 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
Wed. Apr. 15 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theatre
Thu. Apr. 16 – Port Chester, NY – Capitol Theatre
Sat. Apr. 18 – Baltimore, MD – Nevermore Hall
Sun. Apr. 19 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City
Tue. Apr. 21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
Wed. Apr. 22 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore
Fri. Apr. 24 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre
Sat. Apr. 25 – Shipshewana, IN – Bluegate PAC
Mon. Apr. 27 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
Wed. Apr. 29 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore
Fri. May 01 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theatre
Sat. May 02 – Columbia, MO – Rose Park