Spokane is a solo vehicle for Drunk's Rick Alverson, a singer/songwriter who gleans equal amounts of inspiration from Simon & Garfunkel and Galaxie 500. Though Alverson has written most of Drunk's material, the songs he writes for Spokane are more personal and not as collaborative. Signed to Jagjaguwar, Leisure and Other Songs was released in 2000, enlisting the services of his mates in Drunk and aiding from the extensive help of Patrick Phelan. An EP for the Acuarela label of Spain, Close Quarters, was issued in 2001, including a cover of Bauhaus' "All We Ever Wanted Was Everything." The proper follow-up to Spokane's debut was released a couple of months later. Like its predecessor, The Proud Graduates featured help from several of Alverson's friends. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
