American Decoration

When folks who were born into the post-Woodstock era need a pop song that says “chill out, relax, you’ve got this,” chances are they sing the theme from TV show Greatest American Hero, which goes like this: “Believe it or not I’m walking on air/ I never thought I could feel so free.”

Devon Geyer’s dad wrote that iconic TV tune. Geyer is the main man behind L.A. pop project Decorations, whose full-length debut, Have Fun, is out now on Frenchkiss Records.

Geyer says Decorations is “my passion project,” inspired by the same music popular at the time of Greatest American Hero. Geyer calls Decorations a “new wave band without so much sadness — a little more cheery than that.”

Despite performing as a quartet, Geyer usually works by himself.

“I like to work alone because I get to be unforgiving to myself,” Geyer says. “When it’s just yourself, you can beat yourself up real good.”

Have Fun’s “At Your Leisure” and “Promise” blend the deliciously tight, synth-y power pop of Elvis Costello with the arguably dubious but totally likable influence of Rick Springfield.

“What makes the band so good,” Geyer says, “is that everyone is a cheery, curious person who’s looking to make great music.”

Decorations play with Vista Kicks and The Gloomies 10 pm Tuesday, July 26, at Hi-Fi Music Hall Lounge; $10 adv., $12 door, 21-plus. — William Kennedy

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

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None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!