Today I realized that I’ve been spoiled this year. One of my favorite bands released 12 EPs, that’s four album’s worth of new material, and I barely batted an eye. Now Bishop Allen have posted new songs from their last EPs, “November and “December,” and have put the calendar to rest.

MP3: Bishop Allen - Tea for Two
MP3: Bishop Allen - Calendar
Bishop Allen have poured so much effort into this EP-a-month project that they’re hardly the same band they were in January. They’ve expanded their instruments (piano, saxophone) and the scope of their songwriting (”Butterfly Nets,” “Flight 180″), but every now and then I can’t help but wish for just one song to remind me of the old Bishop Allen. With “Tea For Two” they’ve given us the best of both worlds: Charm School-era enthusiasm with EP project wisdom.

On “Calendar” they seem more retrospective than anything, with Justin remarking that he wishes he “could feel satisfied” when looking back. But it’s the chorus, “Burn, calender, burn,” that steals your attention. For Justin and Christian, the image of a burning calendar would have to be cathartic. It’s like burning your giant Chemistry text book after you take your final: it just feels good to let go.

Buy all 12 EPs for just $5 each!
Bishop Allen on Myspace

Previously on YANP:
Stay Hungry: The Story of Bishop Allen
Bishop Allen @ Mecca

And so that’s it. It’s over. Don’t expect a Bishop Allen post every month (unless they start announcing tour dates and their 07 album release plans). So what was your favorite EP? Favorite song?