A Crow Looked at Me is the eighth studio album by Mount Eerie, a solo project of the American musician Phil Elverum. Released in 2017, it was composed in the aftermath of his 35-year-old wife Geneviève Castrée's diagnosis with pancreatic cancer in 2015, and her death in July 2016. Elverum wrote and recorded the songs over a six-week period in the room where she died, mostly using her instruments. His sparse lyrics and minimalistic musical accompaniment drew influence from a broad range of artists, including the poet Gary Snyder, author Karl Ove Knausgård and songwriter Julie Doiron.
A Crow Looked at Me
Elverum and Castrée performing in 2006
Pictured: Haida Gwaii, which inspired Elverum to begin the album and is where he spread Castrée's ashes. The archipelago is referenced in "Seaweed".
Soria Moria, the painting that is mentioned in the song of the same name
Mount Eerie is the musical project of American songwriter and producer Phil Elverum. Elverum is the principal member of the band, but has collaborated with many other musicians on his records and in live performances. Most of Mount Eerie's releases have been issued on Elverum's label P.W. Elverum & Sun, Ltd., and feature highly detailed packaging with his own artwork.
Phil Elverum performing as Mount Eerie in March 2012
Elverum at UCLA in May 2004 (shortly after switching from The Microphones to Mount Eerie)
Elverum performing in 2008
Elverum live in 2010