Singer/songwriter Chase Pierson formed Mechanical Bull after the dissolution of his first marriage, seeking to channel his romantic woes through the composition of country songs about matrimony, alcohol, and the American dream. Joined by an assortment of Woodstock-based musicians -- including the siren-voiced Avalon Peacock (daughter of singer/composer Annette Peacock) -- Pierson crafted the dusty laments of Mechanical Bull's 2007 debut, Songs to Get Divorced To. The album received support for its wry lyrics and unique vocal delivery, which paired Pierson's gravelly pipes with Peacock's smooth, dark alto. Mechanical Bull returned the following year with A Million Yesterdays, featuring a revised Woodstock lineup and a guest performance by jazz keyboardist John Medeski. ~ Andrew Leahey