The Ancient Art Of Leaving

25 Songs 3xLP | MR075 | Release Date 2011 & 2012 Here's a partial list of proven, effective band-killers: geographical distance, the death of a group member, non-music careers, fam-ily responsibilities, long hiatuses and involve-ment in other, more commercially successful bands. For the Big Cats, however, these are all idle threats to the band's existence. Formed in 1993 by teenage friends in a bustling Little Rock, Ark., punk scene, the Big Cats thrive un-der adversity and separation, evidenced by the recent arrival of The Ancient Art Of Leaving: Two Parts, a double album whose first installment (The Ancient Art Of Leaving: High And Low) was issued last year. The twin releases provide a no-filler treasury of Middle American power pop and rock healthily influenced by the Replacements and Guided By Voices.  Led by singer/guitarist Burt Taggart, the Big Cats are an unlikely supergroup of side players. Jason White is the longtime touring guitarist for Green Day; drummer Colin Brooks i