Named after a messianic figure that Ebert had dreamt up during a period of post-rehab soul-searching, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros grew into an 11-member ensemble whose appearance (bushy beards, Eastern mystic clothing) and sound (folksy pop fused with neo-psychedelia) recalled the free-loving Laurel Canyon sound of the 1960s. Both bands remained active, with the Magnetic Zeros releasing their critically acclaimed debut in 2009 and Ima Robot issuing their third album, Another Man's Treasure, the following year. Meanwhile, Ebert collected material for a solo album, Alexander, which he recorded during breaks in the Magnetic Zeros' touring schedule. Taking a break from the collaborative approach of Edward Sharpe (but keeping aspects of that band's exuberant, retro sound), he played every instrument on the album, which was released in March 2011. ~ Andrew Leahey