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Dec 31, 2014

The Moonglows - Look! It's The Moonglows (1959)

"Sincerely" by The Moonglows


When Etta James's contract with Modern Records ran up, she signed with the Chicago-based Chess Records.  Part of her decision to switch labels likely came due to her relationship at the time with Harvey Fuqua of The Moonglows, a successful Chess doo-wop group and bridge to early rock and roll.

Here is the discography surrounding The Moonglows's debut album:

I Just Can't Tell You No Lie (1952 single)
Baby Please (1953 single)
Just a Lonely Christmas (1953 single)
Secret Love (1954 single)
I Was Wrong (1954 single)
My Gal (1954 single)
Sincerely (1954 single)
So All Alone (1954 single as Bobby Lester and The Moonlighters)
Hug and a Kiss (1954 single as Bobby Lester and The Moonlighters)
Most of All (1955 single)
Starlite (1955 single)
In My Diary (1955 single)
We Go Together (1956 single)
See Saw (1956 single)
Over and Over Again (1957 single)
I'm Afraid the Masquerade Is Over (1957 single)
Please Send Me Someone to Love (1957 single)
The Beating of My Heart (1957 single)
Too Late (1958 single)
In the Middle of the Night (1958 single)
This Love (1958 single)
Ten Commandments of Love (1958 single as Harvey and The Moonglows)
I Want Somebody (1959 single by Harvey)
I Hope You're Satisfied (1959 single by Betty & Dupree)
Love Is a River (1959 single)
Look! It's The Moonglows (1959 EP)
Look! It's The Moonglows (1959 EP)
Look! It's The Moonglows
Twelve Months of the Year (1959 single by Harvey)
Mama Loocie (1959 single as Harvey and the Moonglows)
Blue Skies (1959 single by Harvey)
If I Can't Have You (1960 single by Etta & Harvey)
Beatnick (1960 single)
Spoonful (1960 single by Etta & Harvey)
Blue Velvet (1962 single)
The Best of Bobby Lester and The Moonglows (1962 compilation album)
Been a Long Time (1962 single by The Five Quails)
What Can You Do Now (1962 single by Harvey and Ann)
She Loves Me So (1962 single by Harvey)
She Loves Me So (1962 single by Harvey)
Memories of You (1963 single by Harvey)

"Over and Over Again" by The Moonglows


"Ten Commandments of Love" by The Moonglows


"If I Can't Have You" by Etta & Harvey


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Dec 21, 2014

Etta James - At Last! (1961)

"That's All" by Etta James


When The Shirelles had their string of chart hits, it boosted them to national prominence that allowed them to open for the likes of Little Richard and Etta James.  Etta James released her official debut album At Last! in 1961.

Here is the discography surrounding Etta James's debut album:

The Wallflower (Dance With Me, Henry) (1955 single as Etta James and The Peaches)
Hey Henry (1955 single)
Good Rockin' Daddy (1955 single)
W-O-M-A-N (1955 single)
Number One (1956 single)
Shortnin' Bread Rock (1956 single)
Tough Lover (1956 single)
Good Lookin' (1956 single)
The Pick-Up (1957 single)
Come What May (1957 single)
Sunshine of Love (1958 single)
I Hope You're Satisfied (1959 single as Betty & Dupree)
Dance With Me, Henry (1960 single)
How Big a Fool (1960 single)
Do Something Crazy (1960 single)
Miss Etta James: The Complete Modern and Kent Recordings (1960 compilation album)
If I Can't Have You (1960 single as Etta & Harvey)
Spoonful (1960 single as Etta & Harvey)
All I Could Do Was Cry (1960 single)
My Dearest Darling (1960 single)
At Last!
At Last (1961 single)
Trust in Me (1961 single)
Miss Etta James (1961 compilation album)

"At Last" by Etta James


"A Sunday Kind of Love" by Etta James


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Dec 2, 2014

The Shirelles - Tonight's the Night (1961)

"Boys" by The Shirelles


Joey Dee & The Starliters's early work was produced and released by New Jersey record label, Scepter Records.  The label was founded by Florence Greenberg and, in a way, The Shirelles.  Greenberg originally founded the small Tiara Records to release the debut single of the local high school girl group.  Together, they scored a significant local hit ("I Met Him on a Sunday") that did well enough to grab the attention of powerhouse Decca Records.  Decca bought both Tiara and The Shirelles from Greenberg for $4000.  Greenberg used the money to found another record label, Scepter.  For Decca, The Shirelles failed to chart another hit and so were returned to Greenberg and her newly minted label.  The entrepreneur then worked with the girls to provide them great songs courtesy of Luther Dixon and other major songwriters from Tin Pan Alley.  The Shirelles released their debut album Tonight's the Night in 1961.

Here is the discography surrounding The Shirelles's debut album:

I Met Him on a Sunday (1958 single)
My Love Is a Charm (1958 single)
Stop Me (1958 single)
Dedicated to the One I Love (1958 single)
A Teardrop and a Lollipop (1959 single)
Please Be My Boyfriend (1960 single)
Tonight's the Night (1960 single)
Will You Love Me Tomorrow (1960 single)
Tonight's the Night

"Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by The Shirelles


"The Dance Is Over" by The Shirelles


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Nov 27, 2014

Joey Dee & The Starliters - Doin' the Twist at the Peppermint Lounge (1961)

"Shimmy Baby" by Joey Dee and The Starliters


Before lead guitarist Mike Esposito joined the Blues Magoos, he performed with musician Felix Cavaliere as Felix & The Escorts.  As a band, they released only one single, a novelty rock dance number called "The Syracuse".  Felix Cavaliere would go on to record bigger and better things, but before that, he recorded with one-hit wonder vocal group Joey Dee & The Starliters.  Joey Dee & The Starliters released their debut album Doin' the Twist at the Peppermint Lounge in 1961.

Here is the discography surrounding Joey Dee & The Starliters's debut album:

Just a Shoulder to Cry On (1958 single by The Hi-Fives)
My Friend (1958 single by The Hi-Fives)
Lonely (1959 single by The Hi-Fives)
Lorraine (1960 single)
Face of an Angel (1960 single)
These Memories (1961 single)
Doin' the Twist at the Peppermint Lounge
Peppermint Twist (1961 single)
Hey, Let's Twist! (1961 soundtrack album)
Hey, Let's Twist (1962 single)
Shout (1962 single)
Joey Dee Teaches You How to Dance the Authentic Peppermint Twist (1962 instructional record by Joey Dee)

"Peppermint Twist" by Joey Dee & The Starliters


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Nov 25, 2014

Blues Magoos - Psychedelic Lollipop (1966)

"She's Coming Home" by Blues Magoos


13th Floor Elevators was one of three bands to release albums in November 1966 that featured the word "psychedelic" in their titles.  New York garage rockers Blues Magoos were one of them with the release of their debut album Psychedelic Lollipop in 1966.

Here is the discography surrounding Blues Magoos's debut album:

The Syracuse (1962 single as Felix & The Escorts)
So I'm Wrong and You Are Right (1966 single)
Psychedelic Lollipop
(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet (1966 single)
Tobacco Road (1966 single)

"Tobacco Road" by Blues Magoos


"Queen of My Nights" by Blues Magoos


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Nov 20, 2014

13th Floor Elevators - The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators (1966)

"Reverberation (Doubt)" by 13th Floor Elevators


Before moving to San Francisco to join Big Brother & The Holding Company, Janis Joplin considered joining the Austin psychedelic garage pioneers 13th Floor Elevators.  13th Floor Elevators released their debut album The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators in 1966.

Here is the discography surrounding 13th Floor Elevators's debut album:

We Sell Soul (1965 single as The Spades)
You're Gonna Miss Me (1966 single)
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
Reverberation (Doubt) (1966 single)

"You're Gonna Miss Me" by 13th Floor Elevators


"Fire Engine" by 13th Floor Elevators


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Nov 18, 2014

Big Brother & The Holding Company - Big Brother & The Holding Company (1967)

"Bye, Bye Baby" by Big Brother & The Holding Company


Kris Kristofferson, on the wings of his newfound success, became one of the leading figures of the new country music singer-songwriter movement of the late sixties and early seventies.  His songs were in high demand to be covered by high profile country music stars and, in particular, one rock and roller who would become his girlfriend, Janis Joplin.

Joplin started her recording career as the lead singer of the San Francisco psychedelic rock band Big Brother & The Holding Company.  Together, the band released their debut album Big Brother & The Holding Company in 1967.

Here is the discography surrounding Big Brother & The Holding Company's debut album:

Big Brother & The Holding Company: Live in San Francisco 1966 (1966 live album)
Blindman (1967 single)
Big Brother & the Holding Company
Bye, Bye Baby (1967 single)
Live USA (1967 live bootleg)
Down on Me (1968 single)
Coo Coo (1968 single)
Women Is Losers (1968 single)

Big Brother & The Holding Company Live on KQED


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Nov 8, 2014

Kris Kristofferson - Kristofferson (1970)

"To Beat the Devil" by Kris Kristofferson


Mickey Newbury had his hand in the success of several of his contemporaries.  Alongside Van Zandt, Newbury influenced the songwriting sensibilities of his friend Kris Kristofferson.  He even helped his career get off the ground by convincing country artist Roger Miller to record Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" that would easily become the songwriter's most famous work.  This eventually led to other artists covering his songs and, in time, to the release of Kris's debut album Kristofferson in 1970.

Here is the discography surrounding Kris Kristofferson's debut album:

Golden Line (1967 single)
Kristofferson
To Beat the Devil (1970 single)

"Me and Bobby McGee" by Kris Kristofferson


"Just the Other Side of Nowhere" by Kris Kristofferson


"Best of All Possible Worlds" by Kris Kristofferson


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Oct 29, 2014

Mickey Newbury - Harlequin Melodies (1968)

"Are My Thoughts With You" by Mickey Newbury


Townes Van Zandt established his career first as a dive bar singer-songwriter moving through the Texas circuit along with other troubadours of his ilk.  His fortunes changed when fellow songwriter Mickey Newbury suggested Van Zandt travel to Nashville where he was set up with producer Jack Clement to record.  Mickey Newbury released his debut album Harlequin Melodies also in 1968 with RCA Victor.

Here is the discography surrounding Mickey Newbury's debut album:

Lonely Place (1965 single)
There's a Time to Die (1965 single)
Any Way You Want Me (1966 single)
After the Rains (1966 single)
Dreamin' in the Rain (1967 single)
Weeping Annaleah (1968 single)
Harlequin Melodies
Got Down on Saturday (Sunday in the Rain) (1968 single)
The Queen (1968 single)

"Got Down on Saturday (Sunday in the Rain)" by Mickey Newbury


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Oct 28, 2014

Townes Van Zandt - For the Sake of the Song (1968)

"For the Sake of the Song" by Townes Van Zandt


When Steve Earle made his decision to become a singer-songwriter, he was influenced by his appreciation and love of the music of Townes Van Zandt.  So much so, that Earle moved to Houston to seek out Van Zandt.  For a time, Earle survived on couches and local bars and eventually met his hero and became his mentee of sorts.

Here is the discography surrounding Townes Van Zandt's debut album:

Waitin' Around to Die (1968 single)
For the Sake of the Song

"Waitin' Around to Die" by Townes Van Zandt


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Oct 24, 2014

Steve Earle - Guitar Town (1986)

"Guitar Town" by Steve Earle


Steve Earle drummed on the Afghan Whigs' debut recording, but he's not to be confused with the more prominent country singer-songwriter Steve Earle, who recorded his debut album Guitar Town two years prior in 1986.

Here is the discography surrounding Steve Earle's debut album:

The Mexican Demos (1979 demo)
Pink & Black (1982 EP with The Dukes)
Nothin' but You (1983 single)
Squeeze Me In (1983 single)
What'll You Do About Me? (1984 single)
A Little Bit in Love (1985 single)
Hillbilly Highway (1986 single)
Guitar Town
Guitar Town (1986 single)
Someday (1986 single)
Live from Austin, TX (1986 live album)
Goodbye's All We've Got Left (1986 single)
Early Tracks (1987 compilation album)

"Someday" by Steve Earle


"Down the Road" by Steve Earle


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Oct 13, 2014

Afghan Whigs - Big Top Halloween (1988)

"But Listen" by Afghan Whigs


The first years of Guided by Voices recordings are self-produced and independently released, so it's a fairly insular history early on.  However, their debut recording, the Forever Since Breakfast EP, was not home-produced and was released on I Wanna Records.  It was produced by Wayne Hartman who built a small body of recordings by working with Ohio-area bands.  Guided by Voices were from Dayton, and he also produced the 1988 debut album Big Top Halloween by Afghan Whigs who hailed from Cincinnati.

Here is the discography surrounding Afghan Whigs's debut album:

Big Top Halloween

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Oct 8, 2014

Guided by Voices - Devil Between My Toes (1987)

"Old Battery" by Guided by Voices


In the Roman Coppola directed "Someday", the director films The Strokes hanging out in a bar with the likes of Duff McKagan and Slash of Guns N' Roses fame and members of indie band Guided by Voices with whom they also competed in a contentious match of Family Feud.  Guided by Voices released their debut album Devil Between My Toes independently in 1987 on their own Schwa Records.

Here is the discography surrounding Guided by Voices's debut album:

Forever Since Breakfast (1986 EP)
Devil Between My Toes

"Crux" by Guided by Voices


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Oct 4, 2014

The Strokes - Is This It (2001)

"The Modern Age" by The Strokes


RCA Records A&R man, Steve Ralbovsky, signed Kings of Leon among many other artists in his career including the kings of the 2000s New York rock scene, The Strokes.  The two bands also shared a photographer in Colin Lane, and a similar career trajectory that started with major promotion of their early recordings first in the United Kingdom before heading back to the United States.  The debut album by The Strokes, Is This It, released in 2001.

Here is the discography surrounding The Strokes's debut album:

The Strokes (2000 demo)
Live at Arlene's Grocery (2000 live bootleg)
Live at Brownie's (2000 live bootleg)
Live at WFMU Radio Station (2000 live bootleg)
The Modern Age (2001 EP)
The Peel Sessions (2001 John Peel Sessions)
Hard to Explain (2001 single)
Live on KCRW (2001 Radio Session)
Is This It
Last Nite (2001 single)
The Strokes (2001 promo)
Live on Osaka on Air (2002 live bootleg)
Live at Zepp (2002 live bootleg)
Live in Amsterdam (2002 live bootleg)
Live in Reykjavik (2002 live bootleg)
Someday (2002 single)
This Is Legal Radio Sessions (2002 radio sessions compilation)

"Someday" by The Strokes


"Last Nite" by The Strokes


"New York City Cops" by The Strokes


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Sep 16, 2014

Kings of Leon - Youth & Young Manhood (2003)

"Trani" by Kings of Leon


Both bands are royalty from the lands of Convenience and Leon, respectively.  Music journalists are still puzzling over how both constituencies can operate under a polymonarchic system, but they manage.  Kings of Leon released their debut album in Youth & Young Manhood in 2003.

Here is the discography surrounding Kings of Leon's debut album:

Holy Roller Novocaine (2003 EP)
What I Saw (2003 EP)
Molly's Chambers (2003 single)
Youth & Young Manhood
Wasted Time (2003 single)
Live at the Paradiso (2003 live bootleg)
California Waiting (2004 single)

"Wasted Time" by Kings of Leon


"Joe's Head (live)" by Kings of Leon


"Molly's Hangover" by Kings of Leon


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Sep 3, 2014

Kings of Convenience - Quiet Is the New Loud (2001)

"Parr-À-Pluie" by Kings of Convenience


Gomez co-produced their debut album with engineer Ken Nelson.  The album's success marked the beginning of a string of other high-profile successes for Nelson.  This included albums by Badly Drawn Boy, Coldplay, and the next stop on the tour, Norway's Kings of Convenience.  Kings of Convenience released their debut album Quiet Is the New Loud in 2001.

Here is the discography surrounding Kings of Convenience's debut album:

Tom Tids Tale (1996 EP as Skog)
Balance. From the Joy Division Reservoir (1997 compilation song as Skog)
Brave New World (1999 single)
Failure (1999 single)
Toxic Girl (1999 single)
Christmas Two (1999 compilation song)
Kings of Convenience (2000 demo album)
Playing Live in a Room (2000 live EP)
Quiet Is the New Loud
Winning a Battle, Losing the War (2001 single)
Magic in the Air (2001 EP)
Versus (2001 remix album)

"Toxic Girl" by Kings of Convenience


"Winning a Battle, Losing the War" by Kings of Convenience


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Aug 21, 2014

Gomez - Bring It On (1998)

"Free to Run" by Gomez


Snow Patrol had trouble getting off the ground commercially, and they nearly missed their first best chance at an early boom in sales and promotion when Philips Electronics didn't chose them for their $100 million ad campaign for their new line of HD televisions.  They were passed over in favor of English roots-rockers Gomez who released their debut album Bring It On in 1998 and won the Mercury Music Prize for their trouble.

Here is the discography surrounding Gomez's debut album:

78 Stone Wobble (1998 single)
Bring It On
Get Myself Arrested (1998 single)
1998 BBC Sessions (1998 compilation album)
Whippin' Piccadilly (1998 single)

"Whippin' Piccadilly" by Gomez


"Get Miles" by Gomez


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Aug 15, 2014

Snow Patrol - Songs for Polarbears (1998)

"NYC" by Snow Patrol


Stow College is recognized for its successful student-run record label Electric Honey.  The label is a by-product of the college's music business program with a particular course geared towards the recording and release of a single by a local band the class would scout itself.  The label established its reputation with the discoveries of a handful of will-to-be breakout bands.  Belle and Sebastian were one of these discoveries and such a revelation at the time that the label broke its own model to release Belle and Sebastian's debut album rather than just a single.

Another one of Stow College's discoveries was Polarbear (previously known as Shrug), whose Electric Honey single included the participation of various Belle and Sebastian members.  Their success was not as immediate and the band had to find a bigger label for their debut album.  They eventually found a home on Jeepster Records but had to change their name in the process in order to avoid litigation with a stateside band of the same name.  Snow Patrol referenced the loss in the title of their 1998 debut album Songs for Polarbears.

Here is the discography surrounding Snow Patrol's debut album:

Starfighter Pilot (1997 EP as Polarbear)
Little Hide (1998 single)
One Hundred Things You Should Have Done in Bed (1998 single)
Songs for Polarbears
Velocity Girl (1998 single)
Starfighter Pilot (1999 single)

"Velocity Girl" by Snow Patrol


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Aug 10, 2014

Belle and Sebastian - Tigermilk (1996)

"The State I Am In" by Belle and Sebastian


The band Urusei Yatsura formed while members Fergus Lawrie and Graham Kemp attended the University of Glasgow.  Members of the Glaswegian twee-pop band Belle and Sebastian also attended.  Like Urusei Yatsura, Belle and Sebastian also debuted their first album, Tigermilk, in 1996.

Here is the discography surrounding Belle and Sebastian's debut album:

Can You See? (by The Moondials)
Tigermilk

"Expectations" by Belle and Sebastian


"I Don't Love Anyone" by Belle and Sebastian


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Jul 28, 2014

Urusei Yatsura - We Are Urusei Yatsura (1996)

"Black Hole Love" by Urusei Yatsura


The Blisters (soon to be known as The Karelia) released their first recordings on Glasgow indie label Modern Independent.  The label was created and run by local band Urusei Yatsura, who also ran their own music zine.  Blisters/Karelia member Alex Kapranos is also known to have performed alongside and collaborated with the group.  Urusei Yatsura, named for a Japanese manga and anime, released their debut album We Are Urusei Yatsura in 1996.

Here is the discography surrounding Urusei Yatsura's debut album:

All Hail Urusei Yatsura (1994 EP)
The Kazoo Collection (1994 compilation song)
Siamese (1995 single)
Pampered Adolescent (1995 split single)
Stolen Ecstasy 45 Chapter Three (1995 split single)
Kernel (1995 single)
Plastic Ashtray (1995 EP)
Kewpies Like Watermelon (1996 EP)
We Are Urusei Yatsura
Tour (1996 split live EP)
Phasers on Stun (1996 double 7")
Does the Word Duh Mean Anything to You? - Another Ché Compilation CD (1996 compilation song)
BBC Sessions (1997 compilation album)

"Phasers on Stun" by Urusei Yatsura


Urusei Yatsura Live at the 100 Club (circa 1996)


Interview with Urusei Yatsura


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Jul 8, 2014

The Karelia - Divorce at High Noon (1997)

"Say Try" by The Karelia


Bloc Party got their big break when lead singer Kele Okereke passed a demo around to BBC DJ Steve Lamacq and musician Alex Kapranos.  This bit of luck expedited their way to a record deal.  Kapranos, now an internationally successful musician with his current band, started as a prolific multi-band member in the Glasgow music scene.  His first group to record much music was The Blisters, who then changed their name to The Karelia, and released their only album Divorce at High Noon in 1997.

Here is the complete discography for The Karelia:

The Kazoo Collection (1994 compilation song as The Blisters)
Prole Life: A Souvenir from Glasgow (1995 compilation songs as The Blisters)
Split Single (1995 split single as The Blisters)
Love's a Cliché (1997 single)
Divorce at High Noon
A Smooth Taste of The Karelia (1997 EP)
Split Single (1998 split single)
Club Beatroot Part Seven (1998 split single)
Hits & Missiles (1998 compilation song)
15 Minutos Con The Smiths (1999 compilation song)
Glasgow (2000 compilation song)

"Love's a Cliché" by The Karelia


"Tension" by The Karelia


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Jun 27, 2014

Bloc Party - Silent Alarm (2005)

"Like Eating Glass" by Bloc Party


Scissor Sisters music video for their single "Laura" was directed by the directing team of Alex Large and Liane Sommers, collectively known as AlexandLiane.  They also directed the music video for Bloc Party's "Banquet" and "So Here We Are" from their debut album Silent Alarm circa 2005.

Here is the discography surrounding Bloc Party's debut album:

She's Hearing Voices (2004 single)
Banquet (2004 single)
Bloc Party (2004 EP)
Little Thoughts (2004 single)
Helicopter (2004 single)
Peel Session (2004 Peel Session)
Little Thoughts (2004 EP)
Tulips (2005 single)
So Here We Are (2005 single)
Silent Alarm
The Black Sessions (2005 live bootleg)
Banquet (2005 single)
Pioneers (2005 single)
Silent Alarm Remixed (2005 remix album)
Two More Years (2005 single)
The Present (2006 other tracks)

"Helicopter" by Bloc Party


"So Here We Are" by Bloc Party



"Positive Tension" by Bloc Party


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Jun 4, 2014

Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters (2004)

"Comfortably Numb" by Scissor Sisters


Keane were the breakout British band of 2004 and sold that way.  Over 2 million copies of Hopes and Fears came off the shelves, good enough for 9x Platinum in the UK, but not quite for best selling album of the year.  They were second, falling one shy to the unlikely UK popularity of American band Scissor Sisters.  They released their debut album Scissor Sisters in 2004.

"But this has more pride than competing gay masscult takeovers, which makes it more liberating for us all. Bless them for lending a queer ear to an ominously straight year." - Robert Christgau

Here is the discography surrounding Scissor Sisters's debut album:

Electrobix (2002 single)
The Demo Album (2003 demo album)
Laura (2003 single)
Comfortably Numb (2004 single)
Scissor Sisters
Live at Kgelbanan (2004 live bootleg)
Take Your Mama (2004 single)
Live at Montreux (2004 live bootleg)
Live at The Brighton Dome (2004 live bootleg)
Promo Remix (2004 EP)
Remixed! (2004 remix EP)
Mary (2004 single)
Filthy/Gorgeous (2005 single)

"Take Your Mama (Live at The Brit Awards)" by Scissor Sisters


"Return to Oz" by Scissor Sisters


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May 22, 2014

Keane - Hopes and Fears (2004)

"Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane


From Coldplay to Keane because Chris Martin once asked Tim Rice-Oxley to join his band while they were at together school.  In time, the two mutually agreed against the union.  Coldplay went its own very successful way and Rice-Oxley remained as the lead songwriter and pianist for his own band, Keane.  Win-Win.  Keane released its debut album Hopes and Fears in 2004.

"All the raucous abrasiveness of a bag of cotton wool." -NME

Here is the discography surrounding Keane's debut album:

Call Me What You Like (2000 single)
Wolf at the Door (2001 single)
Everybody's Changing (2003 single)
This Is the Last Time (2003 single)
Live on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" (2003 live bootleg)
Somewhere Only We Know (2004 single)
Everybody's Changing (2004 single)
Hopes and Fears
Live at Glastonbury (2004 live bootleg)
Bedshaped (2004 single)
This Is the Last Time (2004 single)
Live at The Riviera (2005 live bootleg)
Live Recordings 2004 (2005 Live EP)
Bend and Break (2005 single)
The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore (2005 fanclub single)

"Bedshaped" by Keane


Live at The Bull Gate 2001 by Keane


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May 12, 2014

Coldplay - Parachutes (2000)

"Shiver" by Coldplay


From Rose Chronicles's Shiver to Coldplay's single "Shiver"... It's a bit of a stretch but I needed a way to break out of the monotonous loop of only linking bands through their producers (or of their ilk) that were in other bands.  It's a nice connection, but tiresome if done too often.

Coldplay consists of Chris Martin (lead vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Guy Berryman (bass), Johnny Buckland (lead guitar), and Will Champion (drums).  They all met at University and, while still in school, began to cut their own demos and EPs.  By the time they graduated, they had a five-album recording contract with Parlophone Records.  Then, the band's second single with Parlophone, "Yellow", put them on the map.  The song made it to the Top 5 in the UK, did well across Europe, and cemented a spot in Billboard's Hot 100.  Coldplay's debut album Parachutes did even better by hitting the top of the album charts in the UK, going triple platinum.  In the United States, the album hit double platinum and scored the band's first Grammy nomination and win for Best Alternative Music Album.

Here is the discography surrounding Coldplay's debut album:

Ode to Deoderant (1998 demo)
Safety (1998 EP)
Brothers & Sisters (1999 single)
The Blue Room (1999 EP)
Shiver (2000 single)
Yellow (2000 single)
Parachutes
Trouble (2000 single)
Live at Cardiff University (2000 live bootleg)
Acoustic (2000 EP)
Live at The Crossing Borders Festival (2000 live bootleg)
Live at KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" (2000 live radio)
Don't Panic (2001 single)
Trouble - Norwegian Live (2001 live EP)
Mince Spies (2001 Christmas EP)

"Yellow" by Coldplay


"We Never Change (live on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic")" by Coldplay


"See You Soon" by Coldplay


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Apr 25, 2014

Rose Chronicles - Shiver (1994)

"Glide (Free Above)" by Rose Chronicles


Maow's only album was produced by Pete Wonsiak, a prolific recording engineer who worked with a number of artists signed to Canadian record label Nettwerk.  When working with Maow, Wonsiak brought along an assistant, Judd Cochrane, from another band Pete produced: Rose Chronicles.  Rose Chronicles formed in the early nineties and consisted of Cochrane on bass, Steven Van Der Woerd on drums, Richard Miranda on guitar, and vocalist Kristy Thirsk.  They became a Cranberries-like alternative rock band.  Signed to Nettwerk, they released their debut album Shiver in 1994.  With the hit singles "Awaiting Eternity" and "Glide (Free Above)", Rose Chronicles became a surprise sensation that seemed to come out of nowhere.  Their early success culminated in a Juno Award win for the first Alternative Album of the Year in 1995.

Here is the discography surrounding Rose Chronicles's debut album:

Dead and Gone to Heaven (1993 EP)
Shiver
Glide (Free Above) (1994 single)
Borrowed Tunes: A Tribute to Neil Young (1994 compilation song)

"Awaiting Eternity" by Rose Chronicles


"Nothing's Real" by Rose Chronicles


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Apr 22, 2014

Maow - The Unforgiving Sounds of... Maow (1996)

"Wank" by Maow


The position of drummer for cub had never been set in stone, and a couple of drummers were needed to record Betti-Cola.  One of the drummers was American expat Neko Case.  In Vancouver on a student visa, she played in a number of local bands including cub and her own Maow.  Maow consisted of Tobey Black (guitar), Corrina Hammond (bass), and Case on drums.

Associated with cuddlecore because of Case's connection to cub and the fact that they were an all-girl pop-oriented punk band, the brand doesn't really fit Maow's attitude.  An attitude that was, simply, badass.  Case-in-point: the cover to their only album The Unforgiving Sounds of... Maow.  Released in 1996, the songs are fast, furious, and full of an in-your-face feminist stance that's ready for a fight.  Taking on all comers!!  Moreso than cub, Maow was also ready to experiment beyond simple punk.  Some songs take on a country influence (most likely sourced from Case) and any track over a minute and a half shows some sign of non-traditional song structure.  The band found itself on a couple compilation albums but broke up around 1998 when Case graduated and lost her visa, forcing her to move back to Seattle.

Here is the complete discography for Maow:

I Ruv Me Too (1995 EP as Meow)
The Unforgiving Sounds of... Maow
Nothing Beats a Royal Flush (1997 compilation song 2-18)
Girl Crazy! (1998 compilation song 8-17)
Oh Canaduh! 2: Another Collection of Canadian Punk Rock Covers (1998 compilation song 4-18)

"Ms. Lefevre" by Maow


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Apr 15, 2014

cub - Betti-Cola (1993)

Betti-Cola by cub


Shoestrings found its songs a way onto a good number of compilation albums.  The most iconic of these compilations is 1996's Pop American Style which helped highlight and cement some of the 90s' best underground indie pop groups.  Vancouver's cub was one of those groups.

cub formed in 1992 with Lisa Marr (bass, vocals), Robynn Iwata (guitar, vocals), and Valeria Fellini (drums, vocals).  In essence, they were punk.  But, their songs played at a laid back pace and featured Marr's high-pitched voice singing simple, playful, and honest songs.  The mood of the band mixed a childlike innocence and imagination, an unabashed femininity, a melancholy optimism, and raw cool that all might seem incongruous in writing but can only make you smile when you listen to them.  Although punk, they were so superficially different from what most people hear as punk that their brand of music was dubbed "cuddlecore" and seen as an offshoot of twee pop.

They started recording right away in the lo-fi fashion and were a favorite in the Vancouver indie scene.  Their debut full-length Betti-Cola came out in 1993 as more of a compilation album that gathered most of their recordings from their first three EPs.  It featured cover art by legendary Archie artist and Josie and The Pussycats creator Dan DeCarlo.

Here is the discography surrounding cub's debut album:

Pep (1992 EP)
Hot Dog Day (1993 EP)
The Mint Is A Terrible Thing to Taste (1993 compilation song)
Betti-Cola (1993 Double EP)
Betti-Cola
Volcano (1994 single)
Periscope: Another Yoyo Compilation (1994 compilation song)
13 Soda Punx (1994 compilation song)
All Kindsa Girls Vol. 2 (1994 compilation songs)
Johnny Hanson Presents... Puck Rock Vol. 1 (1994 compilation song)

"Nicolas Bragg" by cub


cub Live at Hastings Community Center in Vancouver, 1993


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Apr 10, 2014

Shoestrings - Wishing on Planes (1997)

"Timeline" by Shoestrings


The connection between last update's Shoes and Shoestrings may seem arbitrary, but the string that connects them is a little more than just titular.  Like Shoes, Shoestrings is a DIY... just of a different era and genre.  The duo of Mario Suau (vocals, multi-instrumentalist) and Rose Uytuico (vocals, keyboards) from Sterling Heights, MI met at university.  At first, Rose joined Mario's existing band but the two broke off to form Shoestrings after the group splintered.  Mario and Rose were fans of UK "twee pop" that came from now-legendary Sarah Records.  Their own music joined a healthy mirror scene in the US, but American twee never ascended above its indie roots due to the long competing shadows of grunge, alternative rock, pop, and hip hop at the time.  Shoestrings rarely performed live (let alone toured), and they released one single "Some Things Never Change" in 1994, a single album Wishing on Planes (on Le Grand Magistery label) in 1997, and a handful of compilation songs.  The duo never broke up (they actually got married), but just life did its part in ending any further Shoestrings recordings.

Here is the complete discography for Shoestrings:

Some Things Never Change (1994 single)
Pop American Style (1996 compilation song)
I Started a Joke (1996 compilation song)
All Done With Mirrors (1997 compilation songs)
Wishing on Planes
Little Darla Has a Treat for You V.8 Winter 98 (1998 compilation song)
Seven Summers International Pop Volume 2 (1998 compilation song)

"Massachusetts" by Shoestrings


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Apr 6, 2014

Shoes - One in Versailles (1975)

"One in Versailles" by Shoes


Spooner's early recordings were made with the aid of members from another midwestern power pop band called Shoes.  Brothers John and Jeff Murphy and friend Gary Klebe settled on forming a band after they graduated from high school in Zion, Illinois.  They taught themselves to play their own instruments over the course of a year where John picked up bass and Jeff and Gary both picked up the guitar.  They formed Shoes and immediately set to recording music.  Not yet capable enough to take the traditional route of playing covers on the local bar circuit but still impatient to lay down their own material, they taught themselves how to record and produce their own songs on a simple four-track system in their bedroom.

Shoes's first recording was the acetate 10" Heads or Tails of which only four copies were made in 1974.  They followed it up quickly in 1975 with their first proper-length album One in Versailles which John and Jeff wrote and recorded with temporary drummer Barry Schumaker while Gary was studying abroad in Versailles.  The album is clearly the work of young men working on their craft, but it's clear even so soon after starting to play music that Shoes already have a strong sense of songwriting.  Their debt to The Beatles can't be overstated, but they still break out of the pop mold to experiment with various structures and different sonic styles.  Even amidst the amateur quality of production and craft, they surprise with their musical sincerity.

Here is the discography surrounding Shoes's debut album:

Heads or Tails (1974 EP)
One in Versailles

"Do I Get So Shy" by Shoes


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Mar 29, 2014

Spooner - Every Corner Dance (1982)

"Member of the Family" by Spooner


Legendary producer of The Smashing Pumpkins's Gish, Butch Vig, holds another strong career as a member of a multi-platinum successful band a handful of other not-so successful bands.  His first band was a Madison, Wisconsin outfit of which he was not a founding member.  Spooner founded in 1974 by Doug Erickson, Dave Benton, and Bob Nelson: all of them songwriters, vocalists and guitarists.  Nelson left the band early on but enter Butch Vig as Spooner's drummer.

Erickson, Benton, and Vig would be the backbone of the band that featured a roundabout of supporting players.  Whenever a line-up solidified enough for the band to gel, they'd enter the studio to record an EP or album.  Their debut album Every Corner Dance featured new band members Jeff Walker on keyboards and Joel Tappero on bass.  It also marked the second time they recorded with producer Gary Klebe of the power-pop band Shoes.  Spooner were a power pop outfit along the same vein and proudly wore the influences of early English beat groups and their forerunners in midwestern garage rock of the 60s.  They toured around the Midwest and as far out as New York and supported big names such as Cheap Trick, The Police, and Pat Benatar.

Here is the discography surrounding Spooner's debut album:

Cruel School (1979 EP)
Where You Gonna Run? (1980 single)
Every Corner Dance

"Will You Remember Me?" by Spooner


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Mar 24, 2014

The Smashing Pumpkins - Gish (1991)

"Drown" by The Smashing Pumpkins


The Cabaret Metro in Chicago and its owner Joe Shanahan did their part in bringing together The Smashing Pumpkins.  He gave the band their first residency (under the stipulation that they replace the drum machine) and managed their early career.  The band consisted of guitarist James Iha, bassist D'Arcy Wretzky, and drum machine replacement Jimmy Chamberlain.  The mastermind behind the band, however, was multi-instrumentalist, lead songwriter, and lead singer Billy Corgan.  They formed in 1988 when Iha met Corgan at the record store where the latter worked.  Their early music owed a heavy influence to the British post-punk / goth rock scene, but their sound changed drastically when Chamberlain became the group's last original member.  The Smashing Pumpkins live shows and early recordings showed a melding of influences that included heavy metal, psychedelia, and post-punk.

Signed to Caroline Records, their debut album Gish came out in 1991 to moderate commercial and critical success.  The album was produced by Butch Vig (who was simultaneously producing Nirvana's Nevermind to be released a couple months later).  It also featured Corgan playing almost all the instruments on the record (save the drums) as he didn't see Iha and Wretzky as quite accomplished enough in their skills to gain the specific sound he wanted.  Because of this, unrest already stirred in the band and Billy was seen by both the band members and the media as a musical tyrant.  On the success of the album and its many singles, they toured and opened for the biggest alternate rock bands of the day: Jane's Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and (not-as-alternative) Guns N' Roses.

Here is the discography surrounding The Smashing Pumpkins's debut album:

Joliet Tape (1986 demo as The Marked)
1985-1987 Demos (1985-1987 demos as The Marked)
Snake Train Demo (1988 demo as Snake Train)
Live at The Cabaret Metro (1988 live recording)
October 1988 Live (1988 live recording)
Nothing Ever Changes (1988 demo)
Moon (1989 demo)
The Smashing Pumpkins (1989 demo)
March 1989 Live (1989 live recording)
Reel Time Studios (1989 studio sessions)
Reel Time Studios Acoustic (1989 studio sessions)
I Am One (1990 single)
Tristessa (1990 single)
Live at The Metro (1990 live album)
Gish
Siva (1991 single)
Lull (1991 EP)
Rhinoceros (1991 promo single)
Live in New Haven (1991 live bootleg)
I Am One (1992 single)
Daughter (1992 promo single)
Drown (1992 promo single)
Peel Sessions (1992 EP)

"Siva" by The Smashing Pumpkins


"Bury Me" by The Smashing Pumpkins


An Interview with Billy Corgan


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Feb 24, 2014

Tinker - Soft Shell Friend (1996)


After the release and relative success of Blinker the Star's debut album, Jordon Zadorozny moved the band to Ontario to join a much larger music scene.  He continued to perform with them promoting a local following, but he also joined another band in 1994 called Tinker.

Tinker was made up of Jordon on guitar and vocals, Steve Durand on guitar and vocals, Melissa Auf der Maur on bass, and a non-specific Tony on drums.  Tinker released two singles and bartered a handful of high-profile gigs in the area, but the main lineup dissolved after Melissa was recruited to join Courtney Love's band Hole.  Of the original four, only Steve Durand stayed on board Tinker and recruited replacement players in bassist Eric Digras and drummer Patrick Conan.  The trio continued to record a sort of alternative metal (much removed from the group's original indie sound) and released Tinker's only album in 1996.  The band ceased soon after.

Here is the discography surrounding Tinker's debut album:

Realalie (1994 single)
Green Machine (1994 single)
Receiver (1995 EP)
Soft Shell Friend
Sunshine (1996 single)

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Feb 22, 2014

Blinker the Star - Blinker the Star (1993)

"Hunting at the Zoo" by Blinker the Star


Mark Mason helped engineer Joan Osborne's debut and many other works.  One of his jobs was on the first album by Canadian indie band Blinker the Star.  Blinker the Star revolves around the personality and work of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jordon Zadorozny.  Other possible members include Phil B (bass), Reg Wick (drums), and Roger Pederson (guitar) though it's a little difficult to confirm at the moment.  Another thing I cannot confirm is that the band's first album Blinker the Star came out in 1993.  (It could be an incorrect date or not due to possible self- releases or re-releases.  It's listed as also having been released in 1994 and 1995).

The album is largely made up of amateur recordings made in Pembroke, Ontario and released on the Treat & Release label.  Although Jordon was given the chance to re-record the album professionally in studio, he turned the chance down because he knew the album would lose the little accidents (happy or otherwise) and off-the-cuff experimentations that could not be recreated.  The band, at this early stage in their career, falls into the loosely defined world of indie rock but finds influences from metal, grunge, punk, power pop, and psychedelia, executing them all with passion and recklessness.  The album is refreshing and each song stands apart and carries its own tone, making for a well-paced listen.

Here is the discography surrounding Blinker the Star's debut album:

Blinker the Star

"Nectarina" by Blinker the Star


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Feb 18, 2014

Joan Osborne - Relish (1995)

"Dracula Moon" by Joan Osborne


Joan Osborne shared the same circles and management as the Spin Doctors and can even be heard as a back up vocalist on Blues Traveler's debut.  Although active since 1989, Osborne didn't release her debut album Relish until 1995 (although she did self-release a live album on her own record label Womanly Hips).  The album went triple platinum in the United States on the coattails of her hit single "One of Us".  The other songs on the album reflect Joan and her co-writers' influence of blues, country, gospel, and classic rock (with a debt to Janis Joplin).  For a time, Joan Osborne sat at the top as one of the biggest singer-songwriters of the 90s.

Here is the discography surrounding Joan Osborne's debut album:

Soul Show: Live at Delta 88 (1991 live album)
One of Us (1995 single)
Relish
St. Teresa (1996 single)
Right Hand Man (1996 single)

"One of Us" by Joan Osborne


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Feb 11, 2014

Spin Doctors - Pocket Full of Kryptonite (1991)

"Jimmy Olsen's Blues" by Spin Doctors


John Popper was part in forming another New York band Spin Doctors, but dropped out in favor of Blues Traveler when it started to gain popular traction locally.  Popper retains a close relationship with the Doctors and often guests his harmonica on recordings or at their live sets.

Spin Doctors formed in 1988 whose core consisted of vocalist Chris Barron, guitarist Eric Schenkman, drummer Aaron Comess, and bassist Mark White.  Live, the band comes off an honest offshoot of the classic, jam rock.  Their delightful spin on the genres came mainly from White's funky bass even if their sets could be tiresomely long.  On their recordings, they were a much different band.  They still took time for solos, but their overt debt to jam disappeared in favor of a more restrained, commercial pop-alternative sound (Barron's voice and inflections would probably have more influence on the genre than anybody aside from Billie Joe Armstrong) with dabbling changes of mood in rock ballads and harder rock.

Signed to Epic Records in 1991, they released a live EP and their debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite that year but both sold unremarkably, that is, until one of their singles blew up and became one of the most definitive songs of the decade (for better or for worse).  After the Doctors finished supporting their album with the first H.O.R.D.E. tour (see previous post), the music video for "Two Princes" came out in 1993 on MTV.  The popularity of this song (in particular) and the band's other catchy singles that followed on the success ("Little Miss Can't Be Wrong", "Jimmy Olsen's Blues") boosted the sales for the album to triple platinum and beyond, as well as.  The commercial success came with critical regard for being standard bearers of a pure rock sound.  "Two Princes"'s overkill on radio stations, MTV, TV shows, and movies helped cement its status as one of those songs that just makes people think of the 90s whether you were sick of it or not.  The song is simultaneously deemed one of the best and worst songs of the decade depending on the publication.  Nevermind that the song sounds very little like the Spin Doctors.

Here is the discography surrounding Spin Doctors's debut album:

Up for Grabs...Live (1991 live album)
Pocket Full of Kryptonite
Homebelly Groove...Live (1992 live album)
Little Miss Can't Be Wrong (1993 single)
Two Princes (1993 single)
Jimmy Olsen's Blues (1993 single)
What Time Is It? (1993 single)
How Could You Want Him (When You Know You Could Have Me?) (1993 single)

"Two Princes" by Spin Doctors


"What Time Is It?" by Spin Doctors


Spin Doctors Interview


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Jan 30, 2014

Blues Traveler - Blues Traveler (1990)

"Gotta Get Mean" by Blues Traveler


The H.O.R.D.E. (or Horizons of Rock Developing Everywhere) music festival toured stadiums across the United States every summer from 1992 to 1998.  The festival gave an opportunity for less popular bands to reach a wider audience and play in the biggest venues (with one of those acts being G. Love & Special Sauce).  It is also said to have helped dawn the second generation of great Jam Rock highlighted by such acts as Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews Band, and Phish.  The whole festival and jam movement, however, was headed by Blues Traveler.

Blues Traveler formed in a garage in Princeton, New Jersey in the mid-eighties.  By the end of high school, they solidified into a solid four-piece:  John Popper (lead singer, harmonica), Brendan Hill (drummer), Chan Kinchla (guitar), and Bobby Sheehan (bass).  The four all moved to New York to study music but all eventually dropped out as their gig success grew.  By 1990, Blues Traveler were scouted and signed to A&M Records.  They released their debut Blues Traveler in May of that year and attained Gold status and college radio popularity.

Here is the discography surrounding Blues Traveler's debut album:

Blues Traveler

"But Anyway" by Blues Traveler


"Alone" by Blues Traveler


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Jan 26, 2014

G. Love & Special Sauce - G. Love and Special Sauce (1994)

"This Ain't Living" by G. Love & Special Sauce


Fiona Apple's music video for "Criminal" incited some strong reactions due to its explicit stripping of clothes and resulting insinuations.  The director, Mark Romanek, is known for directing successful videos for many of the top musicians of the 90s into the 00s.

One of the debut artists (like Fiona) that got to work with Romanek was the genre-bending group G. Love & Special Sauce.  G. Love, guitarist and vocalist Garrett Dutton, played local bars in Boston before he was joined by bassist Jim Prescott and drummer Jeffrey Clemens (with the two collectively known as Special Sauce).  Together, they played a loose, accented blues over which G. Love would rap.  They took most of their musical cues from old blues artists and folk singers and mixed it with the sounds of alternative hip hop.  They formed in 1993 and released their debut album G. Love and Special Sauce a year later where it nearly clinched gold status on the strength of their single "Cold Beverage" and its MTV-hitting music video directed by the aforementioned Mark Romanek.

Here is the discography surrounding G. Love & Special Sauce's debut album:

Back in the Day (1993 demo)
Blues Music (1994 single)
G. Love and Special Sauce
Cold Beverage (1994 single)
Baby's Got Sauce (1994 single)

"Cold Beverage" by G. Love & Special Sauce


"Fresh Lila" by G. Love & Special Sauce


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Jan 19, 2014

Fiona Apple - Tidal (1996)

"Never Is a Promise" by Fiona Apple


Young Katy Hudson based her early image and music on the image and music of those who inspired her (except with a Christian twist).  In particular, they were 90s female singer-songwriters popular at the time including Jonatha Brooke, Jennifer Knapp, Diana Krall, and Fiona Apple.

Fiona Apple is a singer-songwriter who had the good luck of having one of her friends pass along her demo to a music publicist for whom she babysat.  Fiona also had the good fortune of having a developed a gift in songwriting, piano skills, and a unique personal voice by the age of 17 that led directly to a recording contract.  Through a contract with Columbia Records, Apple's debut album Tidal came out two years later in 1996, going triple platinum.  It featured multiple hit singles including "Criminal", "Shadowboxer", and "Sleep to Dream".  She gained notoriety and adulation for her blunt confrontations with the industry and press saying "whatever came to mind" that, despite the dramatic flair, held in concert with her lyrics and concert talk in between songs.

Here is the discography surrounding Fiona Apple's debut album:

Shadowboxer (1996 single)
Tidal
Sleep to Dream (1997 single)
Criminal (1997 single)
Live at The Orpheum (1997 live bootleg)

"Sleep to Dream" by Fiona Apple


"Criminal" by Fiona Apple


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Jan 6, 2014

Katy Hudson - Katy Hudson (2001)

"Trust in Me" by Katy Hudson


About the same time in the early 2000s, Dr. Luke narrowed down hundreds of demo tapes to two notable ones having to decide on which artist to adopt to his imprint.  He chose Ke$ha for her bravado over Katy Perry (who would go on to work him eventually anyway).

Katy Perry started her music career as Katy Hudson, a Nashville teen singing gospel in her parents' church.  Local musicians spotted her vocal talents and under their tutelage, Hudson learned the craft songwriting and how to play the guitar and recorded demos.  She signed with Christian label Red Hill Records and released her debut in 2001 at the age of seventeen.  Katy impressed Christian rock critics with her songwriting and vocal talents (though both are muddled by her impressions of 90s singer-songwriters), but the album failed commercially selling less than 200 copies.  Soon after the release and accompanying tour, Katy was dropped from Red Hill (as a result of going under) and moved to Los Angeles for new opportunities.

Here is the discography surrounding Katy Hudson's debut album:

Katy Hudson

"Search Me" by Katy Hudson


Katy Hudson Interview


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Jan 4, 2014

Ke$ha - Animal (2010)

"Animal" by Ke$ha


Klas Ã…hlund eventually graduated from his hardcore life and became yet another Swedish artist recognized for his songwriting and production abilities.  One of his many credits includes a co-songwriting credit on Ke$ha's Cannibal EP.

Kesha Sebert's status as the daughter of a singer-songwriter has helped her cement her own status as a singer-songwriter (though of the dance-pop variety).  It's surely true Kesha has a foundational hand in all of her songs, but she just as surely gets a lot of help from her friends especially on the production side of her music by pop kings Dr. Luke and Max Martin and a freelancing core of others.

Dr. Luke signed Kesha as a potential artist to build up after receiving her demo tape (notorious for a terrible, attention-grabbing rap performance), but soon forgot her as his own success took off to another level with his work with Kelly Clarkson.  During this down time, Kesha kept honing her songwriting for a debut album and cementing her image as a strong, fractured free spirit that flirts with the insanity of bravado and self-destruction (the least of which is her stylized stage name) and enamors with the romance and carnal power of youth.

After difficulties acquiring a record deal (with her association with Dr. Luke an impediment), Ke$ha got a boost from a series of happenstance guest performances for Flo Rida.  The success of these singles led to a record deal with RCA in 2009 and Ke$ha had more than enough material (over 200 songs) for her 2010 debut Animal.  Bolstered by her debut hit single "TiK ToK", the album also took off and established Ke$ha as a commercial force in the new wave of electronic dance pop.  The success of the album saw three more singles, an extra EP, a remix album, and her Get Sleazy world tour.

Here is the discography surrounding Ke$ha's debut album:

Invisible (2005 compilation song)
TiK ToK (2009 single)
Animal
Blah Blah Blah (2010 single)
Your Love Is My Drug (2010 single)
Take It Off (2010 single)
We R Who We R (2010 single)
Cannibal (2010 EP)
Blow (2011 single)
I Am the Dance Commander + I Command You to Dance: The Remix Album (2011 remix compilation)
Sleazy Remix 2.0: Get Sleazier (2011 promo single)

"TiK ToK" by Ke$ha


"Blow (Cirkut Remix)" by Ke$ha


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