Like Eric Clapton or Neil Young, I've been a part of many music groups over the years. Unlike those two, most of my groups never actually played or recorded music--they were simply ideas, or brief practice sessions. Notably, some were real, even recorded in film or audio format. Here is a humble list, as far back as I remember. Genre is in parenthesis; name of group is italicized.
Skankin' Dank and the Hot Tub Monkeys (Ska) Mid-nineties. Not real.
The Bon Marche Muslims (Thrash Punk) Mid-nineties. One practice session.
The Ottos (Neo-Suburban Acid New Wave) Late nineties. Real band, several practice sessions, one concert, subject of a documentary.
The Chair-Van Man Band (Acoustic Reggae-Influenced Jam Band) Early aughts. Very real, four practice sessions, one show--in Wyoming, of all places.
The Andy Freeman (Acoustic Shock Rock) Early aughts. Two huge shows, several practice sessions, one ruined relationship based on song lyrics. Notable tracks include "Andy", "Speedo Rhymes with Burrito", and "Eugene vs. Gresham." Band motto: "Three guys, two chords, one band."
The VH Vigilantes (Hip-hop Group). Early aughts. For a brief period, this group was the best all-white religious rap group in the Corvallis area. Recorded one album, "The Coconut Bangers' Ball". Five or six shows. Recordings survive to this day.
Dankstyle Reckless (Solo Hip-hop) Early aughts. Solo project after Vigilante break-up. Appearances on two Proof tracks. Two concerts.
Thunderwolf (Hair Metal) Early aughts. Mostly real. One practice session.
Dakota (Arena Rock) Mid-aughts. Not real.
Steel Duchess (Speed Metal) Mid-aughts. Not real.
Sassy Lads (Boy Band) Mid-aughts. Several practice sessions. Always harmonized and crooned in English accents.
Magenta Surrender (Emo) Mid-aughts. Several practice sessions. Work on first album ("Puddles of Melancholy November") halted due to to emotional inablity to work together, drama. Still rumored to achieve reunion tour.
Clearly, I tried my hand at a lot of music throughout high school and college. I've turned the volume down in the years since, but there's still a song out there that needs to be sung, and some old friends that need a late-night phone call. Some day, we might get the band back together. And on that day . . .
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I'd forgotent about the Bon Marche Muslims, they even got a mention in the Ottos doc.
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ReplyDeleteI was actually thinking about taking the Andy Freeman on a "Greatest Hits" tour... I was going to give you a call, but I figured I could make more money with a look-a-like scab. Listen, I gotta do what I gotta do and you gotta do what you gotsa's do- so if you need to go on the road as the Andy Freeman just keep to the Southeast and everything will be gravy.
ReplyDeleteoh man, i forgot about Thunderwolf! Greatest band ever
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