Today In Alternative Music History: April 23, 1994

Today in Alternative Music History marks the first entry into the charts for the band Oasis. They debuted into the U.K. charts with their debut single "Supersonic" . This song remains one of Oasis' favorite tracks to play live as well as a favorite for the fans. It has been named one the greatest guitar tracks by Q magazine and one of the top 50 Greatest Indie Anthems ever by NME. Melody Maker and NME magazines named it "single of the week".

Today In Alternative Music History: April 15, 2001

Today marks the 8th anniversary of the passing of Jeffrey Ross Hyman better known as Joey Ramone. Joey was the lead singer of the punk rock group The Ramones. Joey died of lymphoma at New York Presbyterian Hospital on April 15, 2001, after suffering from the illness for over seven years. He was 49. Joey was said to be the "heart and soul" of The Ramones. Joey was buried in Hillside Cemetery in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

Today In Alternative Music History: April 14, 1983

Today in Alternative music history, was a sad day. On this day former Pretenders bassist Pete Farndon dies. He was found dead by his American Model wife, Conover, after passing out and drowning in his bathtub after a heroin overdose. Farndon was fired from The Pretenders on June 14, 1982 due to the fact that he was not easy to work with, because of the drug use, according to Chrissie Hynde. Farndon was on the verge of forming a new band with former Clash drummer Topper Headon. Alas, it was never meant to be. Pete Farndon is buried at St. Peter's Church, in Withington, Herefordshire, England.

GREAT LOST ALTERNATIVE BAND: SEE SEE RIDER

I am beginning an entry today and will continue in future blog entries on great lost alternative bands. Today is SEE SEE RIDER.

This band really had bad luck on their side in their very brief existence. See See Rider formed in East Kilbride, Scotland (home to The Jesus and Mary Chain) Their band members were:

May Rock Marshall (vocals)

Lewis Chamberlain (vocals) (bass)

Stephan Sands (guitar)

Pete Tweedie (ex Primitives) (drums)

They were signed to Lazy Records (home to The Primitives, My Bloody Valentine, Birdland) .

Their first ep was She Sings Alone. Out on March 26, 1990. An incredible song!!! The b sides are also worth checking out like the epic "See See". A second single (ep) would have catapulted them to the limelight but misfortunes happened. Marshall got herself in a motorcycle accident and Sands broke his ankle. This put the band on the sidelines for a year.

On May 6, 1991 they returned with the Stolen Heart(ep). By this time ex Felt bassist Phil King had replaced Chamberlain. They were then signed to Elektra Records for an album release but after a major fight on stage, Pete Tweedie left the band and in 1992, See See Rider decide to break up. King then went on to join Lush. There was an album that the band recorded but was never released called Dust, Rocks and Flakes. This is a truly mysterious band and I highly recommend you look into this band. There is an official band website http://www.seeseerider.co.uk/ and get this! You can download all their material including the unreleased album. How cool is that????

Always Alternative,

Edwin

LOCAL BAND: QUITO, ECUADOR: HUMANZEE

Our next band in the local music scene is a band by the name of Humanzee. This band formed in Quito in 2006 out the ashes of another band called Rokoto (VIP). I consider this band "the hardest working band in Ecuador." I say that because since I met them they have been working non-stop to get themselves noticed, to promote themselves, playing live, etc. etc. They were the first Ecuadorian band to be played on my radio show. Band members are:

Vocals, Guitar: Dr.Chiquito

Guitar: Geoviris Nice

Synth, Coros: One

Bass: Ivancho

Drums: Diablo Kiteño

Trumpet, Voices: El Chacal

Their genre falls into the Electrofusion and Alt Dance. They have released a total of 3 eps out in the market. They are in the process of releasing their debut album Oliver. Check these guys out live. It is one big dance party!!! More information about the history, music and concerts can be found on their myspace. www.myspace.com/humanzeecuador or their personal webpage http://estereohumanzee.com/ I strongly suggest you check them out.

Always Alternative,

Edwin

People

Today In Alternative Music History: April 13, 1996

Rage Against the Machine make their national T.V. debut on Saturday Night Live. They hang U.S. flags upside down on their amps (protesting the show’s host Steve Forbes – Forbes Magazine and General Electric, owner of NBC – SNL’s network) for “Bulls On Parade.” They aren't allowed to perform another song.