This is the B side to the Revolving Records 45rpm [SPIN 1] “Romance Minus One”. See or
It was recorded early in 1981 and released officially mid-summer of that year.
It was difficult to chronicle this band in their short span of early 1981 to mid-1983 since there is little pictorial or video record of them. There is also very little evidence of their existence in any on-line search. They are mentioned briefly in the liner notes of the Not Quite LP [Resonance 33-8605 since one member of this band gravitated to their line up as well as the notes on the back cover of the CT compilation LP “It Happened But Nobody Noticed” [Gustav Records UA1002
As told in the comic book that was included with this single Wayne-the guitarist, singer and principle songwriter-and Robert-the drummer percussionist and rhythm stylist grew up together living only a few houses away. After several attempts to start traditional rock outfits they had all but given up hope when a chance drunken meeting with a young girl-Lynne-who played bass for fun allowed them to express original ideas.
The germ of this band started as a trio and slowly blossomed into a 4 and then 5 piece ensemble. Almost at the same pace the band dwindled back to a 4 and then to the original trio by the end.
This collage represents what were all 5 members of the band in a series of rejected promotional shots over the first year and a half of their tumultuous existence. Some of these photographs were taken by Dave Ashcraft whose picture of the group graces the cover sleeve of the record. It features some video footage from a rather uncomfortable reunion show of the original trio from a 1986 local TV cable access show called “Dead Oralive”.
Wayne has stated that while the pleasant and pop-oriented A side “Romance Minus One” [inspired by being such a great Lothario at home with his ‘mirror in the bathroom’ and the Co-Star/Music Minus One LP series of interactive vinyl available at the time] was popular with the audience he noticed they were also a bit bemused by this instrumental that was happened upon by attempting to learn the original “Spiderman” theme song from the old, original cartoon series. The bass line gives that away. When finally getting around to creating a 45 it was decided that these two tunes best represented the yin and yang of a band that wanted to aspire to something a little above the usual punk fare.
It should be noted that the band was managed by Michael Clare [ who had been in a very notable original Hartford based band called “Johnny Lunchbreak” and has gone on to play with an produce quite a number of excellent records. The comic book was written and designed by Jeff “Dex” Rougvie [ whose work at Rykodisc and beyond is quite renown.
It would also be fair to note that Wayne is presently unemployed and is living in an undisclosed attic at the point of this posting.
So this video is not just a visual to go along with the tune but is probably the only chronicling of this band you will ever find.
If you are interested in obtain an original copy of this single you can go here
Buy the one from 'vinylconduit' as you will get a further explanation of the comic book, band history and will help Wayne pay his rent.
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