Jack Yarber
Encyclopedia
Jack Yarber, also known by his stage name, 'Jack Oblivian', is an American
singer, songwriter
, and guitarist
based in Memphis, Tennessee
. He was a founding member of the garage-bands The Compulsive Gamblers
, and The Oblivans
and currently fronts Jack O & the Tennessee Tearjerkers.
Yarber has also been a member, or contributed to: The End, Johnny Vomit & The Dry Heaves
, Andre Williams
, The Knaughty Knights, South Filthy, The Cool Jerks, The Limes, '68 Comeback, King Louie & His Loose Diamonds, Greg Oblivian & the Tip Tops, Jack Oblivian & The Cigarillos, The Natural Kicks and Tav Falco's Panther Burns
.
founder Jimbo Mathus in the Corinth, Mississippi, based Johnny Vomit & the Dry Heaves. Yarber played drums in the outfit, which credited him as Johnny Goopa.http://www.grunnenrocks.nl/people/o/oblijack.htm Johnny Vomit & the Dry Heaves would go on to be one of Yarber's longest-running side projects, the song "Knick the Knife" off his latest Tennessee Tearjearkers album being a reworked version of a song performed in early Johnny Vomit jam sessions.http://www.memphisflyer.com/gyrobase/Newdesign/Content?oid=oid%3A22513
) were recorded in 1984 at Phillips Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. That vinyl single, released on the Erwin record label marked Yarber's first appearance on record. By 1989 the two had diverged musically and Yarber's cousin left town, effectively ending their partnership.http://turnit-down.blogspot.com/2006/06/jack-oblivian-interview.html
led to the formation of the Compulsive Gamblers
. Despite recording two 7" albums and a handful of home recordings, the band was unable to garner record label interest until after the success of their next band, the Oblivians
. The Compulsive Gamblers would reform in the late '90s and early 2000s, releasing two studio albums and one live LP on Sympathy For the Record Industry.http://scenestars.net/interviews/yarber.htm
founder, Eric Friedl. The members of the Oblivians all shared writing and recording responsibilities. Each member supplied vocals, guitar work, and percussion on albums, and switched between instruments during live shows. The Oblivians lasted from 1993 until 1998, at which time Yarber and Cartwright left the band to reform the Compulsive Gamblers. The second incarnation of the Gamblers lasted from 1998 to 2003, when the bandmembers again went their separate ways.
to form the Tearjearkers. As Bomar became more and more involved with film scoring, Yarber began to take a more active role in the band, ultimately taking over as lead songwriter after Bomar's departure. With Yarber in control of the group, the band was rechristened the Tennessee Tearjerkers.http://scenestars.net/interviews/yarber.htm At the same time as Yarber was writing songs with the Tearjerkers, he was also contributing in various ways to a number of side projects including, the Knaughty Knights, the Limes, and South Filthy which included collaborations with longtime associates Walter Daniels
, and Monsieur Jeffrey Evans
. In 2007 Yarber released another solo LP, "The Flip Side Kid." The CD version was released by Sympathy For the Record Industry and Yarber self-released the vinyl under his own label, "Dirt Cheap Date."
announced a dual reunion tour, which happened in the summer of 2009, mostly in Europe, but also a couple shows in Memphis and Detroit.http://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/apr/03/stepping-back-into-the-light/?printer=1/. In 2010, more Oblivians dates have been booked in the United States. No 2011 dates are confirmed at this time.
'Albums'
'Splits'
'Albums'
'Albums'
'Splits'
'Albums'
'Albums'
'Albums'
'Albums'
'Appears On'
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, and guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
based in Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
. He was a founding member of the garage-bands The Compulsive Gamblers
Compulsive Gamblers
Compulsive Gamblers were a garage-rock group formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1990 by Greg Cartwright and Jack Yarber, both future members of the Oblivians.-First incarnation:...
, and The Oblivans
Oblivians
The Oblivians were an American punk rock trio that existed from 1993 to 1998. In the 1990s, their blues-infused brand of bravado, crudely-recorded music made them one of the most popular and prominent bands within the underground garage rock scene....
and currently fronts Jack O & the Tennessee Tearjerkers.
Yarber has also been a member, or contributed to: The End, Johnny Vomit & The Dry Heaves
Johnny Vomit & The Dry Heaves
Johnny Vomit & The Dry Heaves was a high school garage band that formed in mid-1980s Corinth, Mississippi that featured future leaders of the Oblivians and Squirrel Nut Zippers, Jack Oblivian and Jim Mathus...
, Andre Williams
Andre Williams
Andre Williams is an American R&B and punk blues musician who started his career in the 1950s at Fortune Records in Detroit.-Biography:...
, The Knaughty Knights, South Filthy, The Cool Jerks, The Limes, '68 Comeback, King Louie & His Loose Diamonds, Greg Oblivian & the Tip Tops, Jack Oblivian & The Cigarillos, The Natural Kicks and Tav Falco's Panther Burns
Tav Falco's Panther Burns
Tav Falco's Panther Burns, sometimes shortened to Panther Burns, is a rock band originally from Memphis, Tennessee, United States, led by Tav Falco...
.
Johnny Vomit & the Dry Heaves
Jack Yarber began his professional music career in high school, appearing alongside high school friend and future Squirrel Nut ZippersSquirrel Nut Zippers
The Squirrel Nut Zippers are a band formed in 1993 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina by James "Jimbo" Mathus , Katharine Whalen , Chris Phillips on drums, Don Raleigh on bass and sideman Ken Mosher....
founder Jimbo Mathus in the Corinth, Mississippi, based Johnny Vomit & the Dry Heaves. Yarber played drums in the outfit, which credited him as Johnny Goopa.http://www.grunnenrocks.nl/people/o/oblijack.htm Johnny Vomit & the Dry Heaves would go on to be one of Yarber's longest-running side projects, the song "Knick the Knife" off his latest Tennessee Tearjearkers album being a reworked version of a song performed in early Johnny Vomit jam sessions.http://www.memphisflyer.com/gyrobase/Newdesign/Content?oid=oid%3A22513
The end
In the summer of 1987 (?), Yarber moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to play music with his cousin. Yarber and his cousin played together using a number of band names, eventually releasing a new-wave 7" under the name, The End. The tracks "You Never Called" and "People Talk" (later covered by Cheap TimeCheap Time
Cheap Time is a Tennessee based garage-rock band fronted by Jeffrey Novak and has featured members of Be Your Own Pet. The band, which formed in 2006, has toured with Jay Reatard, released two 7" singles in 2007, a full length LP in 2008 and a 7" single in 2009 on In The Red Records.-Sound:Cheap...
) were recorded in 1984 at Phillips Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. That vinyl single, released on the Erwin record label marked Yarber's first appearance on record. By 1989 the two had diverged musically and Yarber's cousin left town, effectively ending their partnership.http://turnit-down.blogspot.com/2006/06/jack-oblivian-interview.html
The Compulsive Gamblers
Following the breakup of The End in, Yarber's encounter with fellow musician Greg CartwrightGreg Cartwright
Greg Cartwright, also known by his stage name Greg Oblivian, is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Memphis, Tennessee. He currently fronts Reigning Sound and lives in Asheville, North Carolina...
led to the formation of the Compulsive Gamblers
Compulsive Gamblers
Compulsive Gamblers were a garage-rock group formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1990 by Greg Cartwright and Jack Yarber, both future members of the Oblivians.-First incarnation:...
. Despite recording two 7" albums and a handful of home recordings, the band was unable to garner record label interest until after the success of their next band, the Oblivians
Oblivians
The Oblivians were an American punk rock trio that existed from 1993 to 1998. In the 1990s, their blues-infused brand of bravado, crudely-recorded music made them one of the most popular and prominent bands within the underground garage rock scene....
. The Compulsive Gamblers would reform in the late '90s and early 2000s, releasing two studio albums and one live LP on Sympathy For the Record Industry.http://scenestars.net/interviews/yarber.htm
The Oblivians
The Oblivians formed in 1993 as a side project to the Compulsive Gamblers, and included former Gambler Greg Cartwright, as well as future Goner RecordsGoner Records
Goner Records is an independent record label and record store co-owned by Eric Friedl of The Oblivians and Zac Ives and is based in Memphis, Tennessee. It is known for releasing albums by punk and garage rock bands such as the King Khan & BBQ Show and the late Jay Reatard...
founder, Eric Friedl. The members of the Oblivians all shared writing and recording responsibilities. Each member supplied vocals, guitar work, and percussion on albums, and switched between instruments during live shows. The Oblivians lasted from 1993 until 1998, at which time Yarber and Cartwright left the band to reform the Compulsive Gamblers. The second incarnation of the Gamblers lasted from 1998 to 2003, when the bandmembers again went their separate ways.
The Tennessee Tearjerkers
After pursuing a brief solo career, Yarber teamed up with Scott BomarScott Bomar
Scott Bomar is a Memphis-based musician, Emmy Award winning film composer, Grammy nominated music producer, and recording engineer.-Early years:...
to form the Tearjearkers. As Bomar became more and more involved with film scoring, Yarber began to take a more active role in the band, ultimately taking over as lead songwriter after Bomar's departure. With Yarber in control of the group, the band was rechristened the Tennessee Tearjerkers.http://scenestars.net/interviews/yarber.htm At the same time as Yarber was writing songs with the Tearjerkers, he was also contributing in various ways to a number of side projects including, the Knaughty Knights, the Limes, and South Filthy which included collaborations with longtime associates Walter Daniels
Walter Daniels
Walter Daniels is an American musician and harmonica player noted for introducing the instrument into a number of styles of music not usually associated with the harmonica, including punk rock, and avant-garde free improvisation.-History:...
, and Monsieur Jeffrey Evans
Monsieur Jeffrey Evans
Jeffrey Evans is singer and songwriter best known for his Memphis, TN based band 68 Comeback and The Gibsons Bros., South Filthy and his current solo career....
. In 2007 Yarber released another solo LP, "The Flip Side Kid." The CD version was released by Sympathy For the Record Industry and Yarber self-released the vinyl under his own label, "Dirt Cheap Date."
The Oblivians reunion
In 2008, The Oblivians and The GoriesThe Gories
The Gories are an American garage rock trio that formed in Detroit in 1986. They were among the first 1980s garage punk bands to incorporate overt blues influences...
announced a dual reunion tour, which happened in the summer of 2009, mostly in Europe, but also a couple shows in Memphis and Detroit.http://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/apr/03/stepping-back-into-the-light/?printer=1/. In 2010, more Oblivians dates have been booked in the United States. No 2011 dates are confirmed at this time.
With The End
'Singles'- You Never Called/People Talk 7" (Erwin Records, 1985, E-2410/E-2411)
With Johnny Vomit & The Dry Heaves
'Singles'- Johnny Vomit & The Dry Heaves 7" (Goner Records, 1993, 6Gone)
- Thanks For The Ride! 7" (Goner Records, 2005, 18gone)
- Running In A Rat Race 7" (Solid Sex Lovie Doll Records, 2006, SSLD 008)
With the Compulsive Gamblers
'Singles'- Joker 7" (Boiler Room, 1992, cat.no.?)
- Church Goin' 7" (Lemon Peel Records, 1992, LP001 - LP002)
- Goodtime Gamblers 7" (Boiler Room, 1995, BR 002)
'Albums'
- Gambling Days are OverGambling Days are OverGambling Days are Over is the debut album by the Compulsive Gamblers. It was released in 1995 by Sympathy for the Record Industry. The album, with the exception of the last three songs, was recorded on an 8-track recorder in vocalist Jack Oblivian's apartment...
CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1995, SFTRI 372) - Bluff CityBluff City (album)Bluff City is the second LP recorded by the Compulsive Gamblers. It was released on April 27, 1999 by the independent music label, Sympathy for the Record Industry. The album was recorded after the band returned from a four year hiatus in which members Greg Cartwright and Jack Yarber were recording...
LP/CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1999, SFTRI 570) - Crystal Gazing Luck AmazingCrystal Gazing Luck AmazingCrystal Gazing Luck Amazing is the third LP recorded by the band, The Compulsive Gamblers. The album was released June 20, 2000 by Sympathy for the Record Industry. The album's lineup consisted of Gamblers mainstays Greg Cartwright and Jack Yarber on guitar and vocals...
LP/CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 2000, SFTRI 572) - Live & Deadly: Memphis-ChicagoLive & Deadly: Memphis-ChicagoLive & Deadly: Memphis-Chicago is a live album recorded by the Compulsive Gamblers. It is the fourth and final album issued by the band, released on April 15, 2003 by the independent record label Sympathy for the Record Industry. The album contains 16 tracks recorded during two May 2002...
2xLP/CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 2003, SFTRI 698)
With the Oblivians
'Singles'- Call The Shots 7" (Goner Records, 1993, 2Gone)
- Sunday You Need Love 7" (Crypt, 1994, CR-044)
- Now For The Hard Of Hearing From ... "Blow Their Cool" 7" (Estrus, 1994, ES 756)
- Static Party 7" (In The Red, 1994, ITR 018)
- Go!Pill-Popper! 7" (Drug Racer, 1996, 001)
- Strong Come On 7" (Crypt, 1996, CR-053)
- Kick Your Ass 7" (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1996, SFTRI 412)
'Splits'
- Split CS with Impala (Goner Records/Power Of Bob, 1993, 0Gone/POB 103)
- Split 7" with Two Bo's Maniacs (Hate Records, 1997, hate 7)
- Split 7" with the Crime Kaisers (Active Detective, 1998, active detective record #1)
'Albums'
- Oblivians 10" (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1994, SFTRI 304)
- Soul FoodSoul Food(album)Soul Food was the Oblivians' first garage punk album. It was recorded at Easley Studios in Memphis, Tennessee and released on May 23, 1995 by Crypt Records.-Track listing:#"Viet Nam War Blues" - 2:37#"And Then I Fucked Her" - 1:20...
LP/CD (Crypt, 1995, CR-055) - Live In Atlanta 8.19.94 LP (Negro Records, 1995, negro records 001)
- Six Of The Best 10" (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1996, SFTRI 383)
- The Sympathy SessionsSympathy SessionsSympathy Sessions is the first compilation album released by the Oblivians. It was released on April 5, 1996 by Sympathy for the Record Industry...
CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1996, SFTRI 406) - Walter Daniels Plays With Monsieur Jeffrey Evans & The Oblivians At Melissa's Garage 10" (Undone, 1995, UDR-0008-10)
- Popular FavoritesPopular FavoritesPopular Favorites is the second studio album by the Oblivians. It was released in 1996 on Crypt Records.-Track listing:# "Christina" - 1:59# "Trouble" - 1:57# "The Leather" - 3:10...
LP/CD (Crypt, 1996, CR-065) - ...Play 9 Songs with Mr Quintron LP/CD (Crypt, 1997, CR-082)
- 17 Cum Shots LP (Bootleg, 1997, cat.no.?)
- Best Of The Worst: 93-97Best of the Worst: 93-97Best Of The Worst: 93-97 is a two LP/CD compilation album by Memphis garage-rock band, the Oblivians. It was released on September 28, 1999 by Sympathy for the Record Industry. The album features career-spanning and previously unreleased Oblivians rarities, B-sides, and live cuts...
2xLP/CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1999, SFTRI 584) - On The Go LP (Goner Records, 2003, 12Gone)
- Barristers 95 [Live] (In the Red, 2009, ITR 182)
with Tav Falco's Panther Burns
'Albums'- FZ 6900 Panther Phobia LP/CD (In The Red, 2000, ITR 069)
with the Tearjerkers
'Singles'- Chills & Fever 7" (Brown Sound, 2005, BS 001)
- Original Mixed Up Kid 7" (Bancroft Records, 2006, BR-005)
'Albums'
- Bad Mood Rising LP/CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 2001, SFTRI 643)
- Don't Throw Your Love Away LP/CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 2005, SFTRI 735)
- Jack-O Is The Flip Side Kid LP/CD (Dirt Cheap Records/Sympathy For The Record Industry, 2006, BR-003/SFTRI 778)
- The Disco Outlaw LP/CD (Goner Records, 2009, 45 Gone)
with the Knaughty Knights
'Singles'- Connection 7" (Solid Sex Lovie Doll Records, 2002, SSLD 007)
- I Love It To Death 7" (Perpetrator Records, 2004, PERP 3)
- Death Has Come Over Me 7" (Goner Records, 2005, 20Gone)
- Tommy Of The River 7" (Shattered Records, 2006, SR-011)
'Splits'
- Split 7" with the Wildebeests (Norton Records, 2003, 9641)
with South Filthy
'Singles'- Soul Of A Man 7" (Wrecked Em Records, 2003, wrecked 004)
- Goin' Down The Valley / Carry That Load 7" (Beast Records, 2007, BR076)
'Albums'
- You Can Name It Yo' Mammy If You Wanna ... CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 2002, SFTRI 701)
- Crackin' Up + You Can Name It Yo' Mammy If You Wanna 2xLP/LP (Rockin' Bones, 2005, RON 062-1/RON062-2)
- Crackin' Up CD (Licorice Tree Records, 2006, YUM 1008)
- Undertakin' Daddy LP (Beast Records, 2009, LP-BR87)
with the Cool Jerks
'Singles'- Whole Wide World 7" (Misprint Records, 2003, msp 0110)
'Albums'
- Cleaned A Lot Of Plates In Memphis LP/CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 2002, SFTRI 689)
with the Limes
'Singles'- Goddamn You Honey 7" (Solid Sex Lovie Doll Records, 2004, SSLD 014)
- Rock'n'roll Heart 7" (Nasty Product, 2006, NP 10)
'Albums'
- Tarantula! CD (Death Valley Records, 2005, DV-010)
As Jack Oblivian
'Singles'- Black Boots 7" (Shattered Records, 2006, SR-013)
- Women's Milk 7", as Jack Oblivian & The Cigarillos, (Ghost Highway Recordings, 2007)
- Sweet Thang 7" (The Wind Records, 2008, TWR001)
'Albums'
- American Slang 12"EP/CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1997, SFTRI 475)
- So Low LP/CD (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1998, SFTRI 535)
As Jack Oblivian & The Cigarillos
'Singles'- 15 Beers / Drinking Women's Milk 7" (Ghost Highway Recordings, 2007)
- Mad Dog 20/20 (CD Compilation Freakland-iPunkrock, 2003)
'Appears On'
- Various Artists - Sunday Nights: The Songs of Junior KimbroughSunday Nights: The Songs of Junior KimbroughSunday Nights: The Songs of Junior Kimbrough is a tribute album for the juke joint blues legend Junior Kimbrough released in January 2005. Junior Kimbrough died in 1998 following a stroke.-Track listing:...
(2005, Fat Possum RecordsFat Possum RecordsFat Possum Records is an American independent record label based in Oxford, Mississippi. At first Fat Possum focused almost entirely on recording hitherto unknown Mississippi blues artists . Recently, Fat Possum has signed younger rock acts to its roster...
) - "I'm In Love With You" (Junior KimbroughJunior KimbroughDavid "Junior" Kimbrough was an American blues musician. His best known work included "Keep Your Hands Off Her" and "All Night Long". Music journalist Tony Russell stated "his raw, repetitive style suggests an archaic forebear of John Lee Hooker, a character his music shares with that of fellow...
)