Masters of Reality
Encyclopedia
Masters of Reality is a hard rock
group formed in 1981 by guitarist and singer Chris Goss
and Tim Harrington in Syracuse, New York
. The band is sometimes associated with the "Palm Desert Scene
", which includes bands like Kyuss
, Queens of the Stone Age
and many other stoner rock
or (as they prefer to call it) "desert rock
" bands. The band is named after the album Master of Reality
by Black Sabbath
.
The band's music has touched on many styles, ranging from hard rock
to blues
, from progressive rock
to Beatlesque pop music
.
Frontman Goss is also a notable producer
(Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age
, UNKLE
, Soulwax
, Melissa Auf der Maur
, The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster
) and has contributed to many other bands in the Palm Desert Scene and beyond.
In 1992, Goss and Googe resurfaced as Masters Of Reality with Sunrise on the Sufferbus
. Joined by drummer Ginger Baker
(formerly of Cream
), the album spawned a Top 10 chart hit with the single "She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On)." Baker left the band after about a year and was replaced by Victor Indrizzo (of Circus of Power
and Samiam
).
Masters Of Reality also recorded the song "Climb Inside My World" for a Ren & Stimpy episode entitled "Jerry the Bellybutton Elf." The song was written by Steve Mellor who also wrote the episode in which it appeared.
Masters of Reality were rarely active for several years afterwards due to Goss being occupied with production duties for other bands. However, the band did appear at Johnny Depp
's Viper Room
night club in 1997 for a two-night stand, and a resultant live album, How High the Moon
featured Stone Temple Pilots
vocalist Scott Weiland on "Jindalee Jindalie."
In 1999 the band released Welcome to the Western Lodge
. Goss' connection to Queens of the Stone Age
resulted in the collaborative CD Deep in the Hole
in 2001, and two years later, in the release of the subsequent live album Flak 'n' Flight
.
The band released its fifth album, Give Us Barabbas
, in 2004, which was more of a collection of lost tracks - opening with the 'Ballad of Jody Frosty'. On August the 24th 2009, the band released Pine/Cross Dover
http://www.mascotrecords.com/index.php?cid=3&pid=263.
A little known fact, the band also appears briefly in the Steven Seagal film "Marked for Death".
Last live lineup (during the late 2010 US/UK Pine/Cross Dover tour):
Previous lineups included:
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
group formed in 1981 by guitarist and singer Chris Goss
Chris Goss (U.S.)
Christopher Ryan Goss, born August 17, 1958, is an American record producer and musician.-Selected discography:Throughout his career Goss has worked with a wide range of musicians in various genres.* 1988 - Masters of Reality by Masters of Reality...
and Tim Harrington in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. The band is sometimes associated with the "Palm Desert Scene
Palm Desert Scene
The Palm Desert Scene is a group of closely related bands and musicians from Palm Desert in Southern California. Their hard rock sound – which is often described as desert rock – contains elements of psychedelia, blues, Heavy metal and other genres, such as hardcore, as well as...
", which includes bands like Kyuss
Kyuss
Kyuss is a rock band, originally from Palm Desert, California. After forming in the late 1980s and releasing an EP under the name Sons of Kyuss in 1990, the band shortened its name to Kyuss. Over the next five years the band released four full-length albums, and one last split EP in 1997 with...
, Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
and many other stoner rock
Stoner rock
Stoner rock or stoner metal is a subgenre of heavy metal, combining elements of psychedelic rock, blues rock, traditional heavy metal and doom metal. Stoner rock is typically slow-to-mid tempo and features a bass-heavy sound, melodic vocals, and 'retro' production...
or (as they prefer to call it) "desert rock
Palm Desert Scene
The Palm Desert Scene is a group of closely related bands and musicians from Palm Desert in Southern California. Their hard rock sound – which is often described as desert rock – contains elements of psychedelia, blues, Heavy metal and other genres, such as hardcore, as well as...
" bands. The band is named after the album Master of Reality
Master of Reality
Master of Reality is the third album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in July 1971. It is sometimes noted as the first stoner rock album...
by Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
.
The band's music has touched on many styles, ranging from hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
to blues
Blues
Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
, from progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
to Beatlesque pop music
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
.
Frontman Goss is also a notable producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
(Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
, UNKLE
UNKLE
Unkle are a British musical outfit founded in 1994 by school friends James Lavelle and Tim Goldsworthy. Originally categorized as trip-hop, the group once included producer DJ Shadow and have employed a variety of guest artists and producers.-First incarnation :Lavelle and Goldsworthy were joined...
, Soulwax
Soulwax
Soulwax, headed by David and Stephen Dewaele, are an alternative rock/electronic band from Ghent, Belgium. Next to the Dewaele brothers, Soulwax consists of bassist Stefaan Van Leuven and drummer Steve Slingeneyer. They were first noticed after the release of their album Much Against Everyone's...
, Melissa Auf der Maur
Melissa Auf der Maur
Melissa Auf der Maur is a Canadian rock musician from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Her career has included 5 years as bassist with the band Hole and she later toured with The Smashing Pumpkins for their 2000 tour. Her second solo album, Out of Our Minds, was released on March 30, 2010. She is also a...
, The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster
The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster
The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster were an English rock band from Brighton, England, formed in 1999. They have released three full-length albums, Hörse Of the Dög , The Royal Society and Blood And Fire...
) and has contributed to many other bands in the Palm Desert Scene and beyond.
History
After its first incarnation - which consisted of Chris Goss, Tim Harrington, Vinnie Ludovico and Googe - ended following the release of the self-titled debut album in 1988 there has been a revolving door policy in which Goss remains the only constant. According to metallian.com, the band was initially called The Manson Family.In 1992, Goss and Googe resurfaced as Masters Of Reality with Sunrise on the Sufferbus
Sunrise on the Sufferbus
Sunrise on the Sufferbus is the second studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1992.On the album, the band were joined by British drummer Ginger Baker.- Track listing :All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated...
. Joined by drummer Ginger Baker
Ginger Baker
Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker is an English drummer, best known for his work with Cream and Blind Faith. He is also known for his numerous associations with World music, mainly the use of African influences...
(formerly of Cream
Cream (band)
Cream were a 1960s British rock supergroup consisting of bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker...
), the album spawned a Top 10 chart hit with the single "She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On)." Baker left the band after about a year and was replaced by Victor Indrizzo (of Circus of Power
Circus of Power
-Overview:The band formed in 1986 in New York City. A no-frills band heavy on tattoos, biker-band lyrics and leather, the band consisted of vocalist Alex Mitchell, guitar players Ricky Mahler and Gary Sunshine, bassist Craymore Stevens, and drummer Ryan Maher. The group played in New York for...
and Samiam
Samiam
-Biography:Samiam was formed in late 1988 after the breakup of the Gilman club mainstay Isocracy. Their first show was in January 1989 with Christ on Parade. They released records through New Red Archives and Hopeless Records in the US and Burning Heart Records in Europe. In the mid-'90s, the band...
).
Masters Of Reality also recorded the song "Climb Inside My World" for a Ren & Stimpy episode entitled "Jerry the Bellybutton Elf." The song was written by Steve Mellor who also wrote the episode in which it appeared.
Masters of Reality were rarely active for several years afterwards due to Goss being occupied with production duties for other bands. However, the band did appear at Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp
John Christopher "Johnny" Depp II is an American actor, producer and musician. He has won the Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor. Depp rose to prominence on the 1980s television series 21 Jump Street, becoming a teen idol...
's Viper Room
Viper Room
The Viper Room is a nightclub located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California. It was opened in 1993 and was partly owned by actor Johnny Depp until 2004. The club became known for being a hangout of Hollywood elite, and was the site where actor River Phoenix died of a drug overdose on...
night club in 1997 for a two-night stand, and a resultant live album, How High the Moon
How High the Moon: Live at the Viper Room
How High the Moon: Live at the Viper Room is the first live album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1997.- Track listing :All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated#"How High the Moon"#"The Blue Garden"...
featured Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots is an American rock band from San Diego, California that consists of Scott Weiland , brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo , and Eric Kretz ....
vocalist Scott Weiland on "Jindalee Jindalie."
In 1999 the band released Welcome to the Western Lodge
Welcome to the Western Lodge
Welcome to the Western Lodge is the third studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1999.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"It's Shit" - 2:56#"Moriah" - 3:33#"The Great Spelunker" - 3:10...
. Goss' connection to Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
resulted in the collaborative CD Deep in the Hole
Deep in the Hole (album)
Deep in the Hole is the fourth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2001.This album contained many guest appearances including Dave Catching, Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan, Troy Van Leeuwen, Nick Lucero, Brendon McNichol, Nick Oliveri, and Roxy Saint.- Track listing...
in 2001, and two years later, in the release of the subsequent live album Flak 'n' Flight
Flak 'n' Flight
Flak 'n' Flight is the second live album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2003.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"Opening" - 1:19...
.
The band released its fifth album, Give Us Barabbas
Give Us Barabbas
Give Us Barabbas is the fifth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2004.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"The Ballad of Jody Frosty" - 7:30#"Voice and the Vision" - 3:38...
, in 2004, which was more of a collection of lost tracks - opening with the 'Ballad of Jody Frosty'. On August the 24th 2009, the band released Pine/Cross Dover
Pine Cross Dover
Pine/Cross Dover is the sixth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2009. The album consists of two halves; tracks 1-5 make up "Pine", and tracks 6-11 make up "Cross Dover".- Track listing :...
http://www.mascotrecords.com/index.php?cid=3&pid=263.
A little known fact, the band also appears briefly in the Steven Seagal film "Marked for Death".
Members
- "Masters Of Reality will always be a project with alternating lineups. First of all, because I can't afford paying people to tell they're in the band." (Chris Goss in 2002 interview metal-inside.de (German))
Last live lineup (during the late 2010 US/UK Pine/Cross Dover tour):
- Chris GossChris Goss (U.S.)Christopher Ryan Goss, born August 17, 1958, is an American record producer and musician.-Selected discography:Throughout his career Goss has worked with a wide range of musicians in various genres.* 1988 - Masters of Reality by Masters of Reality...
(vocals, guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, keyboardKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
) - John LeamyJohn LeamyJohn Leamy was a member of New York noise band Surgery from 1987–1995 and is the drummer for Masters of Reality since 1999. Leamy is a member, as a multi-instrumentalist, of the New York collective Brand New Skin as well as Dr...
(drums) - Mathias Schneeberger (keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
) - Abby TravisAbby TravisAbby Travis is an American musician, songwriter, and performer. She is the daughter of Alice Travis Germond, the current Secretary of the Democratic National Committee and Emmy award winning cameraman Larry Travis.Abby Travis began her performance career in 1986 as the bassist in Los Angeles band...
(bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
) - Dave Catching (guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
)
Previous lineups included:
- GOOGEGoogeGooge may refer to:* Barnabe Googe, poet* Debbie Googe, bassist* Googe, bassist...
bass, keyboards and cannoli - John LeamyJohn LeamyJohn Leamy was a member of New York noise band Surgery from 1987–1995 and is the drummer for Masters of Reality since 1999. Leamy is a member, as a multi-instrumentalist, of the New York collective Brand New Skin as well as Dr...
(appears on Welcome to the Western LodgeWelcome to the Western LodgeWelcome to the Western Lodge is the third studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1999.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"It's Shit" - 2:56#"Moriah" - 3:33#"The Great Spelunker" - 3:10...
, Deep in the HoleDeep in the Hole (album)Deep in the Hole is the fourth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2001.This album contained many guest appearances including Dave Catching, Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan, Troy Van Leeuwen, Nick Lucero, Brendon McNichol, Nick Oliveri, and Roxy Saint.- Track listing...
, Flak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' Flight is the second live album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2003.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"Opening" - 1:19...
, Pine/Cross DoverPine Cross DoverPine/Cross Dover is the sixth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2009. The album consists of two halves; tracks 1-5 make up "Pine", and tracks 6-11 make up "Cross Dover".- Track listing :...
) - Josh HommeJoshua HommeJoshua Michael Homme is an American rock musician, and record producer. He was the guitarist and a founding member of the stoner metal band Kyuss, as well as the founding and only continuous member of the hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age , in which he sings, plays guitar, and serves as the...
(appears on Deep in the HoleDeep in the Hole (album)Deep in the Hole is the fourth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2001.This album contained many guest appearances including Dave Catching, Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan, Troy Van Leeuwen, Nick Lucero, Brendon McNichol, Nick Oliveri, and Roxy Saint.- Track listing...
, Flak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' Flight is the second live album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2003.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"Opening" - 1:19...
) - Nick OliveriNick OliveriNick Steven Oliveri is an American musician from Palm Desert, California. He plays bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and is a vocalist...
(appears on Deep in the HoleDeep in the Hole (album)Deep in the Hole is the fourth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2001.This album contained many guest appearances including Dave Catching, Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan, Troy Van Leeuwen, Nick Lucero, Brendon McNichol, Nick Oliveri, and Roxy Saint.- Track listing...
, Flak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' Flight is the second live album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2003.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"Opening" - 1:19...
) - Mark LaneganMark LaneganMark Lanegan is an American rock musician and songwriter. Lanegan began his music career in the 1980s, forming the grunge group Screaming Trees with Gary Lee Conner, Van Conner and Mark Pickerel. During his time in the band Lanegan would start a low-key solo career...
(appears on Deep in the HoleDeep in the Hole (album)Deep in the Hole is the fourth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2001.This album contained many guest appearances including Dave Catching, Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan, Troy Van Leeuwen, Nick Lucero, Brendon McNichol, Nick Oliveri, and Roxy Saint.- Track listing...
, Flak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' Flight is the second live album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2003.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"Opening" - 1:19...
) - Ginger BakerGinger BakerPeter Edward "Ginger" Baker is an English drummer, best known for his work with Cream and Blind Faith. He is also known for his numerous associations with World music, mainly the use of African influences...
(appears on Sunrise on the SufferbusSunrise on the SufferbusSunrise on the Sufferbus is the second studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1992.On the album, the band were joined by British drummer Ginger Baker.- Track listing :All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated...
) - Vinnie Ludovico (first lineup)
- Tim Harrington (first lineup)
- Brendon McNicholBrendon McNicholBrendon McNichol , is a lap-steel/guitar player, who has played with bands including Queens of the Stone Age, Masters of Reality and Rattlebone. He is now working as a contractor.-Bands:...
- Liam O'MalleyLiam O'MalleyLiam O'Malley is a gaelic football player who has represented Mayo at minor, under-21 and senior levels. His position of choice is as a Defender. He plays club football with Burrishoole GAA, a club which draws its players from the town and hinterlands of Newport, Co. Mayo.-External links:...
(Bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
) - Paul PowellPaul PowellReverend Paul W. Powell is the retired Dean of Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary. He earned a B.A. from Baylor in 1956 and holds a degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary...
Studio albums
- 1988 - Masters of RealityMasters of Reality (album)Masters of Reality is the debut album by the band of the same name, Masters of Reality, originally released in January 1989 on Def American. Due to the artwork on the cover, the original release is sometimes referred to as 'The Blue Garden'....
- 1992 - Sunrise on the SufferbusSunrise on the SufferbusSunrise on the Sufferbus is the second studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1992.On the album, the band were joined by British drummer Ginger Baker.- Track listing :All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated...
- 1999 - Welcome to the Western LodgeWelcome to the Western LodgeWelcome to the Western Lodge is the third studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1999.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"It's Shit" - 2:56#"Moriah" - 3:33#"The Great Spelunker" - 3:10...
- 2001 - Deep in the HoleDeep in the Hole (album)Deep in the Hole is the fourth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2001.This album contained many guest appearances including Dave Catching, Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan, Troy Van Leeuwen, Nick Lucero, Brendon McNichol, Nick Oliveri, and Roxy Saint.- Track listing...
- 2004 - Give Us BarabbasGive Us BarabbasGive Us Barabbas is the fifth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2004.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"The Ballad of Jody Frosty" - 7:30#"Voice and the Vision" - 3:38...
- 2009 - Pine/Cross DoverPine Cross DoverPine/Cross Dover is the sixth studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2009. The album consists of two halves; tracks 1-5 make up "Pine", and tracks 6-11 make up "Cross Dover".- Track listing :...
Live albums
- 1997 - How High the Moon: Live at the Viper RoomHow High the Moon: Live at the Viper RoomHow High the Moon: Live at the Viper Room is the first live album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1997.- Track listing :All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated#"How High the Moon"#"The Blue Garden"...
- 2003 - Flak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' FlightFlak 'n' Flight is the second live album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 2003.- Track listing :*All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated.#"Opening" - 1:19...
Charted single
| Song | Rock Mainstream Rock Tracks Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks is a ranking in Billboard magazine of the most-played songs on mainstream rock radio stations, a category that includes stations that play primarily rock music. Modern rock tracks are counted in the Alternative Songs chart.This chart began with the March 21, 1981, issue... |
Hot 100 | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On)" | 8 | — | Sunrise on the Sufferbus Sunrise on the Sufferbus Sunrise on the Sufferbus is the second studio album of the American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1992.On the album, the band were joined by British drummer Ginger Baker.- Track listing :All songs by Chris Goss, unless otherwise stated... |