Scary Chicken
Encyclopedia
Scary Chicken, a Buffalo Band Active from 1989-2002. Formed at the University at Buffalo
. The band recorded and released 4 CDs and 2 cassettes, and has had songs placed in multiple Motion Picture Soundtracks and National TV shows, most recently on Spike TV's "Top Dead Center" program.
The band members are: Tim Bryant (guitar
, Vocals
), Tom Greier (guitar
, Vocals
), Paul Zacks (bass
), Dan "Scary" Braun (drums
). Zacks had previously been a member of the Rochester-based band The Elephant Balls Experience.
Formed in 1989, Scary Chicken passed through the Buffalo college circuit and its growing club scene, to become one of the area’s most popular alternative bands. Scary Chicken played extensively in the eastern U.S. throughout the 90's, primarily between NYC, Chicago, Toronto and Tennessee.
Scary Chicken released a series of self produced and released CDs, including Something Anymore and Flanny EP, before being discovered in 1994 at New York City’s Lion’s Den club by Cevin Soling of Xemu Records.,
The band was the first to tour Hard Rock Cafe
clubs from Boston to Miami, and has shared the stage with Weezer
, Sloan
, Beck
, Ben Folds 5, Goo Goo Dolls
, moe.
, Blue Rodeo
and members of Moonboot Lover now playing as Soulive
. The band was invited to play several large outdoor "EdgeFest" concerts, and was selected for Buffalo's Thursday at the Square
concert series.
The Hoya, Washington D.C. 9/27/96
"... Listening to "Is That Your Beer?" probably makes one wonder whether Scary Chicken's sound is amicable listening material for a night out dining with your loved ones. Many of the album's tracks contain hard guitar progressions that would probably sens plates flying off tables.
For the Washington, D.C. show, however, they used an acoustic set that made the tracks come off much lighter.
"The band opened the set with "If I Showered," which they released last month and should soon see time on major radio stations.
The next song was "Can't Stop It," one of the songs that was written by Greier. This song, like most of those written by Greier on the album, is softer—more "chick rockish" according to Greier. The other songs on the album were written by Bryant who Greier says writes "witty and insane" pieces.
"Some of Bryant's hightlights include "Favorite Channel," a powerful, simultaneously poignant love song that was inspired by a remote control button, and "Road to Hell," which he wrote because of his father's favorite expression: "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."
"This tour shows that Scary Chicken will be playing for larger audiences in the very near future."
Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY 6/27/96
"Prank calls and beer guzzling: It's all part of playing Chicken."
Artvoice Buffalo, NY 12/4/95
"For anyone who has seen Scary Chicken, you know that these guys are well humoured and quick-witted fellas that take what they can get, and laugh about it.
"The knack for songwriting that exists among Tim Bryant, Tom Greier, Paul Zacks, and Dan "Scary" Braun reaches mammoth proportions. This band has accomplished so much through its determination, hard work, and consistent practicing schedule, yet they aren’t getting the attention that the Goo Goo Dolls or Ani DiFranco have received.
"With two singers, Scary Chicken lays down sweet harmonies and rocking melodies over sometimes heavy guitar licks and interesting chord progressions. With songs like "Furburger", "Nuke The Whales", and "Tip Your Bartender" also included in Scary Chicken’s repertoire, the fun, cynicism, and wit sometimes catches you off guard. This is what makes the band great though: great music combined with fun, zanyness (Tim Bryant has been known to ask the audience if he can spit down someone’s throat for fifty cents!), mystery (Paul had his car - or should I say, "grocery-getter" - stolen right before Scary Chicken was to hit the stage at Broadway Joe’s a while back!), and atmosphere.
"As Scary Chicken is symbolic of the Buffalo Music scene, I have hopes and confidence that the chickens are on to bigger and better things. Many of their fans are die-hards and new people are always impressed.
The Buffalo News 6/16/95
Local Record Pick
"Is That Your Beer?" by Scary Chicken Buffalo band on Xemu Records, an independent label out of New York…The Chicken cooks with the jangling guitar rock on the opening cut, "If I Showered". The beat picks up on the hard driving "Cementhead". Scary Chicken adds a touch of country pop to "Can’t Stop It" and displays a tough edge on "Found". The group pounds away with power on "Locked Up". This album proves the band is ready for the big time with a national release."
Night-Life Magazine 6/5/95
"Scary Chicken, and 11-song CD called "Is That Your Beer?" with live introductions, occasional crow noise, an intermission and a secret 33rd track.
"The spoken intros give the impression that this might have been recorded live in concert, an impression reinforced by the rawness of the sound. A check of the liner notes, however, reveals that all this seemingly messy spontaneity was actually laid down in a studio. Well, make that three studios.
"Scary Chicken has a marvelous sense of what makes a pop tune click. Everything they write seems to have a melody and a clever chorus."
Scary Chicken is the backing band on all tracks on this record, including the acoustic version of Quiet Riot's Metal Health
which Kevin Dubrow
sings on.
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, also commonly known as the University at Buffalo or UB, is a public research university and a "University Center" in the State University of New York system. The university was founded by Millard Fillmore in 1846. UB has multiple campuses...
. The band recorded and released 4 CDs and 2 cassettes, and has had songs placed in multiple Motion Picture Soundtracks and National TV shows, most recently on Spike TV's "Top Dead Center" program.
The band members are: Tim Bryant (guitar
Guitar
The 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...
, Vocals
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
), Tom Greier (guitar
Guitar
The 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...
, Vocals
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
), Paul Zacks (bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
), Dan "Scary" Braun (drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
). Zacks had previously been a member of the Rochester-based band The Elephant Balls Experience.
Formed in 1989, Scary Chicken passed through the Buffalo college circuit and its growing club scene, to become one of the area’s most popular alternative bands. Scary Chicken played extensively in the eastern U.S. throughout the 90's, primarily between NYC, Chicago, Toronto and Tennessee.
Scary Chicken released a series of self produced and released CDs, including Something Anymore and Flanny EP, before being discovered in 1994 at New York City’s Lion’s Den club by Cevin Soling of Xemu Records.,
The band was the first to tour Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is a chain of theme restaurants founded in 1971 by Americans Peter Morton & Isaac Tigrett. In 1979, the cafe began covering its walls with rock and roll memorabilia, a tradition which expanded to others in the chain. In 2006, Hard Rock was sold to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and...
clubs from Boston to Miami, and has shared the stage with Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
, Sloan
Sloan (band)
Sloan is a Toronto-based alternative rock quartet from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Throughout their 20-year tenure Sloan has released 10 LPs , two EPs, a live album, a "best of" collection and no less than thirty singles...
, Beck
Beck
Beck Hansen is an American musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known by the stage name Beck...
, Ben Folds 5, Goo Goo Dolls
Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls are a Grammy-nominated American rock band formed in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, by vocalist and guitarist John Rzeznik and vocalist and bass guitarist Robby Takac. Since the end of 1994, Mike Malinin has been the band's drummer, a position previously held by George Tutuska...
, moe.
Moe.
moe. is an American jam band, formed at the University at Buffalo in 1989. The band members are: Rob Derhak , Al Schnier , Chuck Garvey , Vinnie Amico , and Jim Loughlin ....
, Blue Rodeo
Blue Rodeo
Blue Rodeo is a Canadian pop and country rock band, which was formed in 1984 in Toronto, Ontario. They have been signed with Warner Music Group since their debut album Outskirts in March 1987...
and members of Moonboot Lover now playing as Soulive
Soulive
Soulive is a funk/jazz trio that originated in Woodstock, New York, and is known for its solos and catchy, upbeat songs. The band consists of Eric Krasno , Alan Evans , Neal Evans...
. The band was invited to play several large outdoor "EdgeFest" concerts, and was selected for Buffalo's Thursday at the Square
Thursday at the Square
Thursday at the Square is a free weekly concert series held annually from May through August in Buffalo, New York in Downtown Buffalo in Lafayette Square.-History:...
concert series.
Press Excerpts
From the Band's press kit:The Hoya, Washington D.C. 9/27/96
"... Listening to "Is That Your Beer?" probably makes one wonder whether Scary Chicken's sound is amicable listening material for a night out dining with your loved ones. Many of the album's tracks contain hard guitar progressions that would probably sens plates flying off tables.
For the Washington, D.C. show, however, they used an acoustic set that made the tracks come off much lighter.
"The band opened the set with "If I Showered," which they released last month and should soon see time on major radio stations.
The next song was "Can't Stop It," one of the songs that was written by Greier. This song, like most of those written by Greier on the album, is softer—more "chick rockish" according to Greier. The other songs on the album were written by Bryant who Greier says writes "witty and insane" pieces.
"Some of Bryant's hightlights include "Favorite Channel," a powerful, simultaneously poignant love song that was inspired by a remote control button, and "Road to Hell," which he wrote because of his father's favorite expression: "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."
"This tour shows that Scary Chicken will be playing for larger audiences in the very near future."
Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY 6/27/96
"Prank calls and beer guzzling: It's all part of playing Chicken."
Artvoice Buffalo, NY 12/4/95
"For anyone who has seen Scary Chicken, you know that these guys are well humoured and quick-witted fellas that take what they can get, and laugh about it.
"The knack for songwriting that exists among Tim Bryant, Tom Greier, Paul Zacks, and Dan "Scary" Braun reaches mammoth proportions. This band has accomplished so much through its determination, hard work, and consistent practicing schedule, yet they aren’t getting the attention that the Goo Goo Dolls or Ani DiFranco have received.
"With two singers, Scary Chicken lays down sweet harmonies and rocking melodies over sometimes heavy guitar licks and interesting chord progressions. With songs like "Furburger", "Nuke The Whales", and "Tip Your Bartender" also included in Scary Chicken’s repertoire, the fun, cynicism, and wit sometimes catches you off guard. This is what makes the band great though: great music combined with fun, zanyness (Tim Bryant has been known to ask the audience if he can spit down someone’s throat for fifty cents!), mystery (Paul had his car - or should I say, "grocery-getter" - stolen right before Scary Chicken was to hit the stage at Broadway Joe’s a while back!), and atmosphere.
"As Scary Chicken is symbolic of the Buffalo Music scene, I have hopes and confidence that the chickens are on to bigger and better things. Many of their fans are die-hards and new people are always impressed.
The Buffalo News 6/16/95
Local Record Pick
"Is That Your Beer?" by Scary Chicken Buffalo band on Xemu Records, an independent label out of New York…The Chicken cooks with the jangling guitar rock on the opening cut, "If I Showered". The beat picks up on the hard driving "Cementhead". Scary Chicken adds a touch of country pop to "Can’t Stop It" and displays a tough edge on "Found". The group pounds away with power on "Locked Up". This album proves the band is ready for the big time with a national release."
Night-Life Magazine 6/5/95
"Scary Chicken, and 11-song CD called "Is That Your Beer?" with live introductions, occasional crow noise, an intermission and a secret 33rd track.
"The spoken intros give the impression that this might have been recorded live in concert, an impression reinforced by the rawness of the sound. A check of the liner notes, however, reveals that all this seemingly messy spontaneity was actually laid down in a studio. Well, make that three studios.
"Scary Chicken has a marvelous sense of what makes a pop tune click. Everything they write seems to have a melody and a clever chorus."
Official Albums
- 2003: Holly Ann - Rocktwig Recordings (self released)
- 1998: Top Dead Center - Xemu Records
- 1995: Is That Your Beer? - Xemu Records
- 1992: Something Anymore - Rocktwig Recordings (self released)
Compilations and others
- 1998: The Side Effects of Napalm - Xemu Records
Scary Chicken is the backing band on all tracks on this record, including the acoustic version of Quiet Riot's Metal Health
Metal Health
Metal Health is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Quiet Riot. It was released on March 11, 1983, bolstered by the #5 hit "Cum on Feel the Noize" and the #31 hit "Metal Health". It knocked The Police's Synchronicity out of #1 in the US. The album went on to sell over six million...
which Kevin Dubrow
Kevin DuBrow
Kevin Mark DuBrow was an American rock singer best known as the lead vocalist of the Heavy Metal band Quiet Riot from 1975 until his death in 2007...
sings on.
- 1996 The Shredd-n-Ragan TV Theme CD - Shredd and RaganShredd and RaganTed Shredd and Tom Ragan are hosts of The Shredd and Ragan Show a talk radio show on WEDG. The show also features James, Josh Potter, and producer Jim Jacka...
- 1995 Freak Talks About Sex original soundtrack Dizzy Records/Owasco Entertainment
- 1994: Crimson Lights Sound Track - Xemu Records
Self-releases
- 1993: Flanny EP an independent cassette release.
- 1991: And Then Some... an independent cassette release.
- xxxx: Barfskidnougat an independent cassette release.
Songs in Films and TV
- 2007 - Song: Buffalo by Neanderthal SpongecakeNeanderthal SpongecakeThe Neanderthal Spongecake was a rock band created by musician, writer, and filmmaker Cevin Soling. Soling sang lead vocals and played the acoustic guitar; other band members were Bill Brandau, Andy Thunder , Dan Kornfeld, and Craig Boyce, who was later replaced by Mark Tomase.-The Side Effects of...
Show: Confessions of a MatchMakerConfessions of a MatchmakerConfessions of a Matchmaker is an American reality television series broadcast by the A&E Network.The show premiered on June 16, 2007 and ran its first thirteen episodes throughout the summer of 2007... - 2004 - Song: Top Dead Center Speedvision Channel - Show: Top Dead Center
- 1999 - Song: Favorite Channel Movie: Freak Talks About SexFreak Talks About SexFreak Talks About Sex, released for home video as Blowin' Smoke , is a 1999 film starring Steve Zahn and Josh Hamilton. The movie was shot in Auburn and Syracuse, New York...
- directed by Paul Todisco - 1995 - Song: Road to Hell Movie: Far EastFar EastThe Far East is an English term mostly describing East Asia and Southeast Asia, with South Asia sometimes also included for economic and cultural reasons.The term came into use in European geopolitical discourse in the 19th century,...
- directed by Russ Jasquith - 1994 - Song: Wintertime Movie: Crimson Lights - directed by John Brenkus
Videos
- 1996: If I Showered- Xemu Records
- 1996: Band Profile- Aired on TV on Buffalo's "Nickle City Scene" show
External links
- Xemu Records
- Cevin Soling
- Crimson Lights
- RJ Films - Far East
- Scary Chicken at CD Baby
- The 7-10 Splits at CD Baby
Articles
- Artvoice Street Festival Review by Bill Silvestri of Artvoice, 2006