Throwing Muses
Encyclopedia
Throwing Muses is an alternative rock
band
formed in 1981 in Newport, Rhode Island
, that toured and recorded extensively until 1997, when its members began concentrating more on other projects. The group was originally fronted by two lead singers, Kristin Hersh
and Tanya Donelly
, who both wrote the group's songs. Throwing Muses are known for performing music with shifting tempos, creative chord progressions, unorthodox song structures, and surreal
lyrics. The group was set apart from other contemporary acts by Hersh's stark, candid writing style; Donelly's pop
stylings and vocal harmonies; and David Narcizo
's unusual drumming techniques eschewing use of cymbal
s. Hersh's hallucinatory, febrile songs occasionally touched on the subject of mental illness
, more often drawing portraits of characters from daily life or addressing relationships.
. The two served as guitarists, lead vocalists, and songwriters for the group; drummer David Narcizo joined shortly thereafter. Hersh originally named the group "The Muses". Since the band was no longer composed of only female musicians after Narcizo joined, they decided to shift to a name with fewer gender-specific connotations, "Throwing Muses". (More recent interviews with Kristin state that they were never called "The Muses" or "Kristin & The Muses.")
Early recordings were made in 1983 but not released. A self-titled EP
was released in 1984 on their Blowing Fuses label. The group self-released a set of demos in 1985, later known as The Doghouse Cassette, garnering a number-one college radio hit, "Sinkhole," that year. The demos came to the attention of Ivo Watts-Russell
, who signed them as the first U.S. band on the 4AD Records label and released their self-titled debut album
in 1986.
The group also co-released some of their later albums on Sire
/Reprise Records
and Rykodisc
. With cover stories about them published in most major British music publications of the 1980s, they became one of the first successful alternative rock acts to be led by two female singer/guitarists.
The band's personnel has changed over the years. Bassist Leslie Langston left after 1990, replaced by Fred Abong, but returned briefly to record tracks on Red Heaven in 1992. Donelly left Throwing Muses after 1991's The Real Ramona
, first to perform in The Breeders
and afterwards to form Belly
. Abong left in 1991, soon joining Belly, and was succeeded by Bernard Georges
in 1993. Since 1992, the group has been a trio composed of Hersh on guitar and vocals, Georges on bass, and Narcizo on drums. During the mid-1990s, Hersh also began a solo recording career, releasing the album Hips and Makers
, alongside her band work.
In 1995, the new lineup released University
, recorded in New Orleans; the album included "Bright Yellow Gun
," a single garnering airplay on commercial radio stations. The album's radio exposure led to long feature articles in Rolling Stone
and other major music magazines. Following the 1996 album Limbo, the band announced it was going on indefinite hiatus due to the high financial overhead of being a full-time recording and touring band.
Hersh continued her solo career during this period, releasing several well-received albums and EPs. Yet her enthusiasm for Throwing Muses remained high; the band recorded new versions of several early songs for inclusion in the double-CD In a Doghouse compilation comprising the self-titled debut album, the Chains Changed
EP, and the Doghouse Cassette. The band regrouped to perform special "Gut Pageant" events in 2000 and 2001, and released an album in 2003, entitled Throwing Muses. Donelly made her first appearances with the group in a decade at the 2000 Gut Pageant, also singing backing vocals on several tracks on the 2003 album. The group toured the U.S. and Europe briefly in 2003 to support the album, with appearances by Donelly on guitar and vocals in a couple of the tour's shows. In 2005 and 2006, the band played a number of shows across North America and Europe.
Hersh and Georges formed a new band, 50 Foot Wave
, with drummer Rob Ahlers in 2003, while Narcizo returned to his graphic design company and his occasional musical project Lakuna
. Donelly continues to record as a solo artist.
In 2009, the band reformed to tour Europe. They also performed the R.E.M number 'Perfect Circle' during a tribute night to the band at Carnegie Hall, New York on March 11, 2009.
In 2011 the band recorded a demo for their next album. The demo is available for download through CASH Music.
Other members
Chart singles
Song samples
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band
Musical ensemble
A musical ensemble is a group of people who perform instrumental or vocal music. In classical music, trios or quartets either blend the sounds of musical instrument families or group together instruments from the same instrument family, such as string ensembles or wind ensembles...
formed in 1981 in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
, that toured and recorded extensively until 1997, when its members began concentrating more on other projects. The group was originally fronted by two lead singers, Kristin Hersh
Kristin Hersh
Kristin Hersh is an American singer/songwriter who performs solo acoustic concerts; she also continues to perform as lead singer and guitarist for alternative rock group Throwing Muses and the hardcore punk-influenced power trio 50 Foot Wave...
and Tanya Donelly
Tanya Donelly
Tanya Donelly is an American Grammy-nominated singer songwriter and guitarist based in New England who co-founded Throwing Muses with her stepsister Kristin Hersh. She then went on to work in The Breeders and Belly in the 1990s...
, who both wrote the group's songs. Throwing Muses are known for performing music with shifting tempos, creative chord progressions, unorthodox song structures, and surreal
Surrealism
Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for the visual artworks and writings of the group members....
lyrics. The group was set apart from other contemporary acts by Hersh's stark, candid writing style; Donelly's pop
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...
stylings and vocal harmonies; and David Narcizo
David Narcizo
David Narcizo, born May 6, 1966, in Newport, Rhode Island, United States, is primarily known for his work as the longtime drummer for Throwing Muses....
's unusual drumming techniques eschewing use of cymbal
Cymbal
Cymbals are a common percussion instrument. Cymbals consist of thin, normally round plates of various alloys; see cymbal making for a discussion of their manufacture. The greater majority of cymbals are of indefinite pitch, although small disc-shaped cymbals based on ancient designs sound a...
s. Hersh's hallucinatory, febrile songs occasionally touched on the subject of mental illness
Mental illness
A mental disorder or mental illness is a psychological or behavioral pattern generally associated with subjective distress or disability that occurs in an individual, and which is not a part of normal development or culture. Such a disorder may consist of a combination of affective, behavioural,...
, more often drawing portraits of characters from daily life or addressing relationships.
Early group history
Hersh enlisted her stepsister, Donelly, to help form the group while they were attending Rogers High SchoolRogers High School (Newport, Rhode Island)
Rogers High School is the only public high school in Newport, Rhode Island.-History:The school was founded by educator William Sanford Rogers in 1873 and was named for him. The original Rogers High School building was on Church Street. The school moved to a building Broadway in 1905 and the old...
. The two served as guitarists, lead vocalists, and songwriters for the group; drummer David Narcizo joined shortly thereafter. Hersh originally named the group "The Muses". Since the band was no longer composed of only female musicians after Narcizo joined, they decided to shift to a name with fewer gender-specific connotations, "Throwing Muses". (More recent interviews with Kristin state that they were never called "The Muses" or "Kristin & The Muses.")
Early recordings were made in 1983 but not released. A self-titled EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
was released in 1984 on their Blowing Fuses label. The group self-released a set of demos in 1985, later known as The Doghouse Cassette, garnering a number-one college radio hit, "Sinkhole," that year. The demos came to the attention of Ivo Watts-Russell
Ivo Watts-Russell
Ivo Watts-Russell was joint-founder with Peter Kent of the English indie record label 4AD. He has also produced several records, himself preferring to use the term "musical director" to explain his role in the creation....
, who signed them as the first U.S. band on the 4AD Records label and released their self-titled debut album
Throwing Muses (1986 album)
Throwing Muses is the 1986 debut album of the band Throwing Muses, released on 4AD. This was the first album by an American band to be released on 4AD, which had concentrated primarily on British-based acts up to this point...
in 1986.
The group also co-released some of their later albums on Sire
Sire Records
Sire Records is an American record label, owned by Warner Music Group and distributed through Warner Bros. Records.-Beginnings:The label was founded in 1966 as Sire Productions by Seymour Stein and Richard Gottehrer, each investing ten thousand dollars into the new company. Its early releases as a...
/Reprise Records
Reprise Records
Reprise Records is an American record label, founded in 1960 by Frank Sinatra. It is owned by Warner Music Group, and operated through Warner Bros. Records.-Beginnings:...
and Rykodisc
Rykodisc
Rykodisc Records is an American record label. It is owned by Warner Music Group, operates as a unit of WMG's Independent Label Group and is distributed through Alternative Distribution Alliance.-Company history:...
. With cover stories about them published in most major British music publications of the 1980s, they became one of the first successful alternative rock acts to be led by two female singer/guitarists.
The band's personnel has changed over the years. Bassist Leslie Langston left after 1990, replaced by Fred Abong, but returned briefly to record tracks on Red Heaven in 1992. Donelly left Throwing Muses after 1991's The Real Ramona
The Real Ramona
The Real Ramona is an album by Throwing Muses. Released in 1991, it was the last album recorded by the band before the departure of founding member Tanya Donelly....
, first to perform in The Breeders
The Breeders
The Breeders are an American alternative rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses. The band has experienced a number of line-up changes; the current line-up consists of Kim Deal , her twin sister Kelley Deal , Jose Medeles , Mando Lopez Todd the Fox...
and afterwards to form Belly
Belly (band)
Belly was an alternative rock band formed in 1991 by former Throwing Muses members Tanya Donelly and Fred Abong. The band was based in Boston, Massachusetts, though all of the original members grew up in Newport, Rhode Island. The band consisted of Donelly on lead vocals and guitar, Abong on bass,...
. Abong left in 1991, soon joining Belly, and was succeeded by Bernard Georges
Bernard Georges
Bernard Georges is best known for his bass guitar work in Throwing Muses and 50 Foot Wave.Beginning in 1992, he played bass for Throwing Muses on their album releases and in their concert appearances, having previously worked as roadie for the group...
in 1993. Since 1992, the group has been a trio composed of Hersh on guitar and vocals, Georges on bass, and Narcizo on drums. During the mid-1990s, Hersh also began a solo recording career, releasing the album Hips and Makers
Hips and Makers
Hips and Makers is the debut solo album by Kristin Hersh, best known as the primary singer and songwriter of the band Throwing Muses. In contrast to Hersh's rock-oriented work with Throwing Muses, the album is primarily acoustic, with Hersh usually playing unaccompanied...
, alongside her band work.
Later work
University (album)
University is the 1995 album by the American alternative rock band Throwing Muses, released on Sire Records and Reprise Records in the USA, and on 4AD elsewhere. It features the single "Bright Yellow Gun", the band's first national hit...
, recorded in New Orleans; the album included "Bright Yellow Gun
Bright Yellow Gun
"Bright Yellow Gun" is a popular song by the Throwing Muses. It originally appeared on their 1995 album University, from which it was the only single....
," a single garnering airplay on commercial radio stations. The album's radio exposure led to long feature articles in Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
and other major music magazines. Following the 1996 album Limbo, the band announced it was going on indefinite hiatus due to the high financial overhead of being a full-time recording and touring band.
Hersh continued her solo career during this period, releasing several well-received albums and EPs. Yet her enthusiasm for Throwing Muses remained high; the band recorded new versions of several early songs for inclusion in the double-CD In a Doghouse compilation comprising the self-titled debut album, the Chains Changed
Chains Changed
Chains Changed is an EP recording by Throwing Muses, released in 1987 .-Track listing:All songs written by Kristin Hersh except where noted#"Finished" - 3:51#"Reel" - 2:47 #"Snail Head" - 2:38#"Cry Baby Cry" - 4:24...
EP, and the Doghouse Cassette. The band regrouped to perform special "Gut Pageant" events in 2000 and 2001, and released an album in 2003, entitled Throwing Muses. Donelly made her first appearances with the group in a decade at the 2000 Gut Pageant, also singing backing vocals on several tracks on the 2003 album. The group toured the U.S. and Europe briefly in 2003 to support the album, with appearances by Donelly on guitar and vocals in a couple of the tour's shows. In 2005 and 2006, the band played a number of shows across North America and Europe.
Hersh and Georges formed a new band, 50 Foot Wave
50 Foot Wave
50 Foot Wave is an American alternative rock band, formed in 2003. The band is fronted by Kristin Hersh, who writes the group's songs with collaborative efforts from the other group members in composing and arranging the music. The group's name is a reference to both an illustration and the term...
, with drummer Rob Ahlers in 2003, while Narcizo returned to his graphic design company and his occasional musical project Lakuna
Lakuna
Lakuna was an electronic instrumental project begun by drummer David Narcizo after Throwing Muses first split up following their 1996 Limbo album. Lakuna first released a 12-inch called So Happy and then a 1999 full-length album called Castle of Crime. Narcizo provided drums, drum programming, and...
. Donelly continues to record as a solo artist.
In 2009, the band reformed to tour Europe. They also performed the R.E.M number 'Perfect Circle' during a tribute night to the band at Carnegie Hall, New York on March 11, 2009.
In 2011 the band recorded a demo for their next album. The demo is available for download through CASH Music.
Personnel
Long-term core lineup- Bernard GeorgesBernard GeorgesBernard Georges is best known for his bass guitar work in Throwing Muses and 50 Foot Wave.Beginning in 1992, he played bass for Throwing Muses on their album releases and in their concert appearances, having previously worked as roadie for the group...
: bass (1992–onwards) - Kristin HershKristin HershKristin Hersh is an American singer/songwriter who performs solo acoustic concerts; she also continues to perform as lead singer and guitarist for alternative rock group Throwing Muses and the hardcore punk-influenced power trio 50 Foot Wave...
: vocals, guitar (1981–onwards) - David NarcizoDavid NarcizoDavid Narcizo, born May 6, 1966, in Newport, Rhode Island, United States, is primarily known for his work as the longtime drummer for Throwing Muses....
: drums (1983–onwards)
Other members
- Fred Abong: bass (1990–1991)
- Elaine Adamedes: bass, vocals (1981–1983)
- Becca Blumen: drums, vocals (1981–1983)
- Tanya DonellyTanya DonellyTanya Donelly is an American Grammy-nominated singer songwriter and guitarist based in New England who co-founded Throwing Muses with her stepsister Kristin Hersh. She then went on to work in The Breeders and Belly in the 1990s...
: vocals, guitar (1981–1991, guest in concerts and recording 2001 and 2003) - Leslie Langston: bass (1984–1990, recording briefly 1992)
Discography
Studio albums- Throwing MusesThrowing Muses (1986 album)Throwing Muses is the 1986 debut album of the band Throwing Muses, released on 4AD. This was the first album by an American band to be released on 4AD, which had concentrated primarily on British-based acts up to this point...
(1986) - House TornadoHouse TornadoHouse Tornado is a 1988 album by Throwing Muses. Produced by Gary Smith and Engineered by Paul Kolderie, it was recorded at Fort Apache Studios in Cambridge, MA. The album was released internationally on the 4AD label, except in the United States, where it was released by Sire Records...
(1988) - HunkpapaHunkpapa (album)Hunkpapa is a 1989 album by Throwing Muses. Produced by Gary Smith and engineered by Steve Haigler, it was recorded at Fort Apache Studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts and mixed at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut. Assistant engineers were Matt Lane and Phil Magnotti...
(1989) (number 59, UK Albums ChartUK Albums ChartThe UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
) - The Real RamonaThe Real RamonaThe Real Ramona is an album by Throwing Muses. Released in 1991, it was the last album recorded by the band before the departure of founding member Tanya Donelly....
(1991) (number 26, UK Albums Chart) - Red HeavenRed HeavenRed Heaven is a 1992 album by the American alternative rock band Throwing Muses, released on Sire/Warner Bros. Records. Recorded at The Power Station and Fort Apache Studios following the departure of Tanya Donnelly and Fred Abong, Red Heaven was recorded by Kristin Hersh and drummer David Narcizo...
(1992) (number 13, UK Albums Chart) - UniversityUniversity (album)University is the 1995 album by the American alternative rock band Throwing Muses, released on Sire Records and Reprise Records in the USA, and on 4AD elsewhere. It features the single "Bright Yellow Gun", the band's first national hit...
(1995) (number 10, UK Albums Chart) - LimboLimbo (album)Limbo is a 1996 album by the American alternative rock band Throwing Muses, released on Rykodisc. The album was recorded at the same New Orleans studio the band recorded University...
(1996) (number 36, UK Albums Chart) - Throwing MusesThrowing Muses (2003)Throwing Muses is the 2003 second self-titled record by the Throwing Muses. The album was recorded over three weekends and released simultaneously with Kristin Hersh's solo record The Grotto on 17 March 2003...
(2003) (number 75, UK Albums Chart)
Chart singles
| Year | Song | Chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Modern Rock | |||
| 1989 | "Dizzy" | 8 | Hunkpapa |
| 1991 | "Counting Backwards" | 11 | The Real Ramona |
| 1995 | "Bright Yellow Gun" | 20 | University |
External links
- "Artist Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved Dec. 13, 2005.
- Freydkin, Donna (August 19, 1999). "Kristin Hersh Checks Into her 'Sky Motel'." CNN Interactive. Retrieved Dec. 13, 2005.
- Haas, Marcel. "Throwing Muses Discography." Counting Backwards. Retrieved Jun. 3, 2005.
- Hampton, Mark. "Throwing Muses Section." Markwarehouse.com. Retrieved Dec. 2, 2004.
- Hersh, Kristin (September 2001). "Kristin Hersh Online Q&A Session Number Two: Questions Posted to the ThrowingMusic Message Board." Bradley's Almanac website archives. Retrieved Apr. 17, 2005.
- Kirkcaldie, Matthew (October 15, 1994). "Throwing Muses/Kristin Hersh Discography, Third Edition." Retrieved Dec. 2, 2004.
- Le, Vinh (1996–2005). "Tanya Donelly Timeline". Vinh Le's Belly/Tanya Donelly Pages. Retrieved Apr. 26, 2005.
- "Number 4 of 2003 — Throwing Muses: Throwing Muses" (August 8, 2004). Ninth space. Retrieved Dec. 19, 2004.
- Phares, Heather. [ "Throwing Muses Biography."] Allmusic. Retrieved Apr. 26, 2005.
- Reynolds, Simon (February 9, 1992). "Belting Out That Most Unfeminine Emotion." New York Times.
- Rykken, Rolf (May 1995). "May 1995 Live Review." AOL's Critics' Choice.
- Shirley, David (November/December 1991). "Cracking Up Is Hard to Do: The Break-ups (and Breakdowns) of Throwing Muses." Option.
- Strauss, Neil (March 9, 1995). "My So-Called Double Life: Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses Finds the Common Ground Between Motherhood and Rock & Roll" Rolling Stone.
- "Throwing Muses Discography". Eyesore. Retrieved Dec. 2, 2004.
- Wolmarans, Francois. "Counting Backwards." Retrieved Dec. 2, 2004.
- "IMDb Empire Records Soundtrack/Credits" Retrieved Sept 21, 2009.
- Official ThrowingMusic website
- Beggars Group band site
- Counting Backwards resource site
- Tour history
- 4ad Throwing Muses pages
- Lyrics from Always on the Run site
- Red Eyes Throwing Muses and Kristin Hersh guitar tabs
- Guitar tabs at Passagen site
- Throwing Muses collection on the Internet ArchiveInternet ArchiveThe Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library with the stated mission of "universal access to all knowledge". It offers permanent storage and access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, music, moving images, and nearly 3 million public domain books. The Internet Archive...
's live music archive
Song samples