Insurgence - Pull-Toy - 1990
from the self-titled cassette

Raleigh's Insurgence lasted from the mid-80's well into the 90's (and could still be together for all I know). Led by Bill Daly the band went through several lineup changes through the years. For my money though this is where the stars aligned and influences collided to deliver a solid 6 song ep. From Roberto (Berto) Morales' rugged vocals and fierce guitar work to Bill Daly's solid bass lines and lyrical prowess. Bill Daly now lives in Washington DC and runs Crooked Beat Records with his wife Helen. Brian Carithers is the head chef at Front Street Grill at Stillwater in Beaufort, NC.

Band Members:
Bill Daly - Bass, Vocals
Roberto Morales - Guitars, Lead Vocals
Jeff Bunner - Guitar, Vocals
Brian "Angus" Carithers - Drums

Faster Faster - Walking In Holland - 1985
from an unreleased ep.

From a 4 song project recorded in 1985. The band disintegrated right before its scheduled release, so it never got released. This is actually from the test pressing on vinyl. This song was recorded by guitarist Eric Petersen on a Teac 4-track. Other tracks were recorded by Wes Lachot in Durham.

Henry opened Turtle Tapes/Creative Audio Services along with Jay Johnson (see Right Profile) not long after Faster Faster split. John French and Henry (and Jay) started a band with Ken Prichard (see Live Bait). Henry and Jay are now the rhythm section for Peter May and The Rough Band. Eric played with The Wygals, Right Profile, Let's Active and The dB's to name a few. Norm was in UV Prom and later Leap Of Faith with Eric and Tim Harper (see The Shake). I gotta get a copy of the Leap Of Faith album. The few songs I've heard are great.


Band Members:
Henry Heidtmann - Lead Vocals, Bass
John French - Guitars
Eric Petersen - Guitars
Norm Underwood - Drums

The Graphic - I Flew Like A Bird - 1985
from the Welcome To Comboland lp

Greensboro's The Graphic were a hugely talented group. Sometimes referred to as Treva and The Grafics. They featured the vocal talents of Treva Spontaine and the guitar work of Brad Newell, The Graphic seemed destined for success. They released one Don Dixon produced ep called "People In Glass" on Dolphin Records in 1984. Treva had a solo album on Moonlight Records called "Si'l Vous Plait" that was released in 1982. Treva continues to have a solo career. Brad Newell began Eight Eyes right after the Graphic split and continues to record and play live.

Band Members:
Treva Spontaine - Vocals, Guitar
Brad Newell - Guitar, Vocals
Dwight Mabe - Bass, Vocals
Jim Hoyle - Drums

Hege V - House of Tears - 1987
from the MTM Music Group lp "House Of Tears"

Roots-rocker Hege V was in actuality George Hamilton V, the son of longtime Grand Ol' Opry member George Hamilton IV. His debut CD, the critically acclaimed HOUSE OF TEARS, produced by Mitch Easter of REM fame, wound-up on many U.S. year-end Top Ten lists alongside U2, REM and Bruce Springsteen. George V toured America in a beat-up Cadillac hearse, the "Hearse Of Tears", (10,000 miles through 21 states in 27 days) playing the honky-tonks from Austin to Boston while his self-directed music video, "Burial Ground Of The Broken Hearted", aired on MTV. George's first Country single, "She Says", made BILLBOARD MAGAZINE's TOP 100 -- earning invitations to perform the song on BBC-TV and at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY.

If anyone ever finds this on cd and it doesn't cost tons of money please let me know.

for more about Hege V click here.

Band Members:
Hege V - Vocals, Guitar
Tim Harper - Backing Vocal, Bass
Rob Ragsdale - Drums
David Thrower - Lead Guitar, Pedal Steel
Mitch Easter - Bits and Pieces

Th' Cigaretz - Scared Of Girls - 1978
from the lp Crawl Rite Outta My Skin

The band th' Cigaretz had the distinction of being one of Raleigh's first "Punk Rock" bands. Their assets were their loud music, notable stage presence, and a fast and furious pace. As they said "from the big city, please welcome Th' Cigaretz".

from "How NC got its Punk Attitude" - by Sam Hicks

They had been in cover bands for years, but were sick of heavy metal, poodle haircuts, and trying to play wah wah pedals wearing platform shoes. House painters by day, they say it was a combination of paint fumes and Never Mind The Bollocks, that inspired them to "...just say fuck it!." The problem was, original music wasn't of interest to anyone at this time. The only club that would allow them to play regularly was the Free Advice; their Thursday nights were dead so they made them into "Punk Night" to fill the void.

Band Members:
Throb - Drums
Bindee - Bass, Vocals
Johnny Guitar Vocals, Guitar
Jimmy Jones - Vocals, Guitar

Arrogance - 12 Days Of Christmas

Cheers,
Michael

Chris Stamey and Friends - Christmas Time - 1985

Ted Lyons - The Only Law That Santa Claus Understood - 1985

taken from the Coyote Records lp "Christmas Time"

It wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't break my copy of "Christmas Time" and revel in the beauty that lies in those vinyl grooves. Before somebody chimes in, I am well aware that this is on cd and I know its got more tracks, BUT if you had a perfectly good turntable wouldn't you listen to vinyl when you could. I posted two songs today because its really hard to nail down one great song of this record. Most folks know what a great songwriter Chris Stamey is and Christmas Time is a perfect example. I had to include Ted's track as well for folks who aren't aware what an amazing talent he is as well. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays to everyone. I will be off tomorrow but will be posting a special treat on Christmas Day. Am I NUTS!!!

Dillon Fence - Christmas - 1991
from the Mammoth Records e.p. "Christmas"

Dillon Fence were a hugely popular band from Chapel Hill. They released several albums and ep's on Mammoth Records before finally calling it in 95. Greg Humphreys and Andy Ware (Satellite Boyfriend) formed the more rocking Hobex, which signed to Sire Records in the late '90s, while Scott Carle and Kent Alphin formed a more reflective, folk-tinged band called Granger, which released 1996's Underwater Hum on Shanachie. The original recording lineup of Dillon Fence re-formed in 2001 for a series of shows. "Live at the Cat's Cradle" came out later that year.

Band Members:
Greg Humphreys: Vocals, Guitar
Kent Alphin: Guitar, Vocals
Chris Goode: Bass, Vocals
Scott Carle: Drums

(U.S.) Secret Service - As The World Turns - 1980
from the Moonlight Records e.p.

(U.S.) Secret Service were, according to Matt Barrett (of The Dads) "possibly the best power-pop band in the triangle during their first incarnation". Sadly with that kind of praise they only managed to leave behind a 4-song ep. It was produced by Don Dixon and engineered by Mitch Easter at The Drive-In. Robert Keely and Chris Chamis were in The Sneakers and H-Bombs (both of which I promise to get to very soon). Also featured was Bob Northcott (of Little Diesel-which I would love to post but sadly don't have anything by them) another Winston-Salem transplant.

Band Members:
Bob Northcott - Guitar, Vocals
Chris Chamis - Drums, Vocals
Gardner Govan - Guitars
Robert Keely - Vocals, Bass

The Shake - Legacy Of Pain
from the Kassensack Records e.p. - "Clear A Space" - 1984

from the liner notes of the ep:

The Shake was formed in 1982 by four musicians who met while attending the University of North Carolina. Their common interest was in producing positive and significant original music, reflective of their backgrounds and their values. The band did not want to follow trends by pretending to be tough working-class rockers or slick new-wavers. They were American kids, brought up in the Seventies and on their own in the Eighties, pure and simple. And, as there was no coherent music scene in which to fall, the band sounded like no one else.

The Shake toured the Southeast for over a year, strengthening their material and learning that, if they were going to make it, it would be on their own. so, after several demo-sessions, the band decided to release their own record. Here it is -' E.P. number one from Kassensack - "Clear A Space". Recorded on a low-budget in the band's jerry-rigged 4 track basement. Play it. Listen to it. And let us know what you think. This is what's happening in the south.

Band Members:
John Buckley: Lead Vocals, Synthesizers
Tim Harper - Fretless Bass
Carlton Miles - Percussion, Vocals
Jonathan Mudd - Guitar
George Stephens - Boards and Effects

Light In August - First
from the cassette The Cradle Tapes - 1986

The Cradle Tapes was a benefit for WXYC on November 8, 1986 hosted at the Cat's Cradle. Lots of cool bands played that day including Snatches Of Pink, The Graphic, The Connells, Other Bright Colors, Flat Duo Jets, and Parthanon Huxley. They left behind an e.p., which I don't have but would love a copy (hint hint to anyone out there who has a copy). Dave Burris went on to play bass in The Veldt and later shared guitar duties in Charlotte's Jolene.

Band Members:
Mike Ayers - Guitar, Vocals
Dave Burris - Guitar, Vocals
John Singletary - Bass
John Howie - Drums

Satellite Boyfriend - Bam Bam Bah!
from the cd "Yes Ma'am" - 1989

This wins the award for the catchiest song by a NC band. Hailing from Raleigh, NC Satellite Boyfriend were a popular live band. I'm not really sure what happened to this band. I know Andy Ware is now in Hobex but what happened to the other guys. Little help here?

Band Members:
Phillip Collins - Vocals, Guitars
Sam Dennis - Guitars, Vocals
John David Ellason - Drums, Vocals
Andy Ware - Bass, Vocals

UV Prom - Funhouse
from the e.p. Field Of Vision - 1985

from the liner notes to More Mondo:

While students at the NCSU School Of Design, Russ, Tim (and former member) Chris Howard decided to form a band. In 1981, Joe joined the band and on Hallowen the band made it's debut at a party of the design school under the name of Eraserhead. In March 1983, Eraserhead changed it's name to UV Prom and shortly after Chris Howard left the band and was replaced by Chris Edwards. UV Prom has been performing regularly up and down the east coast, while working full time jobs.

Band Members:
Tim Hill - Guitar
Joe Romweber - Vocals
Russ Stephenson - Bass
Chris Edwards - Drums

X Rayons - Huevo Sonic
from the S/T cd - 1999

This Chapel Hill/Pittsboro instrumental combo consists of four gentlemen whose sole aim is to provide instrumental accompaniment for dancing & listening but never ignoring. Their sweeping "ATMOSURF" soundscapes evoke the the great instrumental groups of a different era, yet their sense of melody and their arrangements are firmly rooted in the present.

Steve Carr owns Carr Amps and plays in The Brakes.
Mike Nicholson runs Vista Point and play in Stratocruiser.

Band Members:
Steve Carr - Guitar
Brunson Hoole - Guitar
Mike Nicholson - Bass
Tony Stiglitz - Drums

The Flying Pigs - Collision Course
from the Greetings From Comboland #2 Cassette - 1985

Hailing from Durham, NC The Flying Pigs were an Alt-Pop combo with a sound similar to Mississippi's Windbreakers. Led by Singer/Guitarist Pat O'Connell the Pigs gigged throughout the Southeast sharing the bill with the dB's, Los Lobos, and NRBQ to name just a few. The Collision Course was also on the band's second release "Demi" which can still be purchased through Sonic Trout Records. After the demise of The Flying Pigs, Pat (now known as P.J.) moved to Mass. and got mixed up with The NRBQ/Incredible Casuals camp; which can only be trouble (the good kinda trouble). For more about P.J. O'Connell click here.

Band Members:
Pat O'Connell - Vocals, Guitar
Billy McCarthy - Guitar
Robert Truesdale - Bass, Vocals
Stacy Weaver - Drums, Vocals

Other Bright Colors - Time Was
from the Blue Mold lp (lp102) "Endlessly Rocks The Cradle" - 1986

OBC originally formed at Davidson College in 1983, but the band moved to Carrboro after they graduated. I first heard them on the great "Cradle Tapes" (which I will get to at some point, or at the very least include some cuts) and liked what I heard. It wasn't until I got my hands on their "Endlessly Rocks The Cradle" album that I was completely won over. Full of wonderfully catchy melodies, this is one of the few records from this time that doesn't sound dated. You be the judge.

Band Members:
Brian Butler - Vocals, Guitars
Joe Jaworski - Drums
James Funsten - Guitars
Tom Pafford - Bass

The Spongetones - This Kiss Is Mine Tonight (Demo)
from the Japanese LP "Beat! The Spongetones" - 2005

The Spongetones are one of the most enduring power pop bands of the 80's. Beginning with their first album "Beat Music" released in 1982 The Spongetones have continued to release amazing records year and year. "This Kiss Is Mine Tonight" may be familiar to fans of the compilation More Mondo. This is the original 4-track demo version, which I think you'll agree is pretty darn amazing. "Beat! The Sponetones" has just been issued on the Sony Japan label. For more info about the Spongetones and this release click here.

Band Members:

Rob Thorne: Drums
Steve Stoekel: Bass, Vocals
Jamie Hoover: Guitar, Vocals
Pat Walters: Guitar, Vocals

Arrogance - Black Death
from the Crescent City Records 7" (CS-1091/1092) - 1970

Taken from Sam Hicks "How NC Got Its Punk Attitude"

In 1969, Mike Greer went to college at UNC-CH and soon learned that roomate Robert Kirkland and down the hall neighbor Don Dixon had similar musical tastes. With the addition of Kirkland's high school bandmate Jimmy Glascow, they started out as the Dog Breath Blues Band. They played a folk coffeehouse called the Cat's Cradle and a hippie/biker bar known as The Asparagus Farm. The guys in Dog Breath soon learned how to play Sgt. Pepper by heart, as well as an import LP by a band called Black Sabbath that no one else seemed to have heard of. Mike took his new band to Crescent City Studios, where he'd previously been with Capt. Speed, and they recorded a single of their own. The band cut the intense "An Estimation" b/w "Black Death" single (CS-1091/1092) in January 1969 and released it in '70. Don says, "The only reason to cut a single back then was to get it in some jukeboxes or talk some DJ into playing it on an AM station somewhere." They decided it was time to change their name, since "Blues Band" no longer described their sound, and became Arrogance. It was released in 1970, at a time when its impact cannot be overestimated. Since no one had heard of Black Sabbath, much less Sabbath mixed with Sgt. Pepper into a Mountain-esque stew, the first Arrogance 45 was important to many N.C. musicians and tops the list for early influential N.C. vinyl. A somewhat different line-up with an altogether different sound went on to record many albums under the same name.

Band Members:
Don Dixon - Bass, Vocals
Mike Greer - Vocals, Guitar
Robert Kirkland - Guitar, Vocals
Jimmy Glascow - Drums

The Popes - She's You
from the cassette Demolisten Volume 1 - 1991

Chapel Hill's The Popes were a great pop band. They recorded a 6 song ep called "Hi We're The Popes" in the '80, but I always thought their best songs were on later compilations (like this one). I was lucky enough to catch their last show at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem. They had a GIANT bottle of sparkling wine at the foot of the stage for anyone to drink from. I took a swig.

The Demolisten series was a great collection of 3 cassettes, similar to the Comboland tapes in the early '80's featuring area bands. Leaving behind a great document of bands from the 90's.

Band Members:
Jim Rumley - Drums
John Elderkin - Guitar and Vocals
Henry Pharr - Bass
Steve Ruppenthal - Vocals and Guitar

The Pressure Boys - Dial Tone
from the lp Krandlebanum Monumentus - 1987

Starting in 1981 The Pressure Boys were an amazing hi-energy rock band with a ska horn section. They released two e.p.'s "Jump! Jump! Jump!" in '83 and "Rangledoon" in '84. Krandlebanum Monumentus was their first (and last) full-length album. It featured an inner sleeve crammed with rejection letters from Warner Brothers, Sire, Atlantic, A&M, Chrysalis, CBS, Epic, Polygram, EMI and Geffen. The Pressure Boys finally decided to call it quits in August '88 with a show at The Cat's Cradle. John Plymale went on to form The Sex Police a harder rocking/less ska version of The Pressure Boys (another post in itself).

The "Complete Recordings" was released on Plaid Cat Records. Well worth tracking down.

Band Members:
Rob Ladd - Drums and Vocals
John Plymale - Lead Vocals and Trombone
Byron Settle - Guitars and Vocals
Greg Stafford - Saxes
Jack Campbell - Bass
Stacy Guess - Trumpet

The Right Profile - Infatuation
from the cassette - Look Pa, I'm Dancing - 1984-85?

The Right Profile from Winston-Salem (I know I've done a lot of bands from W-S, I will branch out I promise) were very popular. They played all over NC. Led by Jeffrey Dean Foster and Steve Dubner The Right Profile were a great mix of country rock and high energy punk and power pop. The song "Infatuation" was a crowd favorite and this recording was taken from their 6 cassette Look Pa, I'm Dancing, recorded by Don Dixon. It featured Jay Johnson on drums. Jay later opened the famed Turtle Tapes Studio, he was replaced by Chester (Jon) Wurster not long after this recording.

As the story goes, the boys were signed to Arista when they jetted off to NYC for a year of writing and recording their debut album. Several attempts were made to capture the sound of The Right Profile but for inexplicable reasons no album ever appeared. The band returned to W-S fired up and with more of a Rolling Stones feel to their sound. Steve Dubner had left the band and a string of guitar players came through. In the early 90's the band changed their name to the Carneys which is another post altogether. Jeffrey Dean Foster just released a new solo album which can be found here.

Band Members:
Jeff Foster - Guitar, Vocals
Steve Dubner - Guitar, Piano, Vocals
Tim Fleming - Bass
Jay Johnson - Drums

Live Bait - Musk Melon
previously unreleased - 1989

With songs about why God hates "Trailer Parks", "Flounder Giggin" and "Exterminators to the Stars"; Winston-Salem's Live Bait was one of the oddest bands around. Oh and let's not forget their manequin "Electra" (see photo). Their shows always included copious amounts of mayonaise, pimento loaf sandwiches and rubber worms. Most folks will remember Live Bait from their opening slot at the final Let's Active show at Baity's that nearly caused a riot. Call it Southern Living vs. Poetic Justice.

Band Members:
Ken Prichard - Voice
Henry Heidtmann - Bass
John French - Guitars
Jay Johnson - Drums
Sam Moss - 100 Lead Guitars

The Woods - Girlfriends
from the Twin/Tone lp "Its Like This" - 1987

Out of the ashes of The Fabulous Knobs Jack, Terry, and David teamed up with former Georgia Satellite Dan Baird to start the shortlived Woodpeckers. The Satellites had called it quits but were quickly signed to a major label deal so reforming was inevitable. Leaving Jack, Terry, and David without a singer (again). They decided to continue on as The Woods, eventually landing a record deal with Twin/Tone who released "Its Like This" in 1987. Today Terry and Jack have Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kicking Team who just released a new album found here.

There are a few lp copies of "Its Like This" as well as a cdr version here.

Band Members:

Jack Cornell - bass, vocals, keyboards
Terry Anderson - drums, keys, vocals
David Enloe - guitar, vocals

HardSoul Poets -Hearing The Matilda
from the cassette "Private Radio" - 1991

Hard Soul Poets were a very popular Charlotte, NC band. Hearing The Matilda was produced by Jamie Hoover (Spongetones). Not long after this recording founding member Reid Mansell left the band and was replaced by Dave Burris. The band continued on under the name Jolene, eventually signing to Sire Records and releasing " In the Gloaming" in 1998. Jolene eventually called it quits in 2002 after the release of "The Pretty Dive". Reid Mansell continued on with bands Vibraswirl and Startown eventually settling on a solo release with 2005's Reid Mansell Overdrive.

Band Members:
John Crooke - Vocals, Guitar
Reid Mansell - Guitar, Vocals
Steven Lloyd - Bass
Mike Mitschele - Bass, Vocals (touring)
Mike Kenerley- Drums

Two Pound Planet - Sinister Sun
from the Alternative Records ep " Whispering Delicious" - 1993

From Winston-Salem Two Pound Planet (previously known as Urban Edge) played straight up power-pop and played it well. Years of constant touring made the band very successful with fans, but for some reason the band never found a home at on a major label. Following this release the band splintered. Jerry Chapman (the bass player) formed the very successful Life In General and more recently a solo career. The rest of the band went on to form the 80's tribute band The Breakfast Club which played ALL over the southeast.

Band Members:
Jerry Finley - Drums, Vocals
Jerry Chapman - Bass, Vocals
Jason Buss - Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals
Tom Shaw - Guitar, Vocals

Naked Ramblers - The Jellyfish Walk
from the cassette Figure Five - 1986

Winston-Salem's Naked Ramblers were a hardcore rockabilly band (for lack of a better term). Always fun to see live. They were always my favorite band to see at the Riff (a short-lived club in W-S). "Jellyfish Walk" was a popular Ramblers tune.

Band Members:
Randy Burke - Vocals and Guitar
Tom Montefusco - Guitars
Carl Wilkerson - Bass
Jimmy Triplett - Drums

Jet Crown Dixie - We Want Ancona
from the Huel Records release EXIT - 1995

I loved this track from the first time I heard it. Not sure what it was. I know at the time I was really into that whole confused angst that bands like Archers of Loaf keyed into. I think there was this weird Chameleons UK thing going on with this track too which I totally love. I saw them once at the Wake Radio house and Charlie the singer paced wildly back and forth like a man possessed. Once the stick count was heard he snapped to attention and focused his attention which was both impressive and downright scary. Loved this band. Period. Last I heard Sean was a teacher and Kevin works for his family business and plays drums in My Cousin Walt. Contact Kevin if you want to buy a Jet Crown Dixie cd.

Band Members:
Charles Sheer: Guitar and Vocals
Kevin Beroth: Drums
Sean Cooney: Bass, Vocals

The Othermothers - 88 Seconds (I Wanna Go To The Rodeo)
from the ep "No Place Like Home"

A great band from Greensboro NC. This song is about the famous run-in between right-wing extremists and left-wing extremists in a gun battle in Greensboro, North Carolina. Oddly enough the english synthpop band OMD wrote a song about the very same thing. I much prefer The Othermothers take.

For more about The Othermothers click here.

For more about the actual 88 Seconds click here.

Wreckhouse - Pagnerville
from the cassette Wreckhouse - 1990

Wreckhouse was a shortlived band from Chapel Hill, NC made up of Winston-Salem natives. What they left behind was this little 8 song cassette full of piss and vinegar. Not really pop or punk, its more of a happy snarl. Got to see them live once and they covered Gang Of Four's "Damaged Goods". Bonus points for that.

Chris Murtland co-owns www.pixicom.com.
Patrick Balestrieri is an attorney with Kuniholm Law Firm

Band Members:
Christopher Shores - Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Chris Murtland - Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Patrick Balestieri - Guitar, Bass, Vocals
David Shaw - Percussions, Vocals

The Allisons - You Don't Notice Me
from a cassette

Winston-Salem combo that falls in the "shoulda been famous" catagory. I believe this was recorded at Mitch Easter's Drive-In Studio. I can't remember an actual release from these guys. I know one song ended up on a promotional radio lp called "Let Us Be Heard". Great song from a great band.

Band Members:
Chuck Dale Smith - Guitar, Vocals
Gino Grandinetti - Guitar
Ed Bumgarner - Bass
Eric Marshall - Drums
Jon Healey - Keyboards and Sax