When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water
Experimental cover band from New York City's Shimmy Disc scene.
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From 1986 to 1996, When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water was an experimental psychedelic rock band based in New York City. They released three albums and several EPs, all composed of experimental covers of popular songs. Though lacking commercial success, the group earned critical respect as a key act on the Shimmy Disc label.
History
Formed in 1986, the group built its sound around deconstructive cover songs. The original lineup included vocalists Kim Rancourt and Joe Defilipps, guitarists David Raymer and Bob Meetsma, bassist Mitch Strassberg, and drummer Ron Spitzer. Their 1987 debut EP on Trace Elements featured a Ray Davies cover and a spoken-word version of the Gettysburg Address. The 1988 EP Uncle Ben added bassist Dave Rick and drummer David Licht, and marked the band's first release on Shimmy Disc.
The 1989 LP Bobby consisted entirely of Bobby Goldsboro covers, with keyboardist Chris Xefos contributing as a guest before joining full-time. In 1991, they released Porgy, an album drawn from Porgy and Bess. Their final LP, Bill Kennedy's Showtime (1994), focused on obscure 1960s and 1970s Detroit rock and soul songs. A planned fourth LP of Louis Armstrong-associated material never happened, and the band went inactive.
Afterward, Rancourt and Rick co-founded Shapir-O'Rama, and Rancourt later formed JFK with Andrew W.K. and Don Fleming. Defilipps played in After That It's All Gravy, while Xefos, Rick, and Licht continued with many other groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water from?
When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water originated in New York, New York, United States.
Which record labels has When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water released music on?
When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water has released music on Shimmy Disc, Staple Gun and Trace Elements.
More in Shimmy Disc Artists
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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