| Big Dipper | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
| Genre(s) | Alternative Rock, indie rock |
| Years active | 1985-1990, 2007- |
| Label(s) | Homestead, Demon, Epic, Merge |
| Members | |
| Bill Goffrier Gary Waleik Steve Michener Jeff Oliphant |
|
Big Dipper is an indie rock band from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, formed in 1985 by former members of Volcano Suns and The Embarrassment.[1] They released 4 albums between 1987 and 1990, before splitting up.[1] They were described in a New York Times article as "musical contortionists: they love to toy with extremes, juxtaposing ferocious guitar noise with celestial vocal harmonies or planting a delicate melody in jagged rhythm".[2]
Contents |
History
In 1985, former members of Volcano Suns, Gary Waleik and Steve Michener, recruited guitarist/vocalist Bill Goffrier (formerly of The Embarrassment), and drummer Jeff Oliphant, who was Gary's cousin. Their first release was the 1987 mini-album Boo-Boo on Homestead Records (released on Demon Records in the UK). Heavens followed in 1988, and their second full-length album, 1989's Craps was described as "one of the finest American indie albums of its era".[3] They signed to Epic Records for 1990's Slam. This would prove to be their final album. Michener left the band and they continued with various players for two years, splitting up in 1992 after releasing a 45 and recording more than an albums worth of material. In 2008, Merge Records are due to release a 3-CD anthology of Big Dipper's Homestead recordings, with additional material,including the unreleased tracks recorded after Michener left, titled Supercluster: The Big Dipper Anthology. This renewed interest has prompted the band to reform for some live shows in April 2008.[4][5][6]
Discography
Singles/EPs
- "All Going Out Together" (1987, Homestead Records)
Albums
- Boo-Boo (1987, Homestead/Demon Records)
- Craps (1988, Homestead/Demon)
- Heavens (1989, Homestead/Demon)
- Slam (1990, Epic Records)
- Supercluster: The Big Dipper Anthology (due 2008, Merge)
References
- ^ a b c Strong, Martin C: "The Great Alternative & Indie Discography", 1999, Canongate, ISBN 0-86241-913-1
- ^ " Big Dipper Combines Punk With Melody" by Karen Schoemer, New York Times, retrieved 12-12-2007
- ^ Big Dipper at Allmusic.com
- ^ "Merge Bundles Big Dipper Albums Into Remastered Set", Pitchfork Media, retrieved 12-12-2007
- ^ "BIG DIPPER - collected and remastered - 'Supercluster'", Merge Records, retrieved 12-12-2007
- ^ "Big Dipper Returns w/3-CD Set, Reunion Tour", Harp magazine, November 28, 2007
