Artist description Whimsical and quirky power pop. Generally disregarding the "rules" of "good music," Planet Log managed to pull off a strange mix of lo-fi and garage that combined to form "just plain fun."

Music Style Alternative, Post-Punk Power Pop

Musical Influences XTC, Badfinger, Beatles, Buzzcocks, Camper Van Beethoven

Similar Artists B-52s (so they say), or "humor reminiscent of the Dead Milkmen," and singers sounding a bit like the "guy singer...of the Cramps" and the "girl singer...of the Avengers"

Artist History No longer an active band, "Planet Log" (a.k.a., "P-Log") was the successor of the short-lived "Log" (not to be confused with the Columbus band by the same name), and the predecessor of the current "Planet Log 3000." In late 1993, an inexperienced bassist and even more inexperienced guitarist met at the proverbial "water cooler" and decided to form a band called "Log," named for a theme from a favorite cartoon. To complete the lineup, they asked another co-worker if he would learn to play the drums. To ensure the participation of the drummer, they decided to ask his wife to join as the singer -- the theory was that inclusion avoids derision. (It worked.) Eventually, the band decided that they needed a second guitarist, so the singer became a guitarist, and singing duties began to be shared. After a few practices and a couple of minor gigs, the original guitarist decided that he didn’t like playing in front of an audience, so he quit. The band decided to ask another co-worker who was learning to play the banjo to join. Planet Log, thus, was born. (The real truth actually involves a Ouija board, Pictionary, a large hunk of wood, and a Little Astronomer-brand telescope. We can't go into details for reasons of National Security.) Planet Log, in addition to playing in various Cleveland and Akron venues over about three years, self-released an 18-song CD, "Venus in Leopard Print," and recorded a 3-song demo tape produced by Kramer (Noise New Jersey) in 1996. Planet Log existed until early 1997, when the banjo player was mysteriously and inexplicably lured from the sunny shores of magical and splendorous Lake Erie to the dismal grayness of San Francisco. Go figure.

Group Members Dave P. "Human Twang or The Cocky One" Miller - banjo; Dale "The Surly One or Rawk Bottom" Houston - bass; Martin J. "The Moody One or Professor N" Drabik - drums; Shelley "Distortion Girl or The Good One" Drabik - guitar; All band members write songs and sing.

Instruments Guitar, Banjo, Bass, Drums

Albums Venus in Leopard Print (Jump Art! Records, 1996)

Press Reviews When we released our CD, dozens of newspapers and zines were kind enough to review it. Most reviews were very favorable. Some reviewers offered constructive criticism (with which we generally agreed). One reviewer shredded us more thoroughly than Oliver North would shred a signed confession of personal misconduct from his superior officer, stomped on our miserable remains, and then spat on us. (Can't win 'em all.) Reviews, good and bad, from popular sources are at http://pl3k.tripod.com/press.htm. A couple of teasers are below: "If Venus in Leopard Print had come out in 1987, it would have been a huge college radio hit. I am not a big fan of quirky low-tech pop, but there's no denying that Planet Log has their shit together. The songs (18 in all) are pretty good for this genre; carefree and catchy with "funny" lyrics and singing. I'm sure that they do not intend to rock but, hey, it's Cleveland, so they do jam pretty well (not like Pantera, but you wouldn't expect that). People who like early Shimmy stuff will lap this up, guaranteed." (Joe Stankiewicz, US Rocker, May 1996) *Retro-ish/dance/pop style modern rock. "Cleveland's Planet Log give an updated retro feel to the scene with their 18 song release Venus in Leopard Print. To see what all the hype is about, check out tunes like "Your Bra and Star Trek," "Planet Log Jam Dance Party" and "The Iron City Song," which, if I'm not mistaken, is about the Burgh's own Iron City Beer. Basically, if you even remotely like the B-52's, you'll love Planet Log." (Rock N' Roll Reporter, May 1996)

Location Cleveland, OH - USA

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