Artist description Roots-rock with a heavy dose of melodic pop.

Music Style Americana Pop Rock

Musical Influences Richard Thompson, Doc Watson, The Band, The Who, Steely Dan, Jerry Garcia, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Jayhawks, Beatles, Al Green, Southern Culture on the Skids, George Gershwin, XTC, X, Cramps, Replacements, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Joan Armatrading,

Similar Artists Jayhawks, Wilco,

Artist History Cravin' Dogs formed in 1986 as a "gonzo-folk" trio and evolved into an all-original, eclectic, roots-rock outfit that has shared the stage with such diverse acts as Chuck Berry, Dave Matthews Band, Styx and NRBQ. A recurrent WAMMIE nominee, the Dogs have mined the beltway and beyond, touring from Massachusetts to North Carolina throughout the year. The band has put out nine records since 1989, and is currently celebrating the release of the new album, "Roots Rock Paper Scissors."

Group Members Caldwell Gray - Guitar, VocalsTom Helf - DrumsJohn Penovich - Guitar, VocalsTodd Baker - Violin, VocalsBarry Warsaw - Bass

Instruments Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Violin, Bass, Drums

Albums Cravin' Dogs (89), Sputnik (92), El Camino (94), Live at the Black Cat (95), Dingus (96), '89-99: 70 Years of Hits (99), Christmastime: 70 Years Vol. 2 (99), Roots Rock Paper Scissors (00)

Press Reviews What the critics are saying about "Roots Rock Paper Scissors"...ROLLING STONE REVIEWS ***1/2 - Here's a veteran indie band with some major league charm. This is melodic roots rock - smart yet unpretentious with serious chops, as evidenced on standout tracks like "Blue" and "River Run." Fans everywhere of The Samples or Bruce Hornsby - your basic well-plated, world-class modern rock - should definitely make it a point to hunt down (the) Dogs. Proof positive good things do happen on our nation's capital. - David WildTHE WASHINGTON POSTMore than its share of good songs...they have a lot in common with some notable tunesmiths-a list that would include names ranging from Gram Parsons to Bruce Hornsby. In fact, three of the album's highlights-"Hell on Earth," "River Run" and "Fall Over Into Love"-recall Hornsby's gift for evoking vivid images of people, places and scenarios with a minimum of fuss. Other stand out tracks, including the bouncy country charmer "Western Girl" and the honky-tonk blues "Untitled," reveal the band's traditional bent with a mixture of playful spirit and world-weary soul. - Mike Joyce"Booting R&B rhythms, innocent harmonies, sturdy melodic hooks and stinging guitar lines that color and animate. The songs are as sharp as the band's pop-rock instincts." -- The Washington Post "Sweet ol' roots rock with a healthy amount of restless big-city experimentalism." -- College Music Journal"A joyous slab of breezy bounciness, nifty rhythms and razor-sharp hooks." -- Alternative Press"Rave-ups and romps, guitars mournful and raucous, with a solid backbeat that demands dancing." -- Washington City Paper"A thoroughly enjoyable outfit (which) infuses folkish rock with vibrant energy and tight playing...that had the crowd grooving in the aisle. Think of a more down-home Dave Matthews Band." -- The Charlotte Observer"Cravin' Dogs know how to mix it up without getting messy...a nice folk rock feel." -- PULSE

Additional Info Dogline - 703.242.DOGS (3647)

Location Vienna, Virginia - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).