Artist description "(The band's) songwriting instincts are impeccable...covers anthemic pop rock, eighties dance-spook grooves, grunge choruses, twangin' literate folk pop, spikey punk, '70s style pop, surf rock, on and on. Emotionally pure, sometimes angry, sometimes self-effacing lyrics married with intelligent song structures that are at once familiar and fresh." -- SMASH!/Orange Street Press, Fall 1999

Music Style indie pop

Musical Influences Brian Wilson, Pixies, '70s AM radio, They Might Be Giants, Elton John, Jimmy Webb, Raspberries, Sex Pistols

Similar Artists Elvis Costello, Buzzcocks, Beach Boys, Ben Folds Five, Foo Fighters, Cheap Trick, Pete Townshend

Artist History Cockeyed Ghost was formed in 1994 in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. Signed to the nationally-distributed Big Deal label in 1996, the band's first two albums, KEEP YOURSELF AMUSED (1996) and NEVEREST (1997) were high-energy, near-live affairs bursting with exuberant energy, high melodic vocals and brainy lyricism. After several personnel changes, the band debuted an artier, more electic style on its third CD, THE SCAPEGOAT FACTORY (1999). The CD garnered rave reviews but was adversely affected by the collapse of the band's label.Well-known in the indie community for their tireless DIY work ethic, Cockeyed Ghost has racked up an impressive resume of roughly 300 personal appearances in 23 states, including an international tour with Shonen Knife, as well as shows with Fastball, Third Eye Blind, The Eels, Redd Kross and The Muffs. The band also made an on-camera appearance in the 1996 TV movie (and current VH-1 staple) "Friends 'Til The End," with Shannen Doherty. After the collapse of the band's Big Deal label in 1999, lead singer Adam Marsland started his own label, Karma Frog, and started an ambitious program of D.I.Y. touring. Since the 2001 release of LUDLOW 6:18, Cockeyed Ghost's fourth CD, Marsland has racked up 225 shows and 61,000 miles on the road. Karma Frog released a live solo CD by Marsland, 232 DAYS ON THE ROAD, in October 2002. The CD features three new songs with the band.

Group Members Adam Marsland -- vocals, guitar & keyboards Robert Ramos -- vocals, bass Kurt Medlin -- drums Severo -- guitar, bass, vocals

Instruments vocals!!!! guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, misc.

Albums KEEP YOURSELF AMUSED (1996); NEVEREST (1997); THE SCAPEGOAT FACTORY (1999)

Press Reviews "The finest albums tend to resist comparison, and THE SCAPEGOAT FACTORY is one of those albums...a tremendous piece of art." -- All-Media Guide"Sparkles with brilliance. I could not take this CD off my player for two weeks. One of the best albums I've heard dthis year, in any category." -- SMASH!/Orange Street Press"Cockeyed Ghost's THE SCAPEGOAT FACTORY was one of 1999's best albums -- smart, probing, harmony-laden melodic rock leavened by some out and out ravers-and among one of Los Angeles' best-kept secrets." -- The Big Takeover, Spring 2000"With amps set at 11 and the car radio set to whatever station plays both Green Day AND the Hollies, Cockeyed Ghost charges full throttle through a batch of original tunes that are loaded with deadly hooks and fueled by an apparent diet of white sugar, coffee, beer, and Lucky Charms cereal." - Music Hound: Rock - The Essential Album Guide, Second Edition (1999)"If you know of a rock album released this year that has more innate soul than this one, send it to me. I like being surprised." -- Pop Culture Press, Fall 1999"Wordplay and an original point of view set Cockeyed Ghost apart from the throngs of indie bands that just seem to be copying whatever they just heard on college radio." -- House of Blues Online, February 1999"A magnificent song to song dynamic with influences running across the Pop music universe, from the Beach Boys and '70s AM radio pop to Husker Du and Elvis Costello. Awesome stuff." -- Cincinnati, OH City Paper 3-25-99

Additional Info COME AND GET IT -- A TRIBUTE TO BADFINGER (1996); WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW -- BIG DEAL ARTISTS PERFORM THE SONGS OF BURT BACHARACH (1998)

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

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