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Opal

 
Artist: Opal
Opal

Group Members:

Keith Mitchell, David Roback, Juan Gomez, Kendra Smith, Suki Ewers

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  • Formed: 1984
  • Disbanded: 1988
  • Genres: Rock
  • Representative Albums: "Happy Nightmare Baby," "Early Recordings"

Biography

The neo-psychedelic group Opal formed in the mid-'80s, featuring former Rain Parade guitarist David Roback and former Dream Syndicate bassist Kendra Smith. Initially, the group was called Clay Allison, but the group dropped the name after one single; Roback, Smith, and drummer Keith Mitchell released the remaining Clay Allison tracks under their own name in 1984 on the Fell From the Sun EP. After its release, the group adopted the name Opal and released an EP, Northern Line, in 1985. Happy Nightmare Baby, their first full-length album, followed in 1987. Smith left the group during the Happy Nightmare tour, effectively putting an end to the band. Roback continued with vocalist Hope Sandoval; the group then metamorphosed into Mazzy Star. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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Wikipedia: Opal (band)
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Opal

Kendra Smith and David Roback
Background information
Also known as Clay Allison (1982-84)
Origin Los Angeles, California, United States
Genre(s) Neo-psychedelia, Psychedelic rock
Years active c. 1983-89
Label(s) SST, Rough Trade (UK),
Associated acts Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade, Kendra Smith, Mazzy Star
Members
David Roback (guitar)
Kendra Smith (vocals)
Keith Mitchell (drums)
Former members
Juan Gómez (bass)
Suki Ewers(organ, vocals)
William Cooper
Aaron Sherer

Opal were an American alternative/psychedelic band in the 1980s. They were part of the Paisley Underground musical style.

The group formed in the mid-'80s under the name Clay Allison, featuring guitarist David Roback (previously of Rain Parade), bassist Kendra Smith (from Dream Syndicate) and drummer Keith Mitchell. After one single, they released the remaining Clay Allison tracks under the band's new name, Opal, on the 1984 Fell from the Sun EP. Another EP, Northern Line, followed in 1985. These EPs were later compiled and released as Early Recordings

Happy Nightmare Baby, Opal's first full-length album, was released in 1987. Smith left the group during the Happy Nightmare tour, storming off-stage half-way through their gig in Hammersmith, UK, effectively putting an end to the band. Roback continued with vocalist Hope Sandoval, playing shows as Opal and planning an album to be titled Ghost Highway but in 1989 this band became Mazzy Star and Ghost Highway was presumably released as She Hangs Brightly. Kendra Smith released a number of solo singles, EPs, and one album before retiring to the woods of northern California.

The song "She's a Diamond" was included in the film Boys Don't Cry but was not included on the CD release of the film soundtrack.

Contents

Discography

Clay Allison

  • "Fell from the Sun"/"All Souls" (7" single) (1983)

Opal

References

External links


 
 
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