Tripping Daisy

Tripping Daisy was a neo psychedelic pop rock band that was formed in Dallas, Texas, USA by lead singer/guitarist Tim DeLaughter in 1990 along with Jeff Bouck (drums), Wes Berggren (guitar) and Mark Pirro (bass).

History

The band incorporated a light show similar to the "Fillmore Days" such as hand made slide shows with multi layered 16 mm projections along with oil and water. This visual attention was present in the very first show and was the beginning of many multi media attractions to come. In 1992 Bryan Wakeland replaced Jeff Bouck. Bryan remained drummer through the touring of "Bill" and the recording of "I'm an Elastic Firecracker" Mitch Marine replaced Bryan after two years of touring of said record. Phil Karnats was added to the band as an extra guitarist. Mitch toured and recorded one song ("My Way") as drummer. Ben Curtis became the final contributing drummer for the bulk of the bands recordings "Jesus Hits Like The Atom Bomb" and self title "Tripping Daisy" The band disbanded in 1999 after friend and member Wes Berggren died. Tim DeLaughter, along with bandmates Mark Pirro and Bryan Wakeland along with Jeff Bouck on percussion, went on to form the 24-piece symphonic choral chamber pop rock group The Polyphonic Spree. Ben Curtis went on to join brother Brandon Curtis in the progressive space rock trio called The Secret Machines and later, the dream pop trio School of Seven Bells.

First album

After playing local gigs, the band released their first single, "Lost and Found", which received moderate airplay on local radio. The band soon began recording what would become their first full length album, Bill, released on the independent label Dragon Street Records. The album was a favorite on Dallas college radio. The sound on Bill is characterized by the heavy use of vocal effects and unconventional riffs, both of which lend to a neo-psychedelic sound.

The band released a live album in 1994 titled Get It On. The album closes with a cover of the Bad Religion song "We're Only Gonna Die".

Commercial breakthrough

After signing a deal with Island Records, the band recorded their first major-label release, I Am an Elastic Firecracker. The music video for the song "I Got a Girl" received extended airplay on MTV.

Later albums

The band's third album, Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb, was a mix of both creativity and experimentalism. DeLaughter has been quoted as saying that the album "is the band at their best". The album has a fragmented style: from one vignette to another.

Death of Wes Berggren

Wes Berggren was found dead of a drug overdose in his apartment on October 27, 1999. The Dallas County Medical Examiner's office found traces of cocaine, propoxyphene, and benzodiazepine in his body.^[1] With Berggren's death, the band cancelled its upcoming tour dates and finished some minor recording sessions for the final album. The self-titled album was released posthumously, with Berggren's father Don playing a Fender Rhodes electric piano on the unfinished song "Soothing Jubilee". The album included a re-recording of "One Through Four", a song originally featured on Bill.

Tripping Daisy officially disbanded on December 14, 1999.

Personnel

• Tim DeLaughter - Lead vocals/guitars/dulcimer/Califone/keyboards ) (1990 - 1999)
• Wes Berggren - Lead guitars/Mellotron/Ace Tone/cello/keyboards (1991 - 1999)
• Mark Pirro - Bass guitars/percussion (1991 - 1999)
• Philip Karnats - Guitars/trumpet/banjo (1997 - 1999)
• Bryan Wakeland - Drums (1991-1995)
• Jeff Bouck - Drums (1990)
• Mitch Marine - Drums (1995-1997)
• Ben Curtis - Drums (1997-1999)

Discography

Albums

• Bill - 1992
• I Am an Elastic Firecracker - 1995
• Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb - 1998
• Tripping Daisy - 2000

EPs

• Get It On - Live (1994)
• Time Capsule (1997)
• The Tops Off Our Head (1999)

References

1. ^ "Tripping, Falling". Dallas Observer. http://www.dallasobserver.com/1999-11-25/music/tripping-falling/. Retrieved 2008-12-20. 

External links

• Official Website