User Reviews for Sunshine You're Not
Simpson Richard James
May 11, 2017
"Sunshine You're Not" is the final official
release from Teardrain, a Los Angeles-based trio. The band was formed in
1993 by musicians Richard James Simpson (from Invisible Chains, which
featured Carla Bozulich) and Jill Emery (bassist for Hole, Mazzy Star,
and Super Heroines), and included drummer Mark Reback of Black
Hi-Lighter.
The EP - a follow up to Teardrain's successful debut
single Ego Sick/Caught in the Wheel - saw Teardrain moving in a more
experimental format, as can be heard on the brooding unplugged version
of the title track "Unshined," the title track's bombastic entrance
preparing the listener for the ride, and the mysterious "Pearl" an
instrumental written by all band members.
Although the band had
only two releases in 1994, they were often associated with the subgenre
of alternative rock called grunge, which gave rise to such bands as
Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and The Pixies. The LA Weekly used the phrase
"hypno-aggressive" to describe their unique style and sound.
Furthermore, their songs "Unshine" and "Ego Sick" were featured on MTV's
"Real World," San Francisco edition. Before their final show,
*Teardrain drew the attention of Timothy Leary, who was a special guest
of the band during a performance at Raji's in Hollywood, CA. (*sourced
from Flipside magazine).
Also credited as Richard James, Richard
James Simpson is the brother of the late Rock Halsey from the infamous
L.A. punk band Rock Bottom and The Spys.
Teardrain disbanded in
1995. Its members went on to pursue various projects: Richard recorded a
solo album co-produced and performed with Dustin Boyer, lead guitarist
for John Cale; Jill continued to perform and record with Mazzy Star and
is a respected name in the art world; and Mark joined Black Hi-Lighter,
and toured with Slaughter And The Dogs.
The EP was co-produced
with Swedish engineer Ollie Olson, who worked with a wide range of
artists. From his early work in Los Angeles with Hip Hop stars likes Ice
T, Tupac and Snoop, to more recently mixing songs on the highly
acclaimed debut album by Eurovision winner - Loreen.
The cover
features the stark, powerful outsider art from Jill Emery. The band's
photographer during these sessions was world-renowned photography
Lindsay Brice.
Richard James Simpson: Vocals, Guitar & Piano; Jill Emery: Bass & Backing Vocals; Mark Reback: Drums & Percussions.
Cover art by Jill Emery.
Tracklist
| A1 | Sunshine You're Not | |
| B1 | Pearl | |
| B2 | Unshine |
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