Jellyfish (band)
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San Fransico's short-lived power pop band Jellyfish was a project of drummer/singer/songwriter Andy Sturmer, keyboard player/multi-instrumentalist Roger Joseph Manning Jr., "Band Witchdoctor and Mime" Chris Manning (who has been credited as a bass player) and guitarist/bassist Jason Falkner.
Sturmer and Roger Manning formed Jellyfish after the break-up of their previous band Beatnik Beatch. Prior to joining, Falkner had performed on and written songs for "Vermillion" by acclaimed paisley underground band Three O'Clock. Drawing heavily from the paisley underground movement, and from bands such as Queen, Wings and Badfinger, Jellyfish released their debut album "Bellybutton" in 1990. Frustrated with simply being the guitar player, Jason Falkner left the band after the release of this album. Chris Manning also left the band around this time. Sturmer and Manning recruited Tim Smith and a small handful of studio musicians (including Jon Brion) to fill the void and set forth recording their sophomore effort "Spilt Milk." Allegedly taking an extremely long time due to perfectionism, the record was finally released in 1993. "Spilt Milk" was much more orchestral than its predecessor, and some have pointed out that it seems to be a mini rock opera following the life and death of a washed up rock star.
Increasing creative differences between Sturmer and Manning caused the abrupt end to Jellyfish. Andy Sturmer stayed quiet for a number of years, but has since become legendary for writing catchy pop songs for Japanese pop phenomenon Puffy Amiyumi. Roger Manning immediately joined up with Jellyfish live band member Eric Dover in a project called Imperial Drag, and also recorded as one half of the Moog Cookbook His brother Chris shows up occasionally as a sound engineer. After leaving Jellyfish, Jason Falkner joined with other disillusioned pop musicians Jon Brion, Buddy Judge and Dan McCarroll (the latter three best known for their work with Aimee Mann) in a band called the Grays. Falkner has gone on to have a successful solo career. Roger Manning and Jason Falkner have recently reunited (along with ex Redd Kross member Brian Reitzell) in a new-wave inspired band called TV Eyes.
External links
- Puffy Amiyumi home page (http://www.puffyamiyumi.com)
- Ultimate Band List entry for Jellyfish (http://ubl.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,449071,00.html?artist=Jellyfish)