Thin Lizard Dawn
Encyclopedia
Thin Lizard Dawn were a 1990s American
rock group from New York
who released two major label albums on RCA Records
in the late 1990s. They are probably most widely known for their first CD release, Thin Lizard Dawn which was released in 1996. The CD featured the single Sexual Dynamo, in addition to the song Sucks ridiculing Oasis
. The band's label however, had difficulty marketing the band and dropped them after the release of their second album.
in Saratoga Springs, New York
, and they later relocated to Manhattan
. Mike Gagliardi replaced original bassist Ken Fermaglich.
The band was signed to RCA Records
in late 1995, who released two albums. Thin Lizard Dawn was released in late 1996. It featured the single "Sexual Dynamo", as well as the song "Sucks" ridiculing Oasis
. Babysue reviewed the album and called it "one of the strongest debut discs I have ever heard", and described its sound as "techno-bubblegum," meaning "extremely upbeat and catchy, but the lyrics have an obtuse quality that transcend mere pop." On the other hand, Stephen Thomas Erlewine
of allmusic gave the album a negative review, that while sometimes the "group makes a hook hit home with their brute force," most of the album "is simply style over substance, and someone else's style, at that."
Their followup album, Go, was released in October 1999, with "Get It" designated as the first single. They disbanded in 2000.
Two of the band's songs, "Weed" and "Under the Wing", were used in the 2000 film Cruel Intentions 2
.
Bands that Thin Lizard Dawn toured with include Matchbox 20, Lenny Kravitz
, G-Love, and The Lemonheads
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rock group from New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
who released two major label albums on RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
in the late 1990s. They are probably most widely known for their first CD release, Thin Lizard Dawn which was released in 1996. The CD featured the single Sexual Dynamo, in addition to the song Sucks ridiculing Oasis
Oasis (band)
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
. The band's label however, had difficulty marketing the band and dropped them after the release of their second album.
History
Thin Lizard Dawn was formed in the early 1990s when all four members were students at Skidmore CollegeSkidmore College
Skidmore College is a private, independent, liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students. The college is located in the town of Saratoga Springs, New York State....
in Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs, also known as simply Saratoga, is a city in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population was 26,586 at the 2010 census. The name reflects the presence of mineral springs in the area. While the word "Saratoga" is known to be a corruption of a Native American name, ...
, and they later relocated to Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
. Mike Gagliardi replaced original bassist Ken Fermaglich.
The band was signed to RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
in late 1995, who released two albums. Thin Lizard Dawn was released in late 1996. It featured the single "Sexual Dynamo", as well as the song "Sucks" ridiculing Oasis
Oasis (band)
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
. Babysue reviewed the album and called it "one of the strongest debut discs I have ever heard", and described its sound as "techno-bubblegum," meaning "extremely upbeat and catchy, but the lyrics have an obtuse quality that transcend mere pop." On the other hand, Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine is a senior editor for Allmusic. He is the author of many artist biographies and record reviews for Allmusic, as well as a freelance writer, occasionally contributing liner notes. He is also frontman and guitarist for the Ann Arbor-based band Who Dat?Erlewine is the nephew...
of allmusic gave the album a negative review, that while sometimes the "group makes a hook hit home with their brute force," most of the album "is simply style over substance, and someone else's style, at that."
Their followup album, Go, was released in October 1999, with "Get It" designated as the first single. They disbanded in 2000.
Two of the band's songs, "Weed" and "Under the Wing", were used in the 2000 film Cruel Intentions 2
Cruel Intentions 2
Cruel Intentions 2 is the 2000 American comedy-drama prequel to Cruel Intentions and was released direct-to-video. It was written and directed by Roger Kumble, who was also responsible for the first film. The film stars Robin Dunne, Sarah Thompson, Amy Adams, and Keri Lynn Pratt...
.
Bands that Thin Lizard Dawn toured with include Matchbox 20, Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz
Leonard Albert "Lenny" Kravitz is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and arranger, whose "retro" style incorporates elements of rock, soul, R&B, funk, reggae, hard rock, psychedelic, folk and ballads...
, G-Love, and The Lemonheads
The Lemonheads
The Lemonheads are an American alternative rock band first formed in 1986 by Evan Dando, Ben Deily and Jesse Peretz. Dando has remained the band's only constant member....
.
Afterwards
- Howie Statland went on to form the band NYC Smoke.
- Greg Lattimer formed HotSocky. He has also done producing, including the 2006 album Yours to KeepYours to KeepYours to Keep, the debut solo album by The Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr, was released October 9, 2006 in the UK through Rough Trade Records and was released in North America on March 6, 2007 through New Line Records/Scratchie Records. The first single taken from it, "Everyone Gets a Star",...
by Albert Hammond, Jr..
- Mike Gagliardi has played bass for Davey La, and has recorded albums as Mikki James.
- Dave Berk plays multiple instruments and is a music producer, and has led bands that have appeared at the Anguilla and Philippine Jazz Festivals.
- Original bassist Ken Fermaglich moved into the business side of music, working with The Agency Group in New York.
Discography
- Thin Lizard Dawn (1997)
- 1. What Did I Do
- 2. Sexual Dynamo
- 3. Killing Charlie
- 4. Happy/Loonies
- 5. Anesthesia
- 6. Pop Life
- 7. Say What You Want
- 8. Weed
- 9. Space
- 10. Power Intro
- 11. Power Ballad
- 12. Sucks
- 13. Heavily Addicted
- Go (1999)
- 1. Get It
- 2. Summer Song
- 3. Gettin' a Piece
- 4. Soda Pop & Lemonade
- 5. Thrill Ride
- 6. Sleep
- 7. Ooh
- 8. New Kid
- 9. Kiddies & The Ravers
- 10. Messages
- 11. Turn Yourself In
- 12. Under Dina Vingo (Under the Wing)
- 13. Passengers on Planet Earth
- For Faces and Places (limited release)
External links
- [ Thin Lizard Dawn on Allmusic.com]