Balloon Guy

Drug Testing in the Workplace
Drug Testing (instrumental)

Here's a fine example of why I started this. I've been meaning for years to digitize these singles...

The story is that way back when, when my girlfriend of that era graduated from Boston University she decided it was time to leave Boston. I had nothing keeping me there, so I went with her. There was a bit of triangulation about where to light though. It was 1989.
After each of us proposing a few places. We finally hit upon Minneapolis. It had produced Husker Du and the Replacements. If nothing else, it had a music scene. So the Twin Cities it was.
What I didn't know was that by the time we arrived that particular music scene had all but dried up. Things were in a bit of lull. I mean, there was still no shortage of bands to see in that pre-Intertube era when people actually had to leave their houses to be entertained. And at that point Minneapolis was still very much part of most touring itineraries, so I saw all kinds of amazing shows, but there really wasn't much locally that really appealed to me. I just wasn't a Grunge/ AmRep kind of guy.

One of the bands that I did really like was the unfortunately named Balloon Guy.

I swear they probably had the second worst name for a really good band I've ever come across. (The uncontested champion will forever be Zen Frisbee in my book.)

I sense a theme building. (Where are my Hypnolovewheel singles?)


Incidentally

Dapper








They had some of the guitar hooks that liked about early Pavement and some lyrical twists and quote worthy phrases that tickled me in the same way the Fall do. And a live intensity. Plus the singles were just ace. Just good stuff all around.


Scars

Moxabustion








After a few years and a double 7" recorded with Steve Albinie and "Soundbull" ep on compact disc, they were snapped up by Warner Brothers in the Major Label Post-Seattle frenzy when they were signing up indie bands left and right hoping to cash in big on a next big thing. Didn't happen.

I Ratted on You
Anodized
I Read It All
Russell



They released "West Coast Shakes" as their major label debut and swan song. It's an ok disc, but certainly didn't capture what the band was capable of. Worth picking up on Ebay if you come across it.

Anyway I've wasted enough of my valuable time and typing skills.