finetune artist: Better Than Ezra

This unusually named US alternative rock band was formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1988, by university students Kevin Griffin (b. 1 October 1968, USA; vocals/guitar), Joel Rundell (b. USA, d. 8 August 1990, USA; guitar), Cary Bonnecaze (drums) and Tom Drummond (b. 30 June 1969; bass). They made their debut a year later with a cassette-only release, Surprise, which featured spikey guitar pop in the tradition of the Replacements, a formula they soon perfected during extensive touring of the southern states of America. The suicide of lead guitarist Rundell in 1990 put the future of the band in doubt, but the remaining trio opted to continue Better Than Ezra without replacing their former bandmate. Their first album, Deluxe, was recorded in 1993 and released on the band's own SWELL Records label. Prompted by strong fanzine and live support, it eventually sold over 25,000 copies. Several major label A&R staff became interested in their activities, with former Kerrang! journalist Derek Oliver finally signing the band to Elektra Records. They repackaged and re-released Deluxe to immediate critical acclaim. The single "Good" reached number 1 on the "Alternative Radio" charts, further helping to push the album into the Top 50 of the Billboard album list.

Listen to Better Than Ezra at Finetune.

(2009) Live At House Of Blues New Orleans
(2005) Greatest Hits
(2005) Rhino Hi-Five: Better Than Ezra
(1998) How Does Your Garden Grow
(1998) How Does Your Garden Grow
(1996) Friction, Baby
(1995) Deluxe
(1995) Deluxe

Good
Desperately Wanting
At the Stars
King of New Orleans
In The Blood