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{{Short description|American power pop band}}
{{lead too short|date=May 2013}}
{{lead too short|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| image =
| name = Gigolo Aunts
| caption =
| image = Gigolo Aunts (7115906387).jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Gigolo Aunts in Japan
| landscape = yes
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| alias = Sniper
| alias = Sniper
| origin = [[Potsdam, New York]], [[United States]]
| origin = [[Potsdam, New York]], [[United States]]
| instrument =
| instrument =
| genre = [[Indie rock]], [[power pop]], [[alternative rock]]
| genre = [[Indie rock]], [[alternative rock]], [[power pop]]
| occupation =
| occupation =
| years_active = 1981–present
| years_active = 1981–present
| label = Coyote, Impossible, Summerville, Munster, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire]], Alias, [[RCA Records|RCA]], Wicked Disc, E Pluribus Unum, Bittersweet, [[Q Division Records|Q Division]], Love To Art
| label = Coyote, Impossible, Summerville, Munster, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire]], Alias, [[RCA Records|RCA]], Wicked Disc, E Pluribus Unum, Bittersweet, [[Q Division Records|Q Division]], Love to Art
| associated_acts = [[Low Stars]]
| associated_acts = [[Low Stars]]
| website = [http://www.gigoloaunts.net gigoloaunts.net]
| current_members =
| current_members =
| past_members =
| past_members =
| notable_instruments =
}}
}}
⚫
'''Gigolo Aunts''' are an [[United States|American]] [[power pop]] band, who were formed in 1981.


⚫
'''Gigolo Aunts''' are an [[United States|American]] [[power pop]] band, who formed in 1981.
⚫
==Biography==


⚫
==Biography==
===Early history===
===Early history===
The band was formed by middle school students Steve Hurley, [[Dave Gibbs]], [[Phil Hurley]], and Paul Brouwer in 1981 in [[Potsdam, New York]], originally known as Sniper. In 1986 their name changed to Gigolo Aunts (after the [[Syd Barrett]] song, "Gigolo Aunt", from his 1970 album, ''[[Barrett (album)|Barrett]]''<ref>[http://www.sydbarrett.com/music.htm "Syd Barrett - Music"], "Syd Barrett Official Website". Retrieved on 2011-01-22.</ref>) and became a staple on the Northern New York music scene, gaining a reputation for frenetic live sets that featured the close harmonies of the Hurley brothers and Gibbs. In the summer of 1987 the band re-located to Boston, Massachusetts and within a year were signed to Hoboken's Coyote Records (then home of [[the Feelies]] and [[Yo La Tengo]]). Their first album entitled ''[[Everybody Happy]]'' was produced by former [[The Bongos|Bongo]] bassist (and late version [[Velvet Underground]] member), Rob Norris, and released in 1988. After touring up and down the east coast, the band returned to Boston and began working on their follow up album with producer Paul Kolderie. Early in the sessions, Coyote Records folded, and only a handful of songs were finished. After a year of slugging in out in the Boston clubs and recording new songs with Kolderie, the band completed ''[[Tales from the Vinegar Side]]'', which was released only in Spain on Imposible Records in 1990. The album produced a modest Boston area radio hit in "Down on Me."
The band was formed by middle school students Steve Hurley, [[Dave Gibbs (musician)|Dave Gibbs]], [[Phil Hurley]], and Paul Brouwer in 1981 in [[Potsdam, New York]], United States, originally known as Sniper.<ref name="Larkin90"/> In 1986, their name changed to Gigolo Aunts (after the [[Syd Barrett]] song, "Gigolo Aunt", from his 1970 album ''[[Barrett (album)|Barrett]]'') and became a staple on the Northern New York music scene, gaining a reputation for frenetic live sets that featured the close harmonies of the Hurley brothers and Gibbs.<ref name="Larkin90">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=2000|edition=First|isbn=0-7535-0427-8|page=174}}</ref> In the summer of 1987 the band relocated to [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]], and within a year were signed to Hoboken's Coyote Records (then home of [[the Feelies]] and [[Yo La Tengo]]). Their first album entitled ''[[Everybody Happy]]'' was produced by former [[The Bongos|Bongo]] bassist (and late version [[Velvet Underground]] member), Rob Norris, and released in 1988. After touring up and down the east coast, the band returned to Boston and began working on their follow up album with producer [[Paul Q. Kolderie]]. Early in the sessions, Coyote Records folded, and only a handful of songs were finished. After a year of slugging in out in the Boston clubs and recording new songs with Kolderie, the band completed ''[[Tales from the Vinegar Side]]'', which was released only in Spain on Impossible Records in 1990. The album produced a modest Boston area radio hit in "Down on Me".


===Chart success===
===Chart success===
In fall 1991, the band released the "[[Bloom (Gigolo Aunts song)|Bloom]]"/"[[Cope (song)|Cope]]" 7&nbsp;inch single on their own Summerville records. The single garnered rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic and heavy Boston area airplay, which led to a record deal with [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]] in the UK. An EP, ''[[Full-On Bloom (EP)|Full-On Bloom]]'', was released in July 1993 and an album, ''[[Flippin' Out]]'', made with producers Mike Deneen and Adam Lasus, was released in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] in October 1993. The band supported [[Suede (band)|Suede]] and [[the Cranberries]] on their first major U.S. tour and a tour of Japan. The band toured extensively in Europe in support of ''[[Flippin' Out]]'', opening for [[the Wonderstuff]].
In fall 1991, the band released the "Bloom"/"Cope" 7&nbsp;inch single on their own Summerville Records. The single garnered rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic and heavy Boston area airplay, which led to a record deal with [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]] in the UK.<ref name="Larkin90"/> An EP, ''[[Full-On Bloom (EP)|Full-On Bloom]]'', was released in July 1993 and an album, ''[[Flippin' Out]]'', made with producers Mike Deneen and Adam Lasus, was released in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] in October 1993.<ref name="Larkin90"/> The band supported [[Suede (band)|Suede]] and [[the Cranberries]] on their first major U.S. tour and a tour of Japan. The band toured extensively in Europe in support of ''[[Flippin' Out]]'', opening for [[the Wonderstuff]].


After signing to RCA Records in the US early in 1994, the band released the slightly altered American version of ''[[Flippin' Out]]'' and spent the year supporting the record in Europe and America. Their biggest commercial success was the single, "[[Where I Find My Heaven]]", which featured in the soundtrack to the [[film]], ''[[Dumb and Dumber]]'', and as the opening music to the British [[situation comedy|sitcom]], ''[[Game On (UK TV series)|Game On]]''. The single release of "Where I Find My Heaven" broke into the [[Top 40|Top 30]] in the [[UK Singles Chart]] early in 1995.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
After signing to RCA Records in the US early in 1994, the band released the slightly altered American version of ''[[Flippin' Out]]'' and spent the year supporting the record in Europe and America. Their biggest commercial success was the single, "[[Where I Find My Heaven]]", which featured in the soundtrack to the [[film]] ''[[Dumb and Dumber]]'', and as the opening music to the British [[situation comedy|sitcom]] ''[[Game On (UK TV series)|Game On]]''.<ref name="Larkin90"/> The single release of "Where I Find My Heaven" broke into the [[Top 40|Top 30]] in the [[UK Singles Chart]] early in 1995.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
| first= David
| first= David
| last= Roberts
| last= Roberts
Line 34: Line 34:
| title= British Hit Singles & Albums
| title= British Hit Singles & Albums
| edition= 19th
| edition= 19th
| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited
| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited
| location= London
| location= London
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5
| page= 227}}</ref> The band also composed the song, "Little Wild One", for the movie, ''[[That Thing You Do!]]''
| page= 227}}</ref> The band also composed the song, "Little Wild One", for the movie, ''[[That Thing You Do!]]''


===Later history===
===Later history===
In the winter of 1995, drummer Paul Brouwer left and was replaced by Fred Eltringham, then of the Boston band, Jack Drag. In the fall of 1995, the band entered the studio with producer Fred Maher to record the follow-up to ''[[Flippin' Out]]'', tentatively titled ''Ultraphonic''. The subsequent recordings were never released and soon after Phil Hurley left the band and was replaced by 6L6 guitarist, Jon Skibic.
In the winter of 1995, drummer Paul Brouwer left and was replaced by Fred Eltringham, then of the Boston band, Jack Drag. In the fall of 1995, the band entered the studio with producer Fred Maher to record the follow-up to ''[[Flippin' Out]]'', tentatively titled ''Ultraphonic''. The subsequent recordings were never released and soon after Phil Hurley left the band and was replaced by 6L6 guitarist, Jon Skibic.


In 1996, after getting released from their RCA deal, the band began the long process of ending their relationship with [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]]. In the meantime, they released an EP, ''[[Learn to Play Guitar]]'', on the indie Wicked Disc label, which allowed them to tour extensively in support of [[the Wallflowers]] and [[Counting Crows]].
In 1996, after getting released from their RCA deal, the band began the long process of ending their relationship with [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]]. In the meantime, they released an EP, ''[[Learn to Play Guitar]]'', on the indie Wicked Disc label, which allowed them to tour extensively in support of [[the Wallflowers]] and [[Counting Crows]].


⚫
After settling their contract status in 1998, the band signed a new deal with E Pluribus Unum Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records owned and led by [[Counting Crows|Counting Crows']] singer, [[Adam Duritz]].<ref name="Larkin90"/> The band entered the studio once again with producer Mike Denneen and produced the haunting ''[[Minor Chords and Major Themes]]'', which featured the minor hit, "[[Everyone Can Fly]]".<ref name="Larkin90"/> ''Minor Chords And Major Themes'' was a hit in Spain and led to the band's long-standing popularity in that country and appearance at the [[Festival Internacional de Benicàssim|Benicassim Festival]] in 1999.
On July 2, 1997, Counting Crows kicked off a co-headlining tour with [[The Wallflowers]] that continued through September. This tour included opening acts by [[Bettie Serveert]], [[Engine 88]], Gigolo Aunts, and [[That Dog]]), with each opening band touring for a three-week stretch.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=fA8EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA16&ots=7hns0mDnvr&dq=Bettie%20Serveert%20%22The%20Wallflowers%22%201997&pg=PA16#v=onepage&q=Bettie%20Serveert%20%22The%20Wallflowers%22%201997&f=false Billboard Magazine, May 24, 1997, Page 16] (link accessed January 14, 2015)</ref> While touring with Counting Crows, The Wallflowers were also playing their own headlining dates when the Counting Crows tour was on break (Counting Crows frontman [[Adam Duritz]] experienced swollen vocal cords and had to back out of several shows in July).<ref>http://www.mtv.com/news/1427546/counting-crows-counted-in-again/</ref>


The Gigolo Aunts played a few shows in 2023 including November 15, 2023 at Brooklyn Made, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
⚫
After settling their contract status in 1998, the band signed a new deal with E Pluribus Unum Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records owned and led by [[Counting Crows|Counting Crows']] singer, [[Adam Duritz]]. The band entered the studio once again with producer Mike Denneen and produced the haunting ''[[Minor Chords And Major Themes|Minor Chords and Major Themes]]'', which featured the minor hit, "[[Everyone Can Fly]]." ''[[Minor Chords And Major Themes|Minor Chords]]'' was a hit in Spain and led to the band’s long-standing popularity in that country and appearance at the [[Festival Internacional de Benicàssim|Benicassim Festival]] in 1999.

In 2000, primary songwriters Gibbs and Hurley relocated to Los Angeles to pursue songwriting for film and TV. After writing for Josie and the Pussycats and a number of TV shows, Gibbs and Hurley recorded one final Gigolo Aunts album, ''[[Pacific Ocean Blues (album)|Pacific Ocean Blues]]'', (produced by Chris Horvath) accompanied by Skibic and Eltringham on most tracks and by Mark Rivers and Phil Hurley on others. The album was released in Spain on Love to Art Records and in the U.S on [[Q Division Records]].


==Members==
==Members==
Line 54: Line 52:
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
;Current Members
;Current Members
*[[Dave Gibbs]] (vocals/guitar)
*[[Dave Gibbs (musician)|Dave Gibbs]] (vocals/guitar)
*Steve Hurley (bass/vocals)
*Steve Hurley (bass/vocals)
⚫
*Fred Eltringham (drums, 1995-)
*Jon Skibic (lead guitar/vocals, 1995-)
*Jon Skibic (lead guitar/vocals, 1995-)
⚫
*Fred Eltringham (drums, 1995-)
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
;Former Members
;Former Members
*[[Phil Hurley]] (vocals/lead guitar, 1981–1995)
*[[Phil Hurley]] (lead guitar/vocals, 1981–1995)
*Paul Brouwer (drums, 1981–1995)
*Paul Brouwer (drums, 1981–1995)
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}
Line 67: Line 65:
<timeline>
<timeline>
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:25
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:25
PlotArea = left:120 bottom:120 top:0 right:0
PlotArea = left:120 bottom:120 top:5 right:0
Alignbars = justify
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1981 till:12/31/2016
Period = from:01/01/1981 till:12/31/2016
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:2
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1981
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1981
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1981
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1981
Line 78: Line 76:
Colors =
Colors =
id:v value:red legend:Vocals
id:v value:red legend:Vocals
id:lg value:green legend:Lead_Guitar
id:lg value:teal legend:Lead_Guitar
id:rg value:yellow legend:Rhythm_Guitar
id:rg value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_Guitar
id:b value:blue legend:Bass
id:b value:blue legend:Bass
id:d value:orange legend:Drums
id:d value:orange legend:Drums
Line 97: Line 95:


PlotData =
PlotData =
width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(12,–4)
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(12,–4)
bar:Dave&nbsp;Gibbs from:start till:end color:rg
bar:Dave&nbsp;Gibbs from:start till:end color:v
bar:Dave&nbsp;Gibbs from:start till:end color:v width:3
bar:Dave&nbsp;Gibbs from:start till:end color:rg width:3
bar:Phil&nbsp;Hurley from:start till:10/01/1995 color:lg
bar:Phil&nbsp;Hurley from:start till:10/01/1995 color:lg
bar:Phil&nbsp;Hurley from:start till:10/01/1995 color:v width:3
bar:Phil&nbsp;Hurley from:start till:10/01/1995 color:v width:3
bar:Jon&nbsp;Skibic from:10/01/1995 till:end color:v
bar:Jon&nbsp;Skibic from:10/01/1995 till:end color:lg
bar:Jon&nbsp;Skibic from:10/01/1995 till:end color:lg width:3
bar:Jon&nbsp;Skibic from:10/01/1995 till:end color:v width:3
bar:Steve&nbsp;Hurley from:start till:end color:v
bar:Steve&nbsp;Hurley from:start till:end color:b
bar:Steve&nbsp;Hurley from:start till:end color:b width:3
bar:Steve&nbsp;Hurley from:start till:end color:v width:3
bar:Paul&nbsp;Brouwer from:start till:02/01/1995 color:d
bar:Paul&nbsp;Brouwer from:start till:02/01/1995 color:d
bar:Fred&nbsp;Eltringham from:02/01/1995 till:end color:d
bar:Fred&nbsp;Eltringham from:02/01/1995 till:end color:d
</timeline>
</timeline>


==Discography==
==Discography==

===Albums===
===Albums===
*''Better Than Fish'' (1987, Demo Tape)
*''Better Than Fish'' (1987, Demo Tape)
*''[[Everybody Happy]]'' (US - 1988, Coyote Records)
*''[[Everybody Happy]]'' (US - 1988, Coyote Records)
*''[[Tales from the Vinegar Side]]'' (Spain - 1990, Imposible Records)
*''[[Tales from the Vinegar Side]]'' (Spain - 1990, Impossible Records)
*''[[Full-On Bloom|Full-On Bloom (EP)]]'' (UK - 1993, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]]), (US - 1993, [[Alias Records]])
*''[[Full-On Bloom|Full-On Bloom (EP)]]'' (UK - 1993, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]]), (US - 1993, [[Alias Records]])
*''[[Flippin' Out]]'' (UK - 1993, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]]), (US - 1994, [[RCA Records|RCA]]/[[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]])
*''[[Flippin' Out]]'' (UK - 1993, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]]), (US - 1994, [[RCA Records|RCA]]/[[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]])
Line 124: Line 121:


===Compilation albums===
===Compilation albums===
*''[[Flippin' Out + Full-On Bloom]]'' (UK - 1995, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]])
*''Flippin' Out + Full-On Bloom'' (UK - 1995, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]])
*''[[Where I Find My Heaven (album)|Where I Find My Heaven]]'' (UK - 1997, Nectar Masters, UK - 1998, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]])
*''[[Where I Find My Heaven (album)|Where I Find My Heaven]]'' (UK - 1997, Nectar Masters, UK - 1998, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]])
*''[[The One Before the Last]]'' (Spain - 2000, Bittersweet Recordings)
*''[[The One Before the Last]]'' (Spain - 2000, Bittersweet Recordings)
*''[[Where I Find My Heaven + Flippin' Out]]'' (UK - 2003, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]])
*''[[Where I Find My Heaven + Flippin' Out]]'' (UK - 2003, [[Fire Records (UK)|Fire Records]])
*''[[The Pride Of Potsdam: 20 Years Of Sonic Splendor (album)|The Pride Of Potsdam: 20 Years Of Sonic Splendor]]'' (2006, Love To Art)
*''The Pride Of Potsdam: 20 Years Of Sonic Splendor'' (2006, Love To Art)


===Singles===
===Singles===
*"[[Bloom (Gigolo Aunts song)|Bloom]]" (1991)
*"Bloom" (1991)
*"[[I Am the Cosmos (Chris Bell Homage)]]" (1992)
*"[[I Am the Cosmos (Chris Bell Homage)]]" (1992)
*"[[Cope (song)|Cope]]" (1992)
*"Cope" (1992)
*"[[Bloom (Gigolo Aunts song)|Bloom]]" (1993)
*"Bloom" (1993)
*"[[Gun (Gigolo Aunts song)|Gun]]" (1993)
*"Gun" (1993)
*"[[Mrs. Washington]]" (1993)
*"[[Mrs. Washington]]" (1993)
*"[[Shame (Gigolo Aunts song)|Shame]]" (1993)
*"Shame" (1993)
*"[[Where I Find My Heaven]]" (1993)
*"[[Where I Find My Heaven]]" (1993)
*"[[Mrs. Washington]]" (1994)
*"[[Mrs. Washington]]" (1994)
*"[[Cope (song)|Cope]]" (Promo Single) (1994)
*"Cope" (Promo Single) (1994)
*"[[Bloom (Gigolo Aunts song)|Bloom]]" (Promo Single) (1994)
*"Bloom" (Promo Single) (1994)
*"[[Where I Find My Heaven]]" (1995)
*"[[Where I Find My Heaven]]" (1995)
*"[[Where I Find My Heaven]]" (Promo Single) (1995)
*"[[Where I Find My Heaven]]" (Promo Single) (1995)
*"[[The Big Lie (song)|The Big Lie]]" (Promo Single) (1999)
*"The Big Lie" (Promo Single) (1999)
*"[[Everyone Can Fly]]" (Promo Single) (1999)
*"[[Everyone Can Fly]]" (Promo Single) (1999)
*"The Girl From Yesterday" (Promo Single - Spain) (2001)
*"The Girl From Yesterday" (Promo Single - Spain) (2001)
Line 152: Line 149:
*"[[They Don't Know (Kirsty MacColl song)|They Don't Know]]", ''Volume 10'' (distributed by RTM/[[Pinnacle Entertainment (UK)|Pinnacle]]) Catalog Number: 10VCD10 (1994)
*"[[They Don't Know (Kirsty MacColl song)|They Don't Know]]", ''Volume 10'' (distributed by RTM/[[Pinnacle Entertainment (UK)|Pinnacle]]) Catalog Number: 10VCD10 (1994)
*"[[Where I Find My Heaven]]", ''[[Dumb and Dumber]] OST'' ([[RCA Records|RCA]]) Catalog Number: 07863 66523 2 (22 November 1994)
*"[[Where I Find My Heaven]]", ''[[Dumb and Dumber]] OST'' ([[RCA Records|RCA]]) Catalog Number: 07863 66523 2 (22 November 1994)
*"[[Heavens (album)|Mr. Woods]]", ''Safe and Sound: A Benefit in Response to the Brookline Clinic Violence'' ([[Mercury Records]]) Catalog Number: 314 534 067-2 (1996)
*"Mr. Woods", ''Safe and Sound: A Benefit in Response to the Brookline Clinic Violence'' ([[Mercury Records]]) Catalog Number: 314 534 067-2 (1996)
*"[[Why Can't This Be Love|Why Can't This Be Love?]]", ''Everybody Wants Some! (of Van Halen)'' ([[CherryDisc Records]]) Catalog Number: CH 5794-2 (1997)
*"[[Why Can't This Be Love|Why Can't This Be Love?]]", ''Everybody Wants Some! (of Van Halen)'' ([[CherryDisc Records]]) Catalog Number: CH 5794-2 (1997)
*"[[Minor Chords and Major Themes|You'd Better Get Yourself Together, Baby]]", ''Wicked Good Sampler 05'' ([[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]]) Catalog Number: UMG3P-21141 (1998)
*"You'd Better Get Yourself Together, Baby", ''Wicked Good Sampler 05'' ([[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]]) Catalog Number: UMG3P-21141 (1998)
*"[[Bandwagonesque|Alcoholiday]]", ''What a Concept!: A Salute to Teenage Fanclub'' ([[Not Lame Recordings]]) Catalog Number: NL-089 (2004)
*"Alcoholiday", ''What a Concept!: A Salute to Teenage Fanclub'' ([[Not Lame Recordings]]) Catalog Number: NL-089 (2004)
*"[[I'm Not the One]]", ''[[Substitution Mass Confusion: A Tribute to The Cars]]'' ([[Not Lame Recordings]]) Catalog Number: NL-102 (2005) ''attributed to Gigolo Aunts featuring Kid Lightning''
*"[[I'm Not the One]]", ''[[Substitution Mass Confusion: A Tribute to The Cars]]'' ([[Not Lame Recordings]]) Catalog Number: NL-102 (2005) ''attributed to Gigolo Aunts featuring Kid Lightning''


Line 169: Line 166:


[[Category:Musical groups established in 1981]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1981]]
[[Category:Alternative rock groups from New York]]
[[Category:Alternative rock groups from New York (state)]]

Latest revision as of 17:52, 9 September 2024

Gigolo Aunts
Gigolo Aunts in Japan
Gigolo Aunts in Japan
Background information
Also known asSniper
OriginPotsdam, New York, United States
GenresIndie rock, alternative rock, power pop
Years active1981–present
LabelsCoyote, Impossible, Summerville, Munster, Fire, Alias, RCA, Wicked Disc, E Pluribus Unum, Bittersweet, Q Division, Love to Art

Gigolo Aunts are an American power pop band, who formed in 1981.

Biography

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

The band was formed by middle school students Steve Hurley, Dave Gibbs, Phil Hurley, and Paul Brouwer in 1981 in Potsdam, New York, United States, originally known as Sniper.[1] In 1986, their name changed to Gigolo Aunts (after the Syd Barrett song, "Gigolo Aunt", from his 1970 album Barrett) and became a staple on the Northern New York music scene, gaining a reputation for frenetic live sets that featured the close harmonies of the Hurley brothers and Gibbs.[1] In the summer of 1987 the band relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, and within a year were signed to Hoboken's Coyote Records (then home of the Feelies and Yo La Tengo). Their first album entitled Everybody Happy was produced by former Bongo bassist (and late version Velvet Underground member), Rob Norris, and released in 1988. After touring up and down the east coast, the band returned to Boston and began working on their follow up album with producer Paul Q. Kolderie. Early in the sessions, Coyote Records folded, and only a handful of songs were finished. After a year of slugging in out in the Boston clubs and recording new songs with Kolderie, the band completed Tales from the Vinegar Side, which was released only in Spain on Impossible Records in 1990. The album produced a modest Boston area radio hit in "Down on Me".

Chart success

[edit]

In fall 1991, the band released the "Bloom"/"Cope" 7 inch single on their own Summerville Records. The single garnered rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic and heavy Boston area airplay, which led to a record deal with Fire Records in the UK.[1] An EP, Full-On Bloom, was released in July 1993 and an album, Flippin' Out, made with producers Mike Deneen and Adam Lasus, was released in the UK in October 1993.[1] The band supported Suede and the Cranberries on their first major U.S. tour and a tour of Japan. The band toured extensively in Europe in support of Flippin' Out, opening for the Wonderstuff.

After signing to RCA Records in the US early in 1994, the band released the slightly altered American version of Flippin' Out and spent the year supporting the record in Europe and America. Their biggest commercial success was the single, "Where I Find My Heaven", which featured in the soundtrack to the film Dumb and Dumber, and as the opening music to the British sitcom Game On.[1] The single release of "Where I Find My Heaven" broke into the Top 30 in the UK Singles Chart early in 1995.[2] The band also composed the song, "Little Wild One", for the movie, That Thing You Do!

Later history

[edit]

In the winter of 1995, drummer Paul Brouwer left and was replaced by Fred Eltringham, then of the Boston band, Jack Drag. In the fall of 1995, the band entered the studio with producer Fred Maher to record the follow-up to Flippin' Out, tentatively titled Ultraphonic. The subsequent recordings were never released and soon after Phil Hurley left the band and was replaced by 6L6 guitarist, Jon Skibic.

In 1996, after getting released from their RCA deal, the band began the long process of ending their relationship with Fire Records. In the meantime, they released an EP, Learn to Play Guitar, on the indie Wicked Disc label, which allowed them to tour extensively in support of the Wallflowers and Counting Crows.

After settling their contract status in 1998, the band signed a new deal with E Pluribus Unum Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records owned and led by Counting Crows' singer, Adam Duritz.[1] The band entered the studio once again with producer Mike Denneen and produced the haunting Minor Chords and Major Themes, which featured the minor hit, "Everyone Can Fly".[1] Minor Chords And Major Themes was a hit in Spain and led to the band's long-standing popularity in that country and appearance at the Benicassim Festival in 1999.

The Gigolo Aunts played a few shows in 2023 including November 15, 2023 at Brooklyn Made, Brooklyn, NY, USA.

Members

[edit]
Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

Compilation albums

[edit]

Singles

[edit]

Selected tracks from other compilations

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g Colin Larkin, ed. (2000). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music (First ed.). Virgin Books. p. 174. ISBN 0-7535-0427-8.
  2. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 227. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Gigolo_Aunts&oldid=1244870408"