Dream Syndicate
The early '80s were an exciting time for those with a taste for American west coast rock. Several aspiring new acts appeared in the space of a few months that were obviously indebted to the late '60s, but managed to offer something refreshingly vital in the process. The Dream Syndicate's debut THE DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES (recorded in September 1982), more than justified the attention that the ‘paisley underground’ bands were attracting. Consisting of songwriter Steve Wynn (guitar/vocals), Karl Precoda (guitar), Kendra Smith (bass) and Dennis Duck (drums), the band chose their finest song, Tell Me When It's Over, for their first UK single, issued on Rough Tradein late 1983. A deal with A&M Records followed, and MEDICINE SHOW appeared in 1984. Like their debut, there was a definite acknowledgement to the influence of both Lou Reed and Neil Young. By this time, though, Kendra Smith had joined partner David Roback in Opal. THIS IS NOT THE NEW DREAM SYNDICATE ALBUM, released the following year, recycled their early recordings; the band, meanwhile, left A&M for the Demon label in time to release a self-titled mini-album that summer. Another move, this time to Chrysalis Records’ offshoot Big Time resulted in OUT OF THE GREY exactly a year later, but the band's approach was gradually shifting to the mainstream. After a 12-inch single, 50 In A 25 Zone, the Dream Syndicate moved to the Enigma label, distributed in the UK by Virgin Records. 1988's GHOST STORIES was followed by I Have Faith, and then came a live offering, LIVE AT RAJI'S, in 1989. However, the band have never surpassed the dizzy heights of their first album.