Dressy Bessy
| Dressy Bessy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Denver, Colorado, United States |
| Genres |
Indie rock Power pop |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Labels |
Kindercore Records Transdreamer Records |
| Associated acts | The Apples in Stereo |
| Website | dressybessy.com |
| Members |
Tammy Ealom John Hill Craig Gilbert |
| Past members |
Darren Albert Rob Greene |
Dressy Bessy is an indie rock band from Denver, Colorado, associated with the Elephant Six Collective. Guitarist John Hill also plays with The Apples in Stereo. Lead vocalist/guitarist Tammy Ealom formed the band with drummer Darren Albert and guitarist turned bassist Rob Greene in 1996.[1] The name was taken from a popular Playskool doll of the 1970s.[2] Hill joined around the time they started recording. They released two singles and an EP in 1997-98 and licensed songs to some compilation albums.[3]
Dressy Bessy's first full-length release Pink Hearts, Yellow Moons (1999) was a mixture of beat group drums, infectious songs, and the odd burst of harmonium. Further releases include California EP (2000), Sound Go Round (2002), and 2003's Dressy Bessy,[4] which incorporated a harder guitar sound. 2003 also brought the compilation Little Music: Singles 1997-2002. These albums were initially released on Kindercore Records of Athens, Georgia. Their songs "If You Should Try to Kiss Her" and "Just Like Henry" were featured in the 1999 indie film But I'm A Cheerleader.
In late 2004, drummer Darren Albert left the band and was replaced in 2005 by Craig Gilbert. Later that year, the band signed to Transdreamer Records and recorded their fourth album, Electrified, which was released in June 2005. The band released HOLLERandSTOMP, on September 16, 2008.
Members
- Tammy Ealom - Guitar, Lead Vocals (1996–Present)
- Jeff - Bass (Present)
- Rob Greene - Bass (1996–2015?)
- John Hill - Guitar (1996–Present)
- Darren Albert - Drums (1996–2005)
- Craig Gilbert - Drums (2005–Present)
- James Barone - Drums (2008) (Touring Member)
- Paul Garcia - Guitar, Keys, Percussion (2008) (Touring Member)
Discography
Albums
- Pink Hearts Yellow Moons (Kindercore; CD; 1999)
- SoundGoRound (Kindercore; CD; 2002)
- Little Music: Singles 1997-2002 (Kindercore; CD; 2003)
- Dressy Bessy (Kindercore; CD; 2003)
- Electrified (Transdreamer Records; CD/LP; 2005)
- Holler and Stomp (Transdreamer Records; CD/LP; 2008)
- Kingsized (Yep Roc Records; CD/LP; 2016)
EPs and singles
- Ultra Vivid Color (Little Dipper; 7"; 1997)
- You Stand Here (Drug Racer; CD; 1998)
- Sunny (100 Guitar Mania; 7"; 1999)
- California EP (Kindercore; CD; 2000)
- Split w/ Saloon (Track & Field Organisation; 7"; 2002)
Compilation appearances
- "The Things That You Say That You Do" on Dive Right Inn: The Only Spring Break CD You'll Need (American Eagle Outfitters; CD; 2004)
- "Makeup" on Pure Spun Sugar (CandyFloss; LP; 1998)
- "Extra-Ordinary" on A Bunch Of Beatniks Riding A Rocket (Red Carpet Ring; Cassette; 1999)
- "Lookaround" on Beikoku-Ongaku vol. 13 (Beikoku-Ongaku; CD/Mag; 1999)
- "Just Like Henry" on Counterattack Of U.S. Indie (Contact; CD; 1999)
- "All The Right Reasons" on Christmas Two (Kindercore; CD; 1999)
- "Just Like Henry" and "If You Should Try To Kiss Her" on But I'm A Cheerleader (OST; 1997)
- "Bubbles" on The Powerpuff Girls: Heroes And Villains (Rhino; CD; 2000)
- "Gloria Days" on Songs For A Crimson Eggtree (Earworm; LP; 2000)
- "Instead" on Kindercore Fifty (Kindercore; 3 CDs; 2000)
- "Some Better Days" on The Winter Report (Hype City; CD; 2001)
- "Extra-Ordinary (re-mix)" on Space Program (Philter; CD; 2001)
- "Side 2" on Quiero ser linda como Ale !!! (Niñoboy; CD; 2008)
References
- ↑ Strong, Martin C. (2003). "The 1990s: Dressy Bessy". The Great Indie Discography (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Canongate. p. Nick DRAKE (cont). ISBN 978-1-84195-335-9.
- ↑ "'Dressy Bessy And Dapper Dan' Help Children Learn To Dress". The Robesonian. July 30, 1970.
- ↑ "Self-titled Reviews". dressybessy.com. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
- ↑ Zuaro, Kara (August 2003). "Dressy Bessy: Dressy Bessy (Kindercore)". CMJ New Music Monthly: 49.
rough-edged vocal distortions create a sound that suggests the Chiffons on a beer run with the Breeders