The Brian Jonestown Massacre

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Biography

The Brian Jonestown Massacre is an United States|American eclectic musical group led by Anton Newcombe , whose music spans multiple genres including psychedelic|psychedelia , electronica , folk music , blues, experimental music, and many others.

The group was founded by Anton Newcombe|Newcombe , Matt Hollywood , Ricky Maymi|Ricky Rene Maymi , Patrick Straczek and Travis Threlkel in the early 1990s in San Francisco .

The name "Brian Jonestown Massacre" is a portmanteau of The Rolling Stones ' founder and guitarist Brian Jones and the infamous mass cult suicide in Jonestown, Guyana .

Music

Anton Newcombe has been the band's only constant member; other key members have been Matt Hollywood, Joel Gion, Ricky Maymi and Jeff Davies. Newcombe and Hollywood have served as the group's primary songwriters.

1995's Methodrone approximates the UK shoegazing sound of the time. '' Their Satanic Majesties' Second Request '', one of three new albums released by the group in 1996, reflects a pastiche of 1960s psychedelia that continues to characterize the BJM sound to the present day. Newcombe defines the term 'psychedelic' as "mind-expanding," and BJM's output is generally referred to as such because of the revivalist nature of the music. Elements of Middle Eastern and Brazilian music are also apparent, along with influences by 1960s artists such as The Beatles , Os Mutantes , The Velvet Underground , Donovan , Love Band , The Byrds , Bob Dylan , and The Rolling Stones . In fact, ''Their Satanic Majesties' Second Request is an homage '' to the Rolling Stones' 1967 in music|1967 album, Their Satanic Majesties Request . The second album they released in 1996, Take It from the Man! '', was recorded in the Rolling Stones' mid-1960s style of rock rooted in rhythm and blues .

Thank God for Mental Illness , their third record released in 1996, displays a country and rhythm and blues oeuvre with voice and acoustic guitar dominating the overall sound. This is a format that Newcombe occasionally resorts to when presenting live material during times of transition in the band. A further country music|country / Folk music|folk approach was applied to the Bringing It All Back Home - Again , the title itself an homage to Bob Dylan 's Bringing It All Back Home .

Electronic music crept into 2003 in music|2003 's And This Is Our Music , evidencing more contemporary influences as well as name-checking the identically-titled albums This Is Our Music (disambiguation)|This Is Our Music , each by the artists Galaxie 500 and Ornette Coleman . In 2005 in music|2005 the band released the EP We Are the Radio on Newcombe's label Anton Newcombe|The Committee to Keep Music Evil , which featured a close collaboration with Independent music|indie singer-songwriter Sara Beth Tuceck.

My Bloody Underground was released on Cargo Records in 2008 in music|2008 , and demos were available since September 2007 from the band's website. The title has been interpreted to be a name-check to the bands My Bloody Valentine (band)|My Bloody Valentine , and The Velvet Underground as well as referencing BJM's endless procession of bandmates and the "scene" they collectively created. Newcombe has down-played such interpretations, however. Music videos of the songs on the album have also been released, including a music video compilation DVD entitled 'Book of Days'.

As of 2008, Newcombe has become increasingly interested in pastiche s . The percussion featured in the song "Amazing Electronic Talking Cave" from the Just Like Kicking Jesus EP for example, was derived from The Rolling Stones ' "Jumping Jack Flash". "Þungur Hnífur" was adapted from Goldfrapp 's " Ooh La La (Goldfrapp song)|Ooh La La ". The percussion for "Feel It" was based on that of Anita Ward 's song " Ring My Bell ". "This Is the One Thing We Did Not Want to Have Happen" draws elements from Joy Division , combining the percussion on "She's Lost Control" with the lyrics to "I Remember Nothing" (both of which are featured on Joy Division 's 1979 in music|1979 album Unknown Pleasures ), as well as fashioning grating guitar-effects reminiscent of the anarchist- punk rock|punk band Crass , which, for example, are found on the latter's "Mother-Earth" (from their 1979 in music|1979 album Stations of the Crass ). "This Is the First of Your Last Warning" loosely derives its percussion from Michael Jackson 's " Rock with You (Michael Jackson song)|Rock With You " (or Public Image Ltd. 's "Albatross" from their 1979 in music|1979 album Metal Box ).

The Brian Jonestown Massacre recorded both One EP and Who Killed Sgt. Pepper? in Iceland and Berlin in 2009. The One EP was released in November 2009. It features the songs "One" and "This Is the First of Your Last Warning" (which would also appear on Sgt. Pepper ), an English version of "This Is The First Of Your Last Warning", and an exclusive track "Bruttermania". Who Killed Sgt. Pepper? was released in February 2010. The album features musicians such as Unnur Andrea Einarsdottir (who recorded vocals on the previous BJM album) and Felix Bondareff from the Russian band Amazing Electronic Talking Cave, as well as other musicians from France, Germany, and Iceland. Will Carruthers also appeared on the album. Soon after the album's release, it was confirmed that Matt Hollywood had returned to the band after an eleven year absence. According to Anton Newcombe, he will feature on their next album and is currently touring with the band. The group was scheduled to play the All Tomorrow's Parties (music festival)|ATP New York 2010 music festival in Monticello, New York in September 2010, in support of the album, but canceled the appearance.

Newcombe's interest in cults like that of Jim Jones and Charles Manson is well known (and made apparent by the band's name), and songs such as "The Ballad of Jim Jones" (from Thank God for Mental Illness ) and "Arkansas Revisited" (from Bringing It All Back Home – Again ), which is a rework of Charles Manson 's song "Arkansas" (which appeared on the album Lie: The Love & Terror Cult ). Similar interests include a fascination with the Freemasons , Aleister Crowley , and Sufi mysticism.

Dig!

Along with The Dandy Warhols , BJM were the subjects of the 2004 documentary film Dig! . The film captured a love-hate relationship between both bands, highlighting the interaction of BJM frontman Anton Newcombe and Warhols' Courtney Taylor-Taylor. It was recorded over the course of seven years by Ondi Timoner , and won the Documentary Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival . Newcombe distanced himself from the film, stating that it's portrayal of him was unfair.

Members

The BJM has undergone many personnel changes, with Anton Newcombe being the only consistent member.

Current collaborators:

Will Carruthers – bass. Member from 2006–present. Formerly of Spacemen 3 and Spiritualized .

Matt Hollywood – guitar, bass, vocals. A founding member from 1990–1999, then from 2009–present. Also founder of the drone group Rebel Drones.

Jón Sæmundur Audarson – guitar, artwork. Collaborates with Newcombe on installations, videos, and recording. Currently heads the DEAD clothing store in Reykjavik , Iceland , as well as leading the drone/experimental group Dead Skeletons .

Henrik Baldvin Bjornsson – guitar. Collaborates with Newcombe with recordings. Also of the Icelanders|Icelandic band Singapore Sling (band)|Singapore Sling and Dead Skeletons.

Constantine Karlis – drums. Formerly of the New Zealand rock bands High Dependency Unit and Dimmer (band)|Dimmer .

Current touring members:

Joel Gion – percussion. (1994–1999, 2001, 2004–present). Also leads the San Francisco-based band, The Dilettantes.

Ricky Maymi – guitar (formerly drums & bass). (1990–1993, 2003–present).

Frankie Emerson – six and twelve string guitar. (2000–present). Also of the Spaghetti Western band, Spindrift (band)|Spindrift .

Rob Campanella – keyboard, organ (and occasionally guitar). (2000–present). Also of the psychedelic band, The Quarter After.

Dan Allaire – drums. (2002–present). Also of Spindrift (band)|Spindrift .

Collin Hegna – bass/guitar. (2004–present).

Matt Hollywood – guitar, vocals.

Notes on some former BJM members:

Patrick Straczek - guitar. Founding member but left in 1991. Did not record any material with the band. Replaced by Jeffrey Davies (guitarist)|Jeff Davies in 1992.

Jeffrey Davies (guitarist)|Jeff Davies – guitar, organ. A member of BJM from 1992–1999 and 2001–2003. Currently with the country music|country - pop music|pop / folk rock band The Burlington Family. Previously with The Tulips and Smallstone.

Dean Taylor (musician)|Dean Taylor – guitar. (1996–1999). Currently contributes to Tokyo Raid (band)|Tokyo Raid (formerly The Mandarins). Left BJM permanently in 1999 in music|1999 .

Peter Hayes (musician)|Peter Hayes – guitar. A member in 1997. Toured in 1998. A founding member of alternative rock trio Black Rebel Motorcycle Club .

Travis Threlkel – guitar. A founding member. Currently the creative director of multi-media design company, Obscura Digital, as well as the leader of psychedelic/experimental band The Imajinary Friends.

Miranda Lee Richards – guitar and vocals. Currently a solo recording artist.

Brian Glaze – drums (1994–1996) and toured (1997–1998). Currently a solo recording artist and member of The Gris Gris .

Matthew J. Tow – guitar. Leader of Australian band The Lovetones . Previously with Independent music|indie rock bands Drop City and Colorsound.

Brad Artley – drums. Was a member from 1996-97. He has also played drums for The Richmond Sluts.

Comprehensive line-up history

	Guitar	Bass	Drums	Vocals	Miscellaneous, Guests, Etc.
1990–1991	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Ricky Maymi Patrick Straczek Travis Threlkel	Matt Hollywood Ricky Maymi	Ricky Maymi	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood
1992	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Ricky Maymi Travis Threlkel	Matt Hollywood Ricky Maymi	Ricky Maymi	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood
1993	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Ricky Maymi Travis Threlkel Elise Dye	Matt Hollywood Ricky Maymi Chris Dupré	Ricky Maymi Brant Graff	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood	Ian Sefchik - Guitar
1994	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Elise Dye Dean Taylor (musician)\|Dean Taylor	Matt Hollywood Chris Dupré	Brian Glaze Milo Warner Martin	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Sophie Guenan - Tambourine Mara Keagle - Organ Dawn Thomas - Accordion
1995	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Elise Dye Dean Taylor (musician)\|Dean Taylor	Matt Hollywood	Brian Glaze Milo Warner Martin Graham Bonnar	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Miranda Lee Richards Mara Keagle	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Sophie Guenan - Tambourine Mara Keagle - Organ (appears as "Mara Kagel" on Take It From The Man! ) Dawn Thomas - Accordion Eufloria - Vocals on "Evergreen" & "Wisdom (Demo)" Paolo Simmonds- Vocals on "Everyone Says"
1996	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Dean Taylor (musician)\|Dean Taylor	Matt Hollywood	Brian Glaze Mike Burns Brad Artley	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Miranda Lee Richards Mara Keagle	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Derek Hoeckel - Guitar/Tambourine/Maracas Dawn Thomas - Accordion Dan Knop - Vocals on "All Around You (intro)"
1997	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Robert Desmond Dean Taylor (musician)\|Dean Taylor Miranda Lee Richards Peter Hayes (singer)\|Peter Hayes	Matt Hollywood	Brad Artley Jussi Tegelman Adam Hamilton	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Robert Desmond Miranda Lee Richards	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Robert Desmond - Cello Raugust - Flute
1998	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Dean Taylor (musician)\|Dean Taylor Adam Le Blanc	Matt Hollywood Charles Mehling	Norm Block Adam Hamilton Johnny Haro Billy Pleasant Marty Smith	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Miranda Lee Richards	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Miranda Lee Richards - Flute
1999	Anton Newcombe Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Dean Taylor (musician)\|Dean Taylor Miranda Lee Richards Jeff Levitz The red hearts\|Lenny Pops Bobby Hecksher	Charles Mehling		Anton Newcombe Miranda Lee Richards	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Christof Certik - Keyboards
2000	Anton Newcombe Frankie Emerson aka Frankie Teardrop Jeff Levitz	Bobby Hecksher	Hunter Crowley Greg Epman	Anton Newcombe	Mara Keagle - Vocals
2001	Anton Newcombe Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Frankie Emerson\|Frankie "Teardrop" Emerson Rob Campanella	Dave Koenig	Hunter Crowley	Anton Newcombe	Mara Keagle - Vocals on Bravery, Repetition and Noise (appears as "Mara") Joel Gion - Tambourine/Percussion Jason Anchondo - Tambourine Raugust - Flute Rob Campanella - Organ/Mellotron/Mandolin Christopher Tucker - Co-wrote "If Love Is the Drug…"
2002	Anton Newcombe Jeffrey Davies\|Jeff Davies Frankie Emerson\|Frankie "Teardrop" Emerson Rob Campanella Kirpatrick Thomas	Dave Koenig	Dan Allaire	Anton Newcombe	Rob Campanella - Organ
2003	Anton Newcombe Frankie Emerson\|Frankie "Teardrop" Emerson Rob Campanella Ricky Maymi Matthew J. Tow Kirpatrick Thomas Bowerbird	Dave Koenig Tommy Dietrick	Dan Allaire	Anton Newcombe	Rob Campanella - Organ/ Dobro/ Piano/ Mandolin Ed Harcourt - Vocals on "Here It Comes" Daniella Meeker - Vocals on "Here It Comes" Matt Tow - Vocals & wrote on "Starcleaner" (also wrote & sang on "A New Low In Getting High") Joseph Campanella - whistling on "You Look Great When I'm Fucked Up"
2004	Anton Newcombe Frankie Emerson\|Frankie "Teardrop" Emerson Rob Campanella Ricky Maymi	Collin Hegna Dave Koenig	Dan Allaire Ryan Sumner Brian Glaze	Anton Newcombe	Joel Gion (on and off)- Tambourine/ Maracas Rob Campanella - Organ Zy Lynn - Violin on If Love Is the Drug... Single
2005	Anton Newcombe Frankie Emerson\|Frankie "Teardrop" Emerson Rob Campanella Ricky Maymi Irina Yalkowsky	Collin Hegna	Dan Allaire	Anton Newcombe	Joel Gion (on and off)- Tambourine/ Maracas Rob Campanella - Organ Sarabeth Tucek - Vocals on We Are The Radio
2006	Anton Newcombe Frankie Emerson\|Frankie "Teardrop" Emerson Rob Campanella Ricky Maymi Irina Yalkowsky	Collin Hegna	Dan Allaire	Anton Newcombe	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Rob Campanella - Organ/Mellotron
2007	Anton Newcombe Frankie Emerson\|Frankie "Teardrop" Emerson Rob Campanella Ricky Maymi	Collin Hegna	Dan Allaire	Anton Newcombe	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Rob Campanella - Organ/Mellotron
2008	Anton Newcombe Frankie Emerson\|Frankie "Teardrop" Emerson Ricky Maymi	Collin Hegna Will Carruthers	Dan Allaire	Anton Newcombe	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Rob Campanella - Organ/Mellotron
2009-2010	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood Frankie Emerson\|Frankie "Teardrop" Emerson Ricky Maymi	Collin Hegna	Dan Allaire	Anton Newcombe Matt Hollywood	Joel Gion - Tambourine/ Maracas Rob Campanella - Organ/Mellotron

Related acts

The Dandy Warhols

The Black Angels (band)|The Black Angels

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Dead Meadow

The Dilettantes

The Quarter After

Miranda Lee Richards

Spindrift (band)|Spindrift

Sky Parade

The Parties (band)|The Parties

The Out Crowd

The Warlocks

Moth (band)|MOTH

Molecular

Thee International Molecules

Astral (band)|Astral

The Lovetones

Sarah Beth Tuceck

The Cindys

The Morning After Girls

The Three 4 Tens

The band has also influenced many other indie bands noted in the Brian Jonestown Massacre Covers Project.

Discography

1993 Spacegirl & Other Favorites

1995 Methodrone

1996 Take It from the Man!

1996 '' Their Satanic Majesties' Second Request

1996 Thank God for Mental Illness

1997 Give It Back!

1998 Strung Out in Heaven

1999 Bringing It All Back Home – Again (EP)

2000 Zero (EP)

2001 If I Love You (EP)

2001 Bravery, Repetition and Noise

2003 And This Is Our Music|...And This Is Our Music

2005 We Are the Radio (EP)

2008 My Bloody Underground

2008 Just Like Kicking Jesus (EP)

2009 Smoking Acid (EP)

2009 One EP (EP)

2010 Who Killed Sgt. Pepper?

2012 Aufheben

In popular culture

The BJM and former friends/rivals The Dandy Warhols were the subject of the acclaimed documentary DiG! .

"Open Heart Surgery" appeared on the Rescue Me (soundtrack)|soundrack to the TV series Rescue Me (TV series)|Rescue Me .

A number of Jonestown songs were used in the improvisational film by Zak Penn entitled The Grand .

All but one song in the 2007 film Broken (2007 film)|Broken , consisted of music by The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

"Straight Up and Down" is used as the opening theme song for the show Boardwalk Empire on HBO .

Copyright Citations

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1. The Dandy Warhols

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