Tone Dogs

Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

Alternative, experimental rock

Status:

Final release, The Early Middle Years (1992)

See also:

Band member, Amy Denio's site

The Ectophiles' Guide entries for Amy Denio and Caveman Shoestore (a band Fred Chalenor worked with after Tone Dogs)

Comparisons:

Like Amy Denio's solo work and Caveman Shoestore

Covers/own material:

Own, occasional traditional tune, occasional covers

General comments:

A seminal experimental rock group—formed the basis of a lot of other sounds and bands.

Recommended first album:

Either

Recordings:

• Ankety Low Day (1990—C/Z Records—CZ016)
• The Early Middle Years

The Early Middle Years

Release info:

1992—Soleilmoon Recordings—SOL 10 CD

Availability:

Out of print but can still be found in used disc stores in the northwest U.S.

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended for anyone interested in experimental rock

Group members:

Fred Chalenor—guitar, 5-string bass, kurzweil, vocals
Amy Denio—fretted & fretless bass, guitar, musette, alto sax, vocals
Will Dowd—drums, electronics, vocals

Produced by:

The Tone Dogs and Drew Canulette

Comments:

A mix of unusual sounds with straightahead rock. Highly effective, as the musicians are too in control to let it turn into wanking. It's always wailing the fine edge of melody, never entirely drifting into cacophany. Their song "(When Bush Was Head Of The) CIA" is brilliant, but you'll love their wild version of "Spanish Eyes", and "Mr. Awfully Nice" which breaks into The Beatles' "She Loves You", too. Inspired madness. (Neile)