Reverse Supergroups (Episode 71)

Supergroups are kind of lazy. It’s a lazy term for bands that
consist of musicians who have already found success elsewhere. It’s
a lazy move for musicians who too often want to become relevant
again or make some easy money. It’s a lazy means of promotion for
record labels who can just plaster the faces of the band members on
the cover. It’s a lazy expectation for fans who are happy
enough with artists resting on their collective laurels. However,
in this laziness, intentions and expectations are in a strange
dichotomy of being very low and being very high, a lot of weird and
fun stuff can happen. Raging egos, combined with expensive
chemicals can generate a lot of damage. The rise of many of the
most well-known supergroups has been documented to a narcoleptic
degree; your Creams, Audioslaves, CSNYs, Blind Faiths, Traveling
Wilburys, and Bad Englishes, for example. We are not going to bore
you with those stories that you probably know already and we don’t
have any interest in in the first place. We are going to take a
different highway like the podcasting highwaymen we are.  In
this episode, we look at the other end of the spectrum, covering
the importance of groups that were supergroups except that no one
knew it yet. Groups with multiple members who would go on to
greatness, but in the nascent stage were still unknowns. Bands that
are sometimes called “Reverse Supergroups”. Totally opposite of the
serendipitous accidents or the blatant money grabs of the typical
supergroups; proto-supergroups are full of drive, creativity, and
unchecked enthusiasm. The powers that the members yield may not be
known, but it is a lot of fun to see collaborations between up and
comers. Making the case that sometimes the music is more important
and more lasting when it was created before anyone was paying
attention rather than when it was made after people quit caring.
Great places to visit that we mention in the episode: Chris Sand
AKA Sandman the Rappin' Cowboy People in a Position to Know Vinyl
Recordings (PIAPTK) Highway Hi-Fi is a proud member of the Pantheon
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