The Rave-Ups

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The Rave-Ups are an roots rock group from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are best known for their alternative rock hit song "Respectfully King of Rain" and for their appearances in Pretty in Pink and Beverly Hills 90210.

[edit] Band history

The Rave-Ups were originally founded at Carnegie-Mellon University in 1980 by lead singer Jimmer Podrasky. The band relocated to Los Angeles, California, but broke up less than a year after its formation. A second incarnation of the band followed after Podrasky met drummer Tim Jimenez, and they released a six song EP entitled Class Tramp on Fun Stuff Records in 1984. The EP sold all 3,000 copies produced, and Terry Wilson (guitar) and Tommy Blatnik (bass guitar) joined the band on a permanent basis. In 1985, the band released their first album, Town and Country, which sold 40,000 copies. Molly Ringwald became a big fan and invited the band to audition for an appearance in the movie Pretty in Pink, which they won. "Respectfully King of Rain" was a modest alternative rock hit, peaking at #12 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.

In 1987, the band signed to Epic Records and released their major label debut The Book of Your Regrets to high critical expectations, despite being only promoted to the college radio scene (albeit a burgeoning one). The album failed to sell many copies, and the band broke up after releasing their 1990 album Chance to similar commercial reception. The band's final appearance was on an episode of Beverly Hills 90210 ("Spring Dance").

Podrasky formed the band Lovin' Miserys with Concrete Blonde drummer Harry Rushakoff, but was unable to sign with a music label. In 2000, the band reformed, recording a CD entitled The Salmon In The Woods. However, the album is yet to be released on account of the band not being able to find a label to sign with.

[edit] Discography

Town and Country, Fun Stuff Records/Demon Records, 1985.
The Book of Your Regrets, Epic Records, 1987.
Hamlet Meets John Doe, Epic Records ESK 1909, 1989.

(Limited edition of 2000 CD's. Contained "respectfully king of rain" from 'Chance' and two non-album tracks: "train to nowhere" and "the night before christmas (hey baby)")