The Bell Rays - The Red, White and Black

Combing several previous groups under the banner of Punk, Rock and Soul, the Bell Rays formed in the early 90's and quickly flipped out the jaded LA scene. Husband and wife team of Bob & Lisa (bass/guitar and vocals), who previously performed in relatively straight-forward (and superior) rock/soul bands, joined forces with guitar whiz/songwriting master Tony Fate and took things to a completely new level, while utilizing the best of their previous offerings. With Tony leading the charge with his frantic, noise-filled playing and Lisa terrific soulful voice (a rockin' take on the best of the 60's soul sisters), the band became a high-energy machine with influences ranging from the MC5 to Motown to Blue Note jazz to pop to No Wave and other supplemental wildness!

This 21 track (including "intermission" numbers) CD encompasses powerful garage ("Remember"), sing-along punk rock ("Street Corner", "Sister Disaster", "Black is the Color"), fantastic, hard-edged soul/pop ("You're Sorry Now" and "Making Up For Lost Time"), the MC5-ish "Revolution Get Down", dark funk ("Used To Be"), frantic pop ("Find Someone To Believe In"), chaotic noise/punk ("Some Confusion City", "Poison Arrow"), along with many more moments of musical mastery!

The band has gone through numerous personnel changes over the years but is still going strong and touring the world while Lisa guest stars with under-and-over ground stars. Dig 'em - you'll be glad you did!