The Bizarros
If not as well known as other Ohio rockers of their late-'70s era
(Devo, Chrissie Hynde, Pere Ubu, Dead Boys), Akron's Bizarros had
substantial impact on the early indie scene, through their
hard-edged records and singer Nick Nicholis's Clone label, which
released records by The Waitresses, Human Switchboard and others.
In a classic case of bridesmaidery, The Bizarros - who reformed
in the 21st century - were more influential than popular.
Playing serious, intense, sometimes hypnotic rock with
poetically inclined verbiage and pre-Gang of Four jabbing guitars,
Bizarros music was strong and affecting. Their half of From
Akron (a 1977 album they shared with Rubber City
Rebels) is pretty raw and hard to enjoy.
But by the time of their 1979 self-titled album (released by a
major label, self-produced with an engineer, wrapped in strictly
amateur artwork) the band had developed considerable polish, which
they used to good advantage without compromising their strength.
Drummer Rick Garberson died of carbon monoxide poisoning on 15
July 1979. He was found dead in his car, which was parked in the
driveway of his Akron home.
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