The Lemonheads

These days you can't mention Evan Dando's name in front of people without hearing an exhale of breath and someone starting a "This one time he..." story. The Lemonheads began in '87 with the post-hardcore pop of Hate Your Friends. A cover of Suzanne Vega's "Luka" got them airplay in '89. Critical support followed, but it was It's a Shame About Ray in '92 that found them the widest audience. Their focus had now turned to summery pop like "Confetti" and "Rudderless," which were a perfect blend of Dando's laid-back earnest vocals and strummed guitar. His Indie beefcake looks found him socializing with kids in Hollywood and making sheepish movie appearances. There were the appearances with Oasis, the odd cover songs, the less-catchy new songs and the wearing of dresses. The Lemonheads were eventually dropped from Atlantic, and Evan Dando ran away with the spoon.