Crazy Town
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| Crazy Town | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genre(s) | Rapcore Rap rock Alternative rock Alternative metal[1] Melodic hardcore |
| Years active | 1995—2003 2007—present |
| Label(s) | Epic Columbia Records |
| Website | http://www.myspace.com/cxt |
| Members | |
| Bret Mazur (a.k.a. "Epic") Seth Binzer (a.k.a. "Shifty") Kraig Tyler Kyle Hollinger Doug Miller (a.k.a. Faydoedeelay) Anthony Valli (a.k.a. Trouble) |
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| Former members | |
| Adam Goldstein (a.k.a. DJ AM) James Bradley Jr. (a.k.a. "JBJ") Rust Epique (deceased) |
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Crazy Town is a rapcore band formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by Bret Mazur and Seth Binzer. The band is known for their 2001 single "Butterfly", which reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The current lineup of Crazy Town since 2002 consists of Bret Mazur (vocals), Seth Binzer (vocals), Kraig Tyler (guitar, backing vocals), Kyle Hollinger (drums), Doug Miller (bass guitar) and Anthony Valli (guitar).
Contents |
[edit] History of the band
[edit] Formation (1995–1999)
Mazur and Binzer, who were then going by the names of "Epic"and "Shifty Shellshock" respectively, started collaborating together in 1995 under the name of "The Brimstone Sluggers". By early 1999, Crazy Town consisted of Mazur, Binzer, Rust Epique, James Bradley Jr., Doug Miller, Adam Goldstein, and Antonio Lorenzo "Trouble" Valli. Their début album, The Gift of Game, was released in November 1999, having been recorded earlier that year.
[edit] The Gift of Game and "Butterfly" (1999–2001)
The release of The Gift of Game was followed by a tour support slot for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Guitarist Rust Epique left the band while the album was being mixed, and Crazy Town was joined by Kraig Tyler shortly after. The first two singles from the album, "Toxic" and "Darkside", were released with minimal success. Turntablist DJ AM left at this point. The third single "Butterfly" peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on March 24 and April 7 in 2001. After this DJ AM returned.
[edit] Darkhorse (2001–2003)
Their second album, Darkhorse, was produced in 2002 by Howard Benson. Benson's influence resulted in a more rock oriented sound. Prior to recording the album, DJ AM had left once again, and drummer James Bradley Jr. was replaced by Kyle Hollinger. Hollinger had previously played in the band Shuvel. The album achieved little commercial success, spawning only two singles: "Hurt You So Bad" and "Drowning". Shortly after the release of Darkhorse, the band broke up in 2003.
The second single "Hurt You So Bad" features Rivers Cuomo from Weezer on guitar.
[edit] Hiatus and comeback (2003-2008)
During Crazy Town's hiatus, Bret Mazur went on to form The Pharmacy, a record-producing company along with partner Kraig Tyler; whose productions include the single "The Plain White T's", and upcoming albums from Wylde Bunch, Rama Duke, Taryn Manning, Lil John/Lil Scrappy, Xzibit, and Crazy Town bandmate Shifty.
Mazur has also started his first solo album, Strip to This; the release date is set right before Crazy Town Is Back, spring 2008.
Binzer released his first solo album, Happy Love Sick, under the alias Shifty in 2004, producing one single "Slide Along Side". Binzer also contributed vocals to Paul Oakenfold's single "Starry Eyed Surprise".
Tyler contributed to Ringer, a project he started with Eric Powell of 16Volt. Although their album was not officially released, it is available for download from their site.
Rust Epique joined pre)Thing in 2003. Their album 22nd Century Lifestyle was released in 2004; shortly after, Epique died of a heart attack.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- The Gift of Game (1999) #15 UK, # 9 U.S Billboard 200, RIAA: Platinum
- Darkhorse (2002) #120 US, #164 UK
- Crazy Town Is Back (2008)
[edit] Singles
| Year | Song | U.S. Hot 100 | U.S. Mod Rock | U.S. Main Rock | UK | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | "Toxic" | - | - | - | - | The Gift of Game |
| 2000 | "Darkside" | - | - | - | - | |
| 2001 | "Butterfly" | 1 | 1 | 21 | 3 | |
| "Revolving Door" | - | - | - | 23 | ||
| 2002 | "Drowning" | - | 24 | 24 | 50 | Darkhorse |
| "Hurt You So Bad" | - | - | - | - |
