Pilfers

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This article is about the band Pilfers. For a definition of the word "pilfers", see the Wiktionary entry pilfers.
Pilfers
Origin U.S. flag New York City, New York, United States
Genre(s) Ska
Years active 1997 - 2001, 2008
Label(s) Mojo Records
Website http://www.pilfers.net
Members
Coolie Ranx
Vinny Nobile
Anna Milat-Meyer
James Blanck
Nick Bacon
Former members
Dave Karcich
Carl Barc

Pilfers formed in 1997, when former Toasters vocalist, Coolie Ranx joined with former Bim Skala Bim trombonist, Vinny Nobile. To complete the lineup, they recruited the Skinnerbox rhythm section of Anna Milat-Meyer on bass and James Blanck on drums, as well as guitar player, Nick Bacon of The Erratics.

The band released one demo tape and played many New York area shows, before self releasing their debut, self-titled album, in 1998. Response was positive enough, that the band was signed to Mojo Records, and they released Chawalaleng, one year later.

Soon after their major label debut, Anna Milat-Meyer and James Blanck, left the group. Anna Milat-Meyer took a position, playing bass, in Latin Jazz band, Los Mas Valientes. Carl Barc, of the band Ever Since Day One, took over on bass and Dave Karcich, formerly of Spring Heeled Jack USA, took over on drums. The band continued to tour, and build a strong fanbase. The band recorded a live show at CBGB's, intending for it to be released on CD. The album would never see release though, since the band split up in 2001.

Soon after the breakup Coolie Ranx started a solo career, recording and playing shows around the world with back up band Fear Nuttin' Band. Nick Bacon joined Lost City Angels, who were looking for a second guitarist. Nobile, Barc and Karcich, joined with Spring Heeled Jack USA guitarist, Mike Pellegrino to perform as Cenzo, for a World Trade Center benefit show in 2001. Karcich also took the drum position in Avoid One Thing, a band fronted by former Mighty Mighty Bosstones bass player, Joe Gittleman.

Karcich suffered a sudden brain aneurysm and died on April 5, 2002. Eight months later, a tribute show was held at Toad's Place, in honor of Karcich. During a performance by Cenzo, Nobile and Barc welcomed Coolie Ranx and Nick Bacon onstage for a brief reunion of Pilfers.

On November 4, 2005, the original five members of Pilfers, reunited at the Knitting Factory, in New York for a sold-out show. Two more reunion shows took place at the same location on May 6, 2007 and January 25, 2008. The band also performed two shows outside of NYC; on March 7, 2008 at the Haunt in Ithaca, and March 22, 2008 at Harper's Ferry in Boston.

Coolie Ranx continues with his solo career as Vinny Nobile continues with Cenzo. In 2006, Coolie Ranx was featured on the song "All In" from the album "A Ruff Guide To Genre Terrorism" by UK Ska/Punk band "Sonic Boom Six." Nick Bacon has since quit Lost City Angels to focus on an acting career. He made his film debut in the 2007 Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant film, Music and Lyrics.

[edit] Band Members

  • Coolie Ranx - Lead Vocals
  • Vinny Nobile - Trombone and Vocals
  • Nick Bacon - Guitar and Backing Vocals
  • Anna Milat-Meyer - Bass Guitar
  • James Blanck - Drums
  • Dave Karcich - Drums
  • Carl Barc - Bass

[edit] Recording History

  • Pilfers demo
    • released on cassette in 1997
    • only available at live shows
  • Pilfers
    • released 1/1/1998
    • 20,000 copies sold
    • only available from their website and at live shows
  • Chawalaleng
    • released 9/21/1999 on Mojo Records