The Curtain Society

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The Curtain Society
Origin United States
Genre(s) Alternative rock, Shoegaze, Dream pop
Years active 1988 – present
Label(s) Orcaphat Records, previously signed to Bedazzled Records
Members
Roger Lavallee
Ron Mominee
Duncan Arsenault
Former members
Jeff Paul
l-r: Roger Lavallee, Duncan Arsenault, Ron Momineephoto:Greg Munro
l-r: Roger Lavallee, Duncan Arsenault, Ron Mominee
photo:Greg Munro

Constructing masterful junctions in between pop, shoegazing, Dream pop and the most alternative options of rock & roll, the Curtain Society formed in Southbridge, MA, in 1988. Like some of their early musical contemporaries, The Ocean Blue, The House of Love, and The Stone Roses, the manages to blend the blurry atmospheres of the popular 4AD scene with traditional rock and pop songwriting. The Curtain Society's first releases were a series of EPs and cassettes through Apostrophe Records, a label directed by singer/guitarist Roger Lavallee. It was not until 1993 that The Curtain Society, Roger Lavallee, Ron Mominee and Duncan Arsenault decided to sign with Washington, DC based label Bedazzled Records.

l-r: Roger Lavallee, Duncan Arsenault, Ron Momineephoto:Sean McNamara (artist)
l-r: Roger Lavallee, Duncan Arsenault, Ron Mominee
photo:Sean McNamara (artist)

Their first release with Bedazzled was the limited-edition 7", "Chelsea" b/w "All Over You". Inertia, the unit's first full-length record appeared in 1995, enjoying a consistent success. During the following years, TCS appeared on various compilations (including the acclaimed series of art/music compilations from Boston's Castle von Buhler) before Life Is Long, Still, their second album, hit the record stores in 1996.

After the release of “Life is Long, Still” they took time to record, recharge and reinvent. With new songs to be featured initially on the 4 song EP titled "Volume, Tone, Tempo" - Bedazzled, 1999, (this would be the label's final release before ceasing operations in 2000) the music became more confident, with a stronger sound, and more mature songwriting style. 2005 brought the release of the full length CD “Every Corner of the Room” - Orcaphat Records. The CD was featured on multiple episodes of One Life to Live (ABC), Young & the Restless (CBS), on radio across the country including XM and Sirius satellite radio and in the movie Still Green. The band is currently in the studio writing and recording the follow up to Every Corner of the Room and performing shows throughout the Northeast.

Contents

[edit] Discography

[edit] albums

[edit] eps

[edit] singles, compilations

  • Sleigh Ride - A Very Local Christmas 2003, Bedazzled Records X-Mas Disc 1997
  • No Wonder - It's Your Local Music 2002
  • Plaster - Several Bands Galore - Claire Records 1998
  • Swing/Evanston - Splashed with Many a Speck - Dewdrops Records 1997
  • Riverful Losing Today Magazine 1997
  • Mouthwithout (version 2) - Nigh - Castle von Buhler Records 1997
  • Mouthwithout b/w Swamp Thing - 7" vinyl - Bedazzled Records 1997
  • Ferris Wheel - Radio Hepcats Vol. 1 1996
  • Gravity - Anon - Castle von Buhler Records 1995
  • Cradle - Woke Up Smiling - Bedazzled Records 1995
  • Love Ends - Soon - Castle von Buhler Records 1994
  • Adrenaline - Kindred Spirits - Bedazzled Records 1994
  • Chelsea b/w All Over You 7" - Bedazzled Records 1993

[edit] rarities

These songs and discs can sometimes be found through collectors, bootlegs and on the web

  • 10th Anniversary Celebration (4 song CD) - 1998
    • Two Wonderful Stars
    • Beautiful Song
    • Beautiful Dub (remix)
    • Sleigh Ride
  • 10th Anniversary Celebration (4 song CD) - 1998
  • Ocean Rain - Echo & the Bunnymen - cover, unreleased
  • Across the Universe - The Beatles - cover, unreleased
  • Theme From Tremolo Lounge unreleased
  • I Wanna Be Sedated - The Ramones - cover, unreleased
  • Do They Know It's Christmas - performed under the name Clanging Chimes of Doom, featuring guest singers - 2003

Full discography including compilations, singles, limited edition releases and movie and television credits available at *www.curtainsociety.com/discography

[edit] External links

[edit] Trivia

 Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines.
The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.

The Curtain Society including Scott Ricciuti (Huck, Childhood) have performed as Jim Carroll's backing band under the name The Catholic Boys numerous times. This same lineup also performs backing up Shana Morrison, daughter of Van Morrison.
At the end of the song Apnea on Life is Long, Still, the last verse quotes Magnet Coil by Sebadoh.
Roger Lavallee was once the Audience of One on the short lived late night show Night After Night with Alan Havey on Comedy Central in 1992. He is wearing a Curtain Society t-shirt on the show.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

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