Cop Shoot Cop
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Cop Shoot Cop emerged as a noise rock ensemble in New York City in 1987 and disbanded by 1996. Frequently classified under industrial rock, they set themselves apart through the use of dual bass guitars, unconventional metal percussion instruments, and the absence of a lead guitar. Although mainstream recognition was limited—with some college radio airplay and tours alongside Iggy Pop—their music videos were featured on MTV's Headbangers Ball and 120 Minutes, notably the "$10 Bill" video showcasing little people. The band retains a devoted cult following, with their out-of-print recordings commanding premium prices.
History
The band began as a trio consisting of Tod A. (vocals, bass), David Ouimet (keyboards, sampler), and Phil Puleo (drums, found metal percussion). Their initial release was the 12" EP "Headkick Facsimile" in 1989, engineered by Wharton Tiers. Puleo has explained that the band's name was inspired both by animosity toward law enforcement and a newspaper story about a failed police raid.
They created intrigue by plastering "CopShootCop" posters throughout New York City, leading to rumors of political activism. Their first live appearance was alongside Half Japanese. The addition of Jack Natz (formerly of The Undead) on bass allowed the group to embrace a two-bass guitar format, enriching their distinctive sonic identity. Tod served as the main vocalist and songwriter, with Natz providing vocals on occasion.
Ouimet’s involvement was intermittent, leaving and returning multiple times; eventually, Jim Coleman took over sampler duties. Both musicians contributed to the "Piece Man" 7" single (1989), notable for its cover splattered with pig’s blood. Their debut full-length album, Consumer Revolt, produced by Martin Bisi, showcased two bass guitars and samplers without any guitar presence. The band earned acclaim as one of New York City's premier live acts and were also recognized for their prolific graffiti work.
Following Consumer Revolt, Ouimet permanently exited to establish Motherhead Bug, though he later rejoined Cop Shoot Cop on trombone and led their horn section.
Continuing to record and tour, the band surprised many by incorporating guitarist Steve McMillen for their album Release released through Interscope Records. Critics observed that McMillen’s addition brought their sound closer to traditional rock conventions, yet reviews remained favorable. Tod A.'s lyrics vividly depicted marginalized characters with unfiltered storytelling, while some critics noted that Release nudged them toward broader commercial appeal. By late 1995, Michael Kaminski had replaced McMillen on guitar.
In 1996, internal conflicts regarding Interscope’s handling led to the band's breakup. Tod alleged inadequate label support and claimed that the label blocked the release of their final album; other members highlighted that nearly $150,000 had been invested in production. Although remaining members endeavored to complete the project, Interscope refused to distribute it. This material later surfaced as Red Expendables.
Post-Cop Shoot Cop
Afterward, Tod A founded Firewater, producing seven albums. Coleman pursued solo projects under "Phylr" and "Here" (in partnership with [[Teho Teardo]), while Puleo collaborated with Congo Norvell and Swans and composed film scores. Jack Natz joined forces with Stu Spasm on bass for a revived version of Lubricated Goat. Coleman and Puleo worked together on Audio Dyslexia before teaming up with actor/writer Michael Wiener on "The Children...", releasing a self-titled CD accompanied by multimedia performances in unconventional settings.
In 1997, Strapping Young Lad covered "Room 429" from Cop Shoot Cop's album Ask Questions Later, while Spiritualized included "Cop Shoot Cop" on their record Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space.
Cop Shoot Cop's track "Migration" (by Puleo) was featured in a 2005 commercial for Nike.
Kaminski continued his musical career in Europe prior to returning to Akron, Ohio; in 2008 he was reportedly involved in a failed robbery incident.
Toward the end of 2019, Phil Puleo and Jim Coleman teamed up with Chris Spencer (formerly of UNSANE) and Chris Pravdica (ex-Swans) to create the industrial/rock/noise supergroup Human Impact. Their self-titled debut album was released in March 2020.
Members
- Tod A. – lead vocals, bass guitar (1987–1996)
- Phil Puleo – percussion, drums (1987–1996)
- David Ouimet – sampler, keyboards (1987–1989)
- Jack Natz – bass guitar, vocals, harmonica (1988–1996)
- Jim Coleman – piano, sampler (1988–1996)
- Steven McMillen – trumpet, guitar (1993–1995)
- Michael Kaminski – guitar (1995–1996)
Studio albums
| Release Year | Album Title | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Consumer Revolt | Circuit |
| 1991 | White Noise | Big Cat |
| 1993 | Ask Questions Later | Interscope |
| 1994 | Release | Interscope |
Splits and EPs
| Release Year | Title | Label | Format | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Headkick Facsimile | Supernatural Organization | 12" | Reissued in 1994 on cassette featuring a track from Piece Man |
| 1989 | PieceMan EP | Vertical | 7" | Cover art stained with pig's blood |
| 1989 | Live at CBGB | Cassette | Limited to 300 copies; released in Japan | |
| 1992 | Helmet vs. Cop Shoot Cop | Micro Records | 7" | Unofficial split release with Helmet |
| 1992 | Suck City | Interscope | ||
| 1996 | Dick Smoker Plus | Fused Coil | 7", CD | Split release alongside Meathead |
| 1997 | Red Expendables | EP |
Singles
| Year | Single Title | Label | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | " $10 Bill" | Interscope | CD |
| 1993 | "Room 429" | Interscope | CD |
| 1994 | "Interference" | Interscope | |
| 1994 | "Two at a Time" | Big Cat | CD |
| 1995 | "Any Day Now" | Big Cat | CD |
Compilation appearances
| Year | Compilation Title | Track Featured | Label | Format(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 'New York Eye & Ear Control' | "Dive" | Matador | CD |
| 1992 | 'Mesomorph Enduros' (Various Artists) | "Room 429" | Big Cat | CD, LP |
| 1995 | 'Johnny Mnemonic' Soundtrack | "3 AM Incident" | Columbia | CD |
| 1994 | 'S.F.W.' Soundtrack | "Two at a Time" | A&M Records | CD |
| 2014 | 'Mortar – Various Artists' | "Chameleon Man" and "Suck City" | Atypeek Music | Digital release |