Ogden Edsl
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 in Omaha, Nebraska, United States |
| Founder | Bill Frenzer, Bill Carey, Otis XII |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Omaha, Nebraska , United States |
| Products | Music albums, radio series |
Ogden Edsl—an abbreviation of "The Ogden Edsl Wahalia Blues Ensemble Mondo Bizzario Band"—was a U.S.-based musical group founded in 1970 in Omaha, Nebraska by Bill Frenzer, Bill Carey, and Otis XII. Renowned for their darkly humorous and satirical compositions, their songs frequently appeared on Dr. Demento's radio show.
Among their notable tracks were "Dead Puppies," "Kinko the Clown," and "Daddy's Money." The band cultivated a devoted cult following within American underground culture. Their name pays homage to poet Ogden Nash as well as automobile manufacturers Nash Motors and Edsel.
History
Ogden Edsl initially performed in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska over a span of approximately four years, blending satirical songs with comedic sketches and producing a 65-episode radio series.
During 1973–74, the group broadened their reach throughout the Midwest as a ten-member ensemble, integrating TV monitors that displayed video skits synchronized with their live music. On June 1, 1974, seven principal members moved to Los Angeles to record the album Stuffed at Record Plant Studio C under producer Kelly Kotera. They appeared at prominent venues such as The Comedy Store, The Icehouse Pasadena (supporting Oingo Boingo), The Troubador, Whiskey A-Go-Go, and Gazzari's. Nonetheless, by July 10, several members returned to Omaha, leading to the disbandment of the nine-piece formation despite ongoing engagements and discussions about performing on the Smothers Brothers show. Between 1974 and 1976, they issued the LP Stuffed through Sunburn Records.
In the late 1970s, Ogden Edsl relocated to San Francisco and Los Angeles to engage in television projects and produce a local radio program.
Their track "Dead Puppies" held the distinction of being the most requested song on Dr. Demento’s program for multiple years and uniquely secured the top position on the annual "Funny 25" countdown two years running (1982 and 1983).
Ogden Edsl ceased activity in 1983. In 1995, an anthology titled Mower of the Ogden Edsl, featuring Bill Frenzer, was released by Oglio Records. During the 1990s, their music—particularly "Dead Puppies"—was widely shared as .wav files among AOL users.
The band received induction into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame on October 27, 2001, marking their final performance in their hometown.
"Kinko the Clown," which tackles a sensitive subject matter, is included on The Rhino Brothers Present the World's Worst Records.