Oh-OK
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Athens, Georgia , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Oh-OK was a musical ensemble originating from Athens, Georgia, established in 1981. The founding lineup featured vocalist and lyricist Linda Hopper, bassist, vocalist, and lyricist Lynda Stipe, along with drummer David Pierce. Subsequent additions to the group included drummer David McNair and guitarist Matthew Sweet. The original trio commenced rehearsals within the collegiate environment during spring of 1981. Their initial opportunity to perform at a club arose when Stipe’s brother, Michael Stipe of R.E.M., required an opening act for a concert held at the 40 Watt Club.
History
Formed in 1981 in Athens, Georgia, Oh-OK developed a signature sound characterized by Hopper and Stipe’s abstract lyrical style, Stipe’s melodic bass playing, and Pierce’s rhythmically engaging drumming. This combination resulted in a minimalist pop approach that received acclaim from critic Robert Christgau of the Village Voice. Despite having only five songs and being less than a month old, the band embarked on a summer 1981 tour through New York and New Jersey alongside fellow Athens group Pylon, including a sold-out performance at New York City’s Danceteria. By autumn of that year, Oh-OK recorded with Atlanta-based label DB Records. Their release, the three-track 45 rpm Wow Mini Album, featuring the song "Lilting," achieved airplay on alternative radio stations both nationally and internationally. Following a promotional tour for this record, Pierce departed and was replaced by drummer David McNair. With the inclusion of guitarist Matthew Sweet, the band’s sound evolved toward a more conventional rock style on the EP Furthermore What.
Concurrent with his time in Oh-OK, Sweet partnered with former drummer Pierce to form the pop duo The Buzz of Delight, releasing a single titled "Christmas" and an EP called Sound Castles under DB Records. Sweet later secured a contract with Capitol Records, launching a successful solo career. Pierce became well-known as Funk DJ and nightclub promoter Romeo Cologne. Meanwhile, Hopper took on lead vocals for Magnapop, accompanied by McNair on drums. Stipe led the band Hetch Hetchy under the name Lynda L. Limner before joining Flash to Bang Time. In 2002, Collector's Choice Music issued The Complete Recordings, a compilation featuring liner notes by Christgau. The group reunited without Pierce for a performance at the 40 Watt Club during the 2006 Athens Popfest.
Discography
- Wow Mini Album 7", 1982 (DB Records DB63)
- Furthermore What 12", 1983 (DB Records DB69)
- "Random", included on various artists LP compilation Squares Blot Out the Sun, 1990 (DB Records DB69)
- The Complete Recordings CD, 2002 (Collector's Choice Music 293)
See also
- Change (Cindy Wilson album), 2017, which features an Oh-OK cover
- Community Trolls
- Magnapop
- Music of Athens, Georgia
- Tres Chicas
External links
- Profile on Online Athens
- Interview with Linda Hopper and Lynda Stipe at Perfect Sound Forever
- Profile from Magnapop website