Some Velvet Sidewalk
| Company type | Independent band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 in Eugene, Oregon, United States |
| Founder | Al Larsen, Robert Christie |
| Headquarters | Olympia, Washington , United States |
| Products | Albums, EPs, Singles |
Some Velvet Sidewalk was a lo-fi experimental rock group originating from Olympia, Washington, signed to the independent label K Records.
History
Established in Eugene, Oregon in 1987 by Al Larsen (vocals/guitar) and Robert Christie (drums), Some Velvet Sidewalk's debut was the cassette From Playground 'Til Now, self-released in 1988. Jenny Olay joined as a second guitarist and toured alongside the Go Team, Rich Jensen, Spook & The Zombies, and Mecca Normal. In 1990, Larsen collaborated with Tobi Vail on drums and Louise Olsen on bass to record Shipwreck. Vail, who had been part of Go Team, went on to form Bikini Kill that same year. Olsen, previously with the Australian band Matrimony, later co-founded Viva Knievel with Kathleen Hanna. Although recorded in 1990, the album’s release was postponed until 1995.
Bill Karren, who later joined Bikini Kill, played guitar on the live track "Snow." from Appetite For Extinction. Mike Johnson, subsequently of Dinosaur Jr., contributed drums on the song "alright" from the same album. Donna Dresch, later associated with Team Dresch, appears on two tracks of Shipwreck.
Prior to the 1990 release of their first full-length album Appetite For Extinction, Robert Christie departed and was succeeded by Don Blair on drums and Martin Bernier on bass, whom Larsen recruited through a musician advertisement.
Following this lineup change, they embarked on a brief Pacific Northwest tour with D.C.’s Scream, featuring Dave Grohl. Some Velvet Sidewalk also accompanied Scream during the gathering at Slim Moon’s residence where Kurt Cobain met Grohl for the first time.
This formation recorded the "Pumpkin Patch" single under producer Calvin Johnson at Yo Yo Studios alongside Pat Maley.
In 1991, they collaborated with producer Steve Fisk to create Avalanche, which was released in 1992. Their touring continued through 1992–1993, during which they issued the EP I Scream. The following album, Whirlpool, arrived in 1994 featuring Ryan Baldoz as second guitarist.
For their 1997 release Generate!, keyboardist Paul Schuster joined the group, followed by the EP The Lowdown later that year.
After completing a U.S. tour, the band dissolved. In 1999, Larsen assembled and released a post-breakup compilation titled Original Love Rock Masters, containing live recordings, demos, and side project material.
Influence
The influence of Some Velvet Sidewalk is evident through numerous covers by other artists within the indie music landscape. Crayon performed "Pumpkin Patch," while The Pastels issued their rendition of "Boardwalkin'." The track “Mousetrap” has been interpreted by The Thirsty Giants (2023), Skin A Buck (2020), Jeneric (2015), and Greek noise-rock ensemble Postblue (2004). Australian act Half released a version of “Snow.” Live renditions of Some Velvet Sidewalk songs have been delivered by Spider and the Webs (“Dinosaur”), Oswald 5-0 (“Loch Ness”), and New Zealand’s Threat.Meet.Protocol.
Raygun Busch, vocalist for Chat Pile, acknowledges Some Velvet Sidewalk as an inspiration for his performance approach. In 2023, Adam Miller from Chromatics revealed his initial band, Pumpkin Patch, took its name from a Some Velvet Sidewalk song.
The band is also mentioned in Stephanie Burt’s poem “My 1993,” included in her collection *We Are Mermaids* (2022). Furthermore, Kurt Cobain listed Some Velvet Sidewalk among his favored bands in his published journals.
Subsequent Developments
Al Larsen pursued his musical journey by performing with groups such as the Polar Bears and Melting Igloo. In 2005, he issued a solo record titled The Hardline According to Danny & the Dinosaur through his own label, Property Is Theft. Currently, Larsen serves as an assistant professor and oversees the Creative Media program at Champlain College. Meanwhile, Martin Bernier became part of Seattle's Heroic Trio, which included future Welcome bassist Jo Klaxton and drummer Lenni Rennals; they produced one album and an EP under La Push Records before Bernier relocated to Olympia to join Bunnyfoot Charm. Don Blair contributed his drumming talents to Totfinder alongside former Sleep Capsule member Russ Klatt and now plays with the experimental ensemble Waves.
Tragically, original drummer and founding member Robert Christie passed away in a car crash in February 2001, along with his wife Denise and their two sons.
Band members
- Al Larsen – Vocals & Guitar
- Robert Christie – Drums (1987–1989)
- Jenny Olay – Guitar & Vocals (1988–1990)
- Tobi Vail – Drums (1990)
- Don Blair – Drums (1990–1997)
- Louise Olsen – Bass (1990)
- Martin Bernier – Bass (1990–1997)
- Ryan Baldoz – Second Guitar (1994–1995)
- Paul Schuster – Keyboard (1996–1997)
Albums
- From Playground 'Til Now (1988)
- Appetite For Extinction (1990)
- Avalanche (1992)
- Whirlpool (1994)
- Shipwreck (1995)
- Generate! (1997)
- Original Love Rock Masters (1999)
EPs
- I Scream (1993)
- The Lowdown (1997)
Singles
- I Know (1988)
- Land and Earthbound (1989)
- Pumpkin Patch (1991)
- Eyes Like Yours (1992)
- Free from It (1994)
- Valley of the Clock (1997)
Compilation Appearances
- Throw: The Yoyo Studio Compilation (1991)
- Kill Rock Stars (1991)
- International Pop Underground Convention (1992)
- International Hip Swing (1993)