The Driving Stupid
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Headquarters | New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, compilation appearances |
The Driving Stupid was a garage rock ensemble originating from New Jersey in 1966. They are primarily recognized for their singular cult single, "Horror Asparagus Stories," which stands out due to its surreal lyrics and psychedelic instrumental arrangements. Despite their brief existence, this lone release has been featured on multiple compilation records. In 2002, previously unheard tracks were made available to the public.
History
The band was established in the summer of 1966 by New Jersey college students Roger Kelley, Richard Ehrenberg, Jeff Hildt, and Dwight Harris. Their focus leaned more towards novelty than mainstream success, characterized by silly lyrics and distinctive stage costumes. Their sound blended elements of surf rock, jug music, and whimsical psychedelia, complemented by unexpectedly melodic vocal lines. They are frequently likened to the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band due to their distinctive name and musical style.
On their journey to Los Angeles, the group paused in Albuquerque to record seven demo tracks aimed at securing a recording contract. Once in Los Angeles, they were signed by KR Records, which facilitated the release of their debut single and plans for an album. In September 1966, they issued the quirky single "Horror Asparagus Stories," with "The Reality of (Air) Fried Borsk" as its B-side. Music historian Richie Unterberger observed that the single elicited divided opinions—some praised its inventive absurdity as "brilliant," while others criticized it as "unbearably amateurish." Although they conducted a short promotional tour, the single did not achieve commercial success, leading to the cancellation of their album project. By the end of 1966, the band dissolved as members returned to their academic pursuits.
While initially unsuccessful, the group attained cult recognition after "The Reality of (Air) Fried Borsk" was included on Pebbles, Volume 3 in 1979. "Horror Asparagus Stories" later appeared on the 1992 CD reissue and was also featured on compilations such as Garage Beat ’66, Volume 4, Sixties Rebellion, Volume 12: Demented, and Acid Dreams, Epitaph. In 2002, Sundazed Music released an album titled Horror Asparagus Stories, compiling all of their unreleased recordings alongside their original single.