The Ordinaires
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Defunct | 1991 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Experimental rock music |
The Ordinaires was an experimental rock ensemble from New York City, consisting of nine members and active between 1982 and 1991. The group featured Angela Babin on guitar, Robin Casey playing violin, Joe Dizney also on guitar, Sven Furberg handling bass, Kurt Hoffman on tenor saxophone, Barbara Schloss on violin, Jim Thomas as drummer, Fritz Van Orden on alto saxophone, Garo Yellin with cello, and Peter Moffitt contributing cello from 1984 to 1987.
Originating amid the early 1980s New York no wave and noise rock movements, the band emerged both as a continuation and a counterpoint to the period’s discordant musical styles. Initially called Off-Beach, they later took on the name The Ordinaires—a shortened version of The Vin Ordinaires, which alluded to inexpensive table wine and served as a wordplay on member Fritz Van Orden’s surname—following their participation in a Lower East Side compilation.
Their debut album, titled after the band itself, was recorded at New York’s iconic venue CBGB's and issued by the German label Dossier, with subsequent U.S. distribution through Bar/None Records. The Ordinaires collaborated with They Might Be Giants, featuring on the track "Kiss Me, Son Of God," and Kurt Hoffman eventually became part of They Might Be Giants' touring ensemble.
An interesting cultural footnote is that Adam Duritz from Counting Crows donned a The Ordinaires shirt in the music video for "Mr. Jones," highlighting the band’s broader cultural influence.
Albums
- The Ordinaires – LP (1986, Dossier Records)
- One – LP/Cassette (1989, Bar/None Records)
Compilation Contributions
- Peripheral Vision – "Bands of Loisaida" – Cassette (1982, Zoar Records)
- Island of Sanity – "New Music From New York" – LP (1987, Rec-Rec Records)
- Time For A Change – Compilation (1989, Bar/None Records)