When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Experimental psychedelic rock music |
When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water was a New York City-based American experimental psychedelic rock group active from 1986 until 1996. Their discography, comprising three full-length albums and multiple EPs, showcased inventive reinterpretations that spanned a broad spectrum of popular music styles.
Reviewers noted that their covers were neither straightforward homages nor parodies, situating the band in a unique space between art rock and celebratory performance. Despite lacking commercial success, they earned critical acclaim within the avant-garde music community associated with their label Shimmy Disc, collaborating and performing alongside acts like King Missile, Bongwater, and Shockabilly.
History
The band was established in 1986 by vocalists Kim Rancourt and Joe Defilipps (who also played trombone), guitarists David Raymer and Bob Meetsma, bassist Mitch Strassberg, and drummer Ron Spitzer (formerly of Band of Susans). Their artistic focus centered on deconstructing cover songs. Their initial EP, released in 1987 on Trace Elements, featured a rendition of a Ray Davies track alongside a spoken-word performance of the Gettysburg Address.
In 1988, their second EP Uncle Ben marked the addition of bassist Dave Rick (known for Phantom Tollbooth, King Missile, Bongwater, Yo La Tengo) and drummer David Licht (associated with Klezmatics, Bongwater, Shockabilly). This release was their first under Shimmy Disc, the label overseen by Bongwater's Mark Kramer, who frequently contributed to their sessions. The 1989 album Bobby consisted exclusively of songs by Bobby Goldsboro and introduced keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist Chris Xefos (from King Missile), who then became a permanent member.
The 1991 album Porgy featured interpretations of selections from Ira and George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Their final studio album, Bill Kennedy's Showtime (1994), compiled tracks originally performed by lesser-known Detroit rock and soul groups from the 1960s and 1970s, reflecting Rancourt’s Detroit roots. Although there were intentions to produce an album honoring Louis Armstrong, this project never came to fruition before the band ceased activities.
Following the band's dissolution, Rancourt and Rick launched Shapir-O'Rama to create original compositions including collaborations with Jad Fair. Rancourt subsequently formed JFK alongside Andrew W.K. and Don Fleming. Defilipps joined After That It's All Gravy, while Xefos, Rick, and Licht remained active through various other musical ventures.
Members
- Kim Rancourt – vocals, flute, casio horn (1986–1996)
- Joe Defilipps – vocals, trombone (1986–1996)
- David Raymer – guitar, keyboards, vocals (1986–1996)
- Bob Meetsma – guitar, lap steel guitar, cornet, banjo, saxophone, vocals (1986–1996)
- Mitch Strassberg – bass (1986–1988)
- Ron Spitzer – drums (1986–1988)
- Dave Rick – bass, guitar, vocals (1988–1996)
- David Licht – drums (1988–1996)
- Chris Xefos – keyboards, tuba, accordion, vocals (1989–1996)
Discography
- Albums
- Bobby (1989)
- Porgy (1991)
- Bill Kennedy's Showtime (1993)
- Singles
- When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water (1987)
- Uncle Ben (1988)
- Tiny E.P. (1990)
- Compilation appearances
- Rutles Highway Revisited (1990) – "Let's Be Natural"
- Donovan: Island of Circles (1992) – "The Natural High is the Best High in the World (Riki Tiki Tavi)"
- Surprise Your Pig: A Tribute to R.E.M. (1993) – "I Believe"