A History of A Passion I

Throwing Muses


     I was born and raised just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. It is important to mention because at the time of my childhood, the music scene was overly abundant with talent. I also grew up about 1,000 feet from the main commuter train that runs right throught the heart of Mass. and into Boston proper. With this transportive availability I took full advantage(as soon as my Mom would let me) by taking the train there. The place to go was in Cambridge called Harvard Square. Yes, that is where Harvard University is located. All the best record stores were there...my 2 favorites were Newbury Comics(they do sell comic books, but mainly music) and Second Coming Records that specialized in bootlegs and rare imports. But, being so young at the time I did not have any money so I had to get a job to support my new hobby: collecting music.
     Fast forward...3 years later with music collection establishing itself nicely...my friend and I came across a music review of this new group over lunch in the cafeteria one fine school day. It was for, Throwing Muses-"Hunkpapa." the reveiw was so-so, but I think we were drawn to the name of the band first and the title of the album second. The album title is not made up. It is actually the name of a Native American Tribe. Anyway, one of us picked it up and right then was the beginning of a deep admiration that to this day and beyond is impenetrable.
     The band was formed by frontwoman, Kristin Hersh and drummer David Narcizo in 1986. They are the heart and soul of TM's lineup. There were other members, yes, but it was really these two that masterminded the crafting of their sound. One notable mention is Tanya Donnelly(Hersh's step sister) She did have some early influence on the groups production, but later left. Donnelly helped co-write some of the songs and played guitar alongside Hersh. This type of duo was unheard of! It did not exist. They, my friends, were the first: Two girls and two guitars. In addition, Donnelly wrote the band's biggest hit according to industry standards, "Not too soon." Soon after this achievement, however, she bailed and TM continued on well without her. Usually, when a significant member leaves a band it will fizzle out. Not so in this particular case because Hersh and Narcizo would keep it alive. With the next three albums in an unbelievable fashion. Probably their best works to that date(1992). The music was a little bit less la-ti-da, and more focused on a tightly knit trio of guitar, bass, and drums(vocals of course)
A classic combination.
     They are still going strong today with about 10 albums under their belts. The music has changed somewhat, but that is what happens to just about all the great ones. They get older and maybe their creative drive does, too. Look at the Rolling Stones-they're like 100 years old and still touring. I just feel like when the musician has lived awhile it is evident that the artistic passion wanes.

Technicalities:


Kristin Hersh/Vocal Range:

F3-F5, A3-A5, and C4-C6

An even contralto that goes high, but never low-low

Guitar: Varies, but usually a Fender or acoustic or both

Drums: Pearl with serious cymbalization

Bass: Whatever make or model, but electric

Projection:

The Confused

Style:

Pure rock

"And a full moon rose with tears in its eyes praying for a shoulder or a cloud for a makeshift disguise."

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