The Cyclones

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The Cyclones were a rock and roll band that helped pioneer the new wave music scene that erupted in the New York City area during the late 70s, early 80s. A female fronted trio, they began as a rockabilly cover band, became an original group in 78/79 which lasted until 1984. Original members included Dan Reich on drums (who remained throughout the band's tenure) and Walter Sczesny on bass. The group came into its own with addition of singer/guitarist/songwriter Donna Esposito. After a few transitions on bass guitar (including Mitch Easter of Let's Active), the band's stable lineup was complete in late 79/ early 1980 with the addition of Marc Seligman.

Contents

The Cyclones had a local hit, "You're So Cool" [1] [2] on Little Ricky Records (where they were label-mates of the Smithereens), released in 1981. The 45 marked the production debut of famed Dictator and punk pioneer Andy Shernoff. The record was played extensively on college (such as WNYU) and independent stations (such as WFMU where it is still played to this day) with a few commercial stations (such as WNEW-FM and WLIR) taking some spins as well. Critical darlings, [3] they were the subject of numerous reviews and mention in articles in New York Rocker. [4] [5] [6] They were also known to perform regularly at Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ, CBGBs in NYC and spot appearances at Danceteria, [7] The Peppermint Lounge and The Ritz. The song You're So Cool [8] [9] [10] was a mainstay in the jukeboxes of CBGBs and Maxwell's [11] for many years. The band also toured the Southeastern US in 1982 where they became acquainted with the then up and coming group R.E.M. during their appearance at the famed 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia Comrades of their scene included The Fleshtones, The dBs, The Bongos, and the Individuals. Fans included well respected rock critic Jim DeRogatis [12] as well as Ira Kaplan [13] [14] and Georgia Hubley who were brewing Yo La Tengo up at the time.

In 1983 the Cyclones [15] released a 4 song EP entitled "Out in the Cold" on Plexus Records (Ivan Julian and The Individuals). Produced by Mark Abel, the band felt the material strong however it was less well received than their initial release. Dan Reich and Marc Seligman, while the band was on hiatus performed and recorded with other local acts such as "The Mad Violets" (featuring Wendy Wild of Pulsallama) plus the John Glenn Band. They later reunited as rhythm section for the in 1986 with Hoboken favorites, and Cyclone influenced "The Vines" (not to be confused with the Australian band of the same name).

The band disbanded in 1984 after which Donna Esposito continued on with musical partner Frank Bednash in Cowboy and Spingirl/Toothpaste 2000 now, Mas Rapido. They have released a dozen albums for Parasol Records. Dan has played, recorded and performed in numerous bands including the Corvairs and Tex Wagner. Marc performs locally with Garage rock band The Von Ghouls and local Alternative rock band The Michael Collins Band. He also currently works in developing the music of his son Evan Seligman (star of MTV2s Wondershowzen) with their band "Fools on Sunday". They record annually at Mitch Easter's Fidelitorium in North Carolina.

Personnel

Guitar - Donna Esposito

Bass - Marc Seligman

Drums - Dan Reich

Other members

Bass - Walter Szcesny (see Fleshtones)

Bass - Mitch Easter

Sax - (on RSVP)Action Combo of Gordon Spaeth and Brian Spaeth (see Fleshtones)

Discography

7' 45 - You're So Cool b/w RSVP 1981 Little Ricky Records

EP - Out in the Cold - 1983 Plexus Records

Homework 8 - Various Artist Compilation - Year Unknown - Included You're So Cool.

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References

  1. ↑ Kal Rudman's The Friday Morning Quarterback 1981 - National Publication
  2. ↑ "Singles Picks" Record World June 27th , 1981 National Publication
  3. ↑ "Readers Poll 1981" "Favorite Unrecorded Band", "Favorite Single" NY Rocker
  4. ↑ Live review New York Rocker #36 Feb 1981
  5. ↑ The Cyclones Bittersweet by Mark Coleman NY rocker November 1982 NY Publication
  6. ↑ "Demo Derby" with Mitch Easter on bass NY Rocker 1979
  7. ↑ Boston Rock #32 - NY Nonsense by Mark Coleman 9-22-1982
  8. ↑ "Heartbreak and rap"(featured band of the US Indies by Richard Grabel) New Musical Express Page 39 7-4-1981 issue UK publication
  9. ↑ Trouser Press (volume 8, number 7) September 81 Record Review National Publication
  10. ↑ record review CMJ Progressive Media (volume 6 number 1) November 23rd, 1981 National Publication
  11. ↑ Village Voice and SoHo Weekly News Picks 1-13-1982
  12. ↑ http://www.soundopinions.org 4-17-09 footnotes Jim Plays "You're So Cool by The Cyclones, A band he discovered at Pier Platters in Hoboken, NJ
  13. ↑ 1981 Robert Christgau's Pazz & Jop Poll Village Voice listed by Ira Kaplan on his ballet as top single
  14. ↑ "Sohoagogo" by Ira Kaplan SoHo Weekly News week of May 20th -26th of 1981 NYC, NY
  15. ↑ "Slouching to Babylon but Punk is Gone" Good Times week of July 27th thru August 9th, 1982 NYC,NY
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