Semisonic is an alternative rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Band members are Dan Wilson (guitar/vocals), John Munson (bass), and Jacob Slichter (drums).
After the breakup of Trip Shakespeare , Dan Wilson and John Munson joined up with drummer Jacob Slichter to form Semisonic in 1995. An EP, Pleasure, was released that year and the studio full-length Great Divide in 1996 on MCA. Semisonic's breakthrough came two years later in 1998 when their sophomore effort, Feeling Strangely Fine, reached the Top 50 chart on the strength of the hit single "Closing Time" with Munson on piano and Slichter on strings. Their international career also blossomed when another song from the album, "Secret Smile", quickly became a UK radio favourite in the summer of 1999, eventually peaking at #13 on the official UK Singles Chart.
In early 2001 the band released its third album, All About Chemistry. The single "Chemistry" was a mainstay overseas; however, the album didn't fare as well in the United States. Another song, "Over My Head", was used in the 2001 teen flick Summer Catch , and Semisonic rode the wave of various tours in and around the U.K. In the fall of 2001, Semisonic contributed their cover of the Wings classic, "Jet", for the Paul McCartney tribute CD, Listen to What the Man Said.
Dan Wilson took time out to do some solo projects and play tour dates around the Midwest in December. Munson joined up with Wilson's brother and former Trip Shakespeare frontman Matt Wilson to form a side project, The Flops , in 2001, though they are expected to make a final performance in early 2005. Dan Wilson is also releasing a new CD in 2005 featuring collaborations with many other artists.
In 2004, Jacob Slichter's book So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star was published, detailing some of the experiences the group had while touring and attempting to get airplay on radio stations across the U.S.
Discography
Albums
- Pleasure 1995
- Great Divide 1996
- Feeling Strangely Fine 1998
- Feeling Strangely Fine (Japan) 1998
- All About Chemistry 2001
EPs & singles
- Closing Time 1998
- Singing in My Sleep (US CD Single) 1998
- Secret Smile (Australia CD Single) 1999
- Singing in My Sleep, Pt. 1 (Import CD Single) 2000
- Singing in My Sleep, Pt. 2 (Import CD Single) 2000
- Pleasure EP (EP) 2000
- Chemistry 2001
- Get a Grip 2001
External links
