|
The Chicago band OK Go combined off-kilter guitars, Pixies/Cars fetishism, and straightforward power pop sensibilities to produce eccentric, catchy songs. Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Damian Kulash, guitarist Andrew Duncan, bassist Tim Nordwind, and drummer Dan Konopka, OK Go formed in the fall of 1998. Prior to Kulash moving to Chicago from Washington, D.C., the other three members of OK Go had been members of the Chicago band Stanley's Joyful Noise. After just a few months, OK Go garnered considerable media attention in Chicago without having recorded a single full-length album, their success attributed partly to an exuberant live show and opening spots for heavyweights like Elliott Smith and the Promise Ring. They released two three-song CD singles to tide fans over until a full-length could be recorded, and also served as the sort-of house band for a touring version of the NPR show This American Life. OK Go eventually signed with Capitol and issued an eponymous debut in September 2002, scoring the modern rock radio hit "Get Over It." When the combo returned in August 2005 with Oh No, it was without guitarist Duncan, who'd left after sessions for the album had ended. His replacement was Andy Ross. Ingenious creativity helped the guys push their second album by making a couple of low-budget music videos that became hits thanks to their simple yet memorable premises. The video for "A Million Ways" featured the guys showing off their best synchronized dance moves in the backyard, spawning countless fan tributes online, while the popular "Here It Goes Again" included nothing but OK Go boogying down to the song on multiple treadmills.
~ Scott Sepich, All Music Guide
| 
