Coyote Records 

The Feelies

Yung Wu

The Feelies made their debut at Manchester High School in their hometown of Haledon, New Jersey, in 1977. At that time, the group consisted of Glenn Mercer, and Bill Million (songwriters, guitarists, vocalists) with bassist John J. and drummer Dave Weckerman.

After a short time the rhythm section was replaced by bassist Keith Clayton and drummer Vincent DeNunzio and the band began performing at such infamous New York City nightspots as C.B.G.B.'s and Max's Kansas City, gathering favorable public and critical response along the way.

When DeNunzio left in 1978, he was replaced by Anton Fier and soon Weckerman returned as percussionist for live performances. With this lineup, the Feelies recorded Crazy Rhythms for Stiff Records in 1980. 

Million and Mercer decided to disband the group in 1981 after they became disillusioned by the music industry and when they began to find rock music too restricting. They soon started to devote their attention to other outlets for their music, including film scores. In 1982 they contributed music for the film Smithereens, which garnered critical acclaim and was voted among the top 10 independent films at the Cannes Film Festival. During this time, Glenn and Bill also became involved with other groups, the Trypes and Yung Wu, and formed their own instrumental combo, the Willies.

Million and Mercer re-formed the Feelies in 1983. The present lineup also includes Weckerman and Stan Demeski on drums and Brenda Sauter on bass.

Glenn, Bill, Stan, and Brenda were involved in the Trypes when the septet recorded an EP, The Explorers Hold on Coyote Records in 1984. A Yung Wu record is forthcoming.

In the fall of 1984, the Feelies embarked on their first cross-country tour of the United States.

In early 1986, the band recorded The Good Earth for Coyote Records. The album was produced by Mercer and Million--assisted by R.E.M guitarist Peter Buck-- in a New Jersey studio not far from the band's home.

Future plans include a tour of Europe and the United States this summer and fall. The band will also be seen in director Jonathan Demme's newest film "Something Wild," due out in October from Orion pictures. In the film, which stars Melanie Griffith and Jeff Daniels, the Feelies perform five songs, including "Loveless Love" from Crazy Rhythms and a version of the clasic "I'm a Believer."

- Coyote Records bio (May 1986)