Accelerators

Hailing from North Carolina, the Accelerators specialized in rough-edged power pop. Core members vocalist Gerald Duncan and drummer Doug Whelchel assembled the group, later incorporating guitarist Brad Rice and bassist Mike Johns. Don Dixon, whose résumé already included work with R.E.M. and Let's Active, produced the 1983 debut Leave My Heart, which also showcased guitar from Mitch Easter. Though not as high-octane as R.E.M.'s output from the same period, the record displayed the Accelerators' mature brand of rock & roll in strong form. Four years afterward the band moved to Profile and issued a self-titled album with Dixon again involved, albeit on only two tracks. Dream Train followed in 1991 after another four-year hiatus and proved to be their final release.