Dogbowl

Dogbowl, otherwise known as Steven Tunney, faces slim odds of accumulating wealth or achieving widespread recognition. His most prominent association stems from an early role as a founding guitarist in a group that attained one-hit-wonder status only after his exit. No release issued since that time has moved more than 20,000 units, yet devoted listeners treat his catalog with near-religious intensity, elevating him to cult-hero standing among a modest circle of admirers. His songs merge straightforward, hook-driven pop craftsmanship reminiscent of the pre-Beatles era with lyrics that remain deliberately arcane, eccentric, and nearly post-modern in tone.

Tunney launched his professional path in the late 1980s as the original lead guitarist for King Missile, then operating under the full name King Missile (Dog Fly Religion). He contributed to two albums during that period before departing, dissatisfied with the band’s unpredictable and frequently sardonic approach, in order to explore his own equally unpredictable and politically left-leaning projects. Those solo recordings have tended to display greater musical coherence than the output of his former bandmates. Although none of his compositions matches the outrageous comedy of King Missile’s novelty single “Detachable Penis,” his words maintain a steady level of wit.

His most notable solo achievement arrived with the 1992 concept album Flan, an extravagant 21-track narrative that follows the title character and his companion, the fish Ginger Kang Kang, on a determined quest to recover his missing beloved, Helen. The record is brightly melodic and skillfully executed, yet its cerebral and highly specific humor places it beyond the reach of most mainstream listeners. Dogbowl’s current label, 62TV, plans to issue a greatest-hits compilation in early 2001.