Biography
Walt Mink, the alternative punk-pop outfit, originated in the late 1980s among students at Macalester College in Minnesota. Guitarist/vocalist John Kimbrough, bassist Candice Belanoff, and drummer Joey Waronker adopted their name from a psychology professor they admired. Jonathan Richman’s proto-punk approach and Nick Drake’s English folk style informed their direction, the latter reflected in a cover of “Pink Moon” that appeared on their debut album. The group’s first commercial outing came in 1990 through a split 7" with Gneissmaker on Skene! Records. Two cassette-only releases, Listen Little Man and The Poll Riders Win Again!!, surfaced during 1990–1991. Their connection with Babes in Toyland secured a slot at New York’s New Music Seminar.
Reviews from that performance led Caroline Records to sign them. Miss Happiness, produced with assistance from Doug Olson, arrived in 1992. College radio embraced the album, prompting tours with the Lemonheads, Soul Asylum, and Mudhoney for the balance of the year. The band self-produced Bareback Ride, released by Caroline in 1993. Although it met with less success than its predecessor, Columbia still signed Kimbrough, Belanoff, and Waronker. Columbia dropped the trio before any recordings emerged. Waronker exited to work with Beck, and Orestes Morfin, formerly of Bitch Magnet, took his place. Atlantic purchased the contract and issued El Producto in early 1996, then dropped the group as well. Morfin departed soon afterward.
Deep Elm Records became the next home, and Colossus appeared in 1997. A farewell live album closed the band’s run the following year.
Reviews from that performance led Caroline Records to sign them. Miss Happiness, produced with assistance from Doug Olson, arrived in 1992. College radio embraced the album, prompting tours with the Lemonheads, Soul Asylum, and Mudhoney for the balance of the year. The band self-produced Bareback Ride, released by Caroline in 1993. Although it met with less success than its predecessor, Columbia still signed Kimbrough, Belanoff, and Waronker. Columbia dropped the trio before any recordings emerged. Waronker exited to work with Beck, and Orestes Morfin, formerly of Bitch Magnet, took his place. Atlantic purchased the contract and issued El Producto in early 1996, then dropped the group as well. Morfin departed soon afterward.
Deep Elm Records became the next home, and Colossus appeared in 1997. A farewell live album closed the band’s run the following year.
Albums
