Counting Crows

This San Francisco, California, USA-based adult rock band grew out of the acoustic duo Sordid Humor, formed in 1989 by Adam Duritz (b. 1 August 1965, USA; vocals) and David Bryson (b. 5 November 1961, USA; guitar). Mat Malley (b. 4 July 1963, USA; bass), Steve Bowman (drums), and Charles Gillingham (b. 12 January 1960, USA; keyboards) fleshed out the line-up of the newly christened Counting Crows, a name lifted from an old English nursery rhyme. Early reports suggested the influence of the singer-songwriter tradition, notably Van Morrison. Other comparisons were made with the Band. In interviews Duritz was keen to point out that they were more than a retro outfit, although he applauded the organic approach to musicianship that lay behind the Band and their ilk. This was reflected on their well-received Geffen Records debut, "August And Everything After," produced by T Bone Burnett, which mixed traditional R&B elements with a raw, rocky delivery. The MTV rotation of "Mr. Jones" undoubtedly augmented sales, as did critical reaction, David Cavanagh noting in UK newspaper The Independent that: "Its musical warmth makes it sound like a bunch of understated anthems in which, conceivably, millions could find solace." By mid-1994 the band's remarkable debut had achieved multi-platinum status, but they saw founding member Bowman depart to join Third Eye Blind. Ben Mize (b. 2 February 1971, USA; ex-Cracker) was brought in to replace him, and Dan Vickrey (b. 26 August 1966; lead guitar/mandolin) was also added to the line-up. The "difficult" second album, "Recovering The Satellites," debuted at number 1 in the Billboard album chart in 1996, although the band sounded strained in their attempt to recreate the impact of their debut. The stopgap live set, "Across A Wire: Live In New York," reached the US Top 20 in July 1998. "This Desert Life" was a return to form, with the loose swagger of tracks such as "Hanginaround" and "Mrs Potter's Lullabye" attaining an effortless peak. "Hard Candy," featuring additional guitarist David Immergluck, was a lighter album lyrically and generally brighter musically, brought to life with snatches of 12-string Rickenbacker guitar and some uplifting middle eights and harmonies.  Nominated for Achievement in Music (Song) 2004: SHARK TALE - "Accidentally In Love" - Music by Adam Duritz, Charles Gillingham, Jim Bogios, David Immergluck, Matthew Mallery and David Bryson; lyric by Adam Duritz and Daniel Vickrey 1 nomination