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Life In A Blender
Alternative / Pop / Indie

"Small bows and dueling scars...set to music."

BROOKLYN, New York
United States

Profile Views:  9668




Last Login:  10/11/2008
View My: Pics | Videos

   Contacting Life In A Blender

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/lifeinablender  

   Life In A Blender: General Info
Member Since10/31/2005
Band Websitelifeinablender.net
Band MembersMark Lerner, Ken Meyer, Dave Moody, Don Rauf, Rebecca Weiner, Al Houghton, Brian Culver
InfluencesRobin Hitchcock, Bonzo Dog Band, Randy Newman, Loudon Wainright III, Bobby Bare Jr., Rosine, Spoon, Love Unlimited Orchestra

And our band friends are a big influence (both good and bad): Church of Betty, Pinataland, Kenny Young and the Eggplants, The Cheesebeads, Uncle Moon, Julia Douglass, Courtney Lee Adams, One Ring Zero, Las Rubias del Norte, Jim Malone, Jesus H. Christ and the Hornsmen of the Apocalypse, 101 Crustaceans, Ethan Lipton

Sounds LikeCake, Tom Waits, Pinataland, Wall of Voodoo
Record LabelFang Records
Type of LabelIndie



Life In A Blender's Latest Blog Entry  [Subscribe to this Blog]

What a beautiful thought I am thinking  (view more)

The Heart Is A Small Balloon  (view more)

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   About Life In A Blender

Life in a Blender in Full Bloom with Horns

at Joe's Pub, Sunday, June 8th, at 7:30 pm. Order tickets by clicking http://tickets.publictheater.org/calendar/view.asp?id=5803

Plus, the return of Rebecca Weiner who is back and fit as a fiddle! And that's her instrument.

"The Heart Is A Small Balloon" is the Album of the Year:

Thank you George Graham at WVIA for putting us on your Best of 2007 list.

Thank you David Wechsler for putting us on your Best of 2007 list and naming "Rope to the Water" a best song of the year.

Thank you Brooklyn Paper for saying that Life in a Blender gave the "best concert of the year."

Get the new freakin' album: , "The Heart Is A Small Balloon" on Fang Records (www.cdbaby.com/lifeinablender3 ) and the T-shirt (pictured above--drop me a line if interested.)

The critics rave with insanity bordering on dementia:

"The band’s new album, “The Heart Is a Small Balloon,” is rife with Ralph’s signature wit, but it is also a richly reflective affair that exudes a poignancy and maturity one might not expect from a group whose leader once sang “Stairway to Heaven” on the street and in his underwear." --The New Yorker

"Rich and complex, wry and witty, done with a great deal of astonishing stylistic panache and consummate musicianship, this album sparkles with a verve and melodicism that’s a true startling wonder to hear. The incredible howled anguished vocals, the wickedly funny bitter humor of the pungent lyrics, the sprightly tunefulness of the gorgeously intricate harmonic arrangements, the inspired use of stirring weeping strings, the sense of underlying resigned humanity lurking behind the prevalent sardonic sensibility – all are 100% on the money excellent and impressive. A terrifically dark and despairing work of beautifully bleak and burnt-out oddball art." -- Joe Wawyrzniak, Jersey Beat

"The band's orchestrated music is a covert beauty....Titled "The Heart Is A Small Balloon," the album is packed with cleverly disturbing lyrics and askew music.......an event worth cheering."--Jim Farber, The New York Daily News

"I've heard nothing like it. It is complex, rich, surprising, sweet, cheats at nothing, utterly mind-blowing....I SO appreciate the abandon in every aspect of it, fusing form and content. Everyone is playing their hearts out." --Anne Scatto

"A hot steaming melting pot of unique creations and unexpected twists. The sound always sticks to the "true" underground ethic. I'm totally blown away. A record to keep forever and listen to..ah yes...forever!! Life in a Blender, a band that proves is is possible to keep pushing the boundaries of music. If you're interested in the adventure of music and only want to buy one record this year, buy this one."--Lord Litter, DJ, Germany

Read the NY Times article on us

And The Brooklyn Paper says our new album is a must for the summer beach bag. See number 3 below:

Life In a Blender has been a Brooklyn favorite for one dozen years. They make noises just like the Cyclone and induce screaming in all who ride them. They have four albums out on Fang Records. Go their immediately and purchase them--www.fangrecords.com.

Isn’t It Time You Accepted Life in a Blender Into Your Life? Here’s What the World is Saying About Life in a Blender and Their New Album “Tell Me I’m Pretty” on Fang Records.

“Life In A Blender have a bizarrely theatrical show (often involving tirades from a sheep-headed hand puppet named Rugged Rick) and lighthearted surreal sensibility that’s capable of amusing even the surliest indie rocker.” —The New Yorker

“Tell Me I’m Pretty was easily one of the best records I received in the mail in 2004….from Life In A Blender, a great band that puts out catchy and corrosive rock albums.” —J.R. Taylor, The NY Press

“Life In A Blender is basically two parts cleverness, one part Stan Ridgeway’s dead-end gumshoe, and a pinch of Tom Waits’ grimy barker.” —Timeout New York

If They Might Be Giants got hammered and picked a fight in a bar with Tom Waits, if carnivals didn't suck, if dancing were permitted on your boss's desk, if Mark E. Smith were articulate and friendly, if instead of "mosh pits" rebellious teenagers congregated in "swoon pits" at rock concerts, if if if -- then a brief glimpse of something akin to the experience of hearing Life in a Blender might be achieved. They are a band that is passionate about finding the absurdity that lurks within the marginalia of mundane everyday existence. And also rocking out. They make me feel like transcendence is constantly achievable." —Francis Heaney, musical producer and DJLunchboy

“An American Robyn Hitchcock” —The Big Takeover

“Tell Me I'm Pretty, the band's fourth album, paints a landscape with strange, sad, and at times funny images. From the opening track, "Something Must Break," very reminiscent of Cake, with its la la la's and slinky trumpet, to the silly "Mobile Wash Unit," to the sad finale, "Party Time," the tunes offer a welcome peek into Ralph's fascinating off-kilter mind. The album's strongest piece, "Dead Get Down," is sure to become a Halloween classic, with its spooky horns, cymbals, and killer percussion. This song sounds like an outtake from a Danny Elfman soundtrack. I'm also fond of Ralph's gravely vocals on "Prize on the Bottom," as well as Houghton's guitar work.” —Delusions of Adequacy online magazine

“Life in a Blender is the secret jewel of New York City. Their shows are always frantic and feisty without being venomous, their songs merry and melodic without being vapid. Their newest CD, "Tell Me I'm Pretty" is their best yet. Still as inventive, intelligent, and invigorating as ever, Life in a Blender has a new warmth, an immense and soulful complexity of sound. Highly recommended.” —Camden Joy, critic for the Village Voice and Spin

"Like Haley's coment, a Life In A Blender album only comes along very rarely and Tell Me I'm Pretty should not be missed." -Splendid magazine

“I just latched onto this CD as a result of playing a couple tracks on my radio program. I am surprised that more spot reviews have not been written on this group. In fact, a search of the web will find nothing but discounts on household appliances. On the subject of originality- to me there are two gigantic, but pleasing similarities. Vocalist Don Ralph must be holding a very large torch for David Byrne (Talking Heads), and to a lesser degree Fred Schneider (B-52's). Ralph possesses that dark, keening vocal style reminiscent of Byrne, and perhaps even uses a few of the other expected stylistic tricks. Other times, his natural voice comes very close to the plaintive barking of Schneider. A bit darker than much of the Heads or B-52's material, but these factors alone make this band in instant must have for any fan of those seminal 80's groups, The Talking Heads, or the B-52's. Enjoy it.” From Amazon.com— A Pleasantly Dark and Strange Surprise..., November 18, 2002 Reviewer: Jonathan Colcord from Concord, NH USA

“Life In A Blender was hands down the most entertaining, surprising showcase we took in over the week.” —Ezra Thomas at South x Southwest Austin, 2003

"It's a wig...! After a solid 5-4 days of music at the '03 SxSW it all ended on a positive note after catching the Life In a Blender set to close out the weekend. The band set itself apart as one of the tightest and most talented bands I saw all week. Further setting Life in a blender apart from the pack were the lyrics, delivery and theatrics of the lead singer that would please fans ranging from Eno and the T-heads to Ween and Beck." —Matt Zdinak Nimbi

.. ..

   Life In A Blender's Friend Space (Top 8)
Life In A Blender has 756 friends.
 Les Sans Culottes 


 tortoise rigormortis 


 Chris Rael 


 sabine 


 Pinataland 


 Bubba Greenacres 


 Barbes Records 


 Buster Keaton 





Life In A Blender's Friends Comments
Displaying 50 of 79 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Daddy Bone





Aug 7 2008 4:01 PM



It's National Clown Week!







www. daddybone. com

Jesus H Christ & The 4 Hornsmen of the Apocalypse





Jul 29 2008 2:03 PM

Great show at Barbes and it was swell to see you.
xxxxxR
Jeffrey Frederick





Jul 9 2008 10:44 PM

Jeffrey Frederick videos now on MySpace! Historical, hysterical and just damn great -- check them out!!!!

The Titles

Robbin' Banks
Rotten Lettuce
Beer Shits
Saturday Night
Third Floor Judy
Tell Me Why
Poor Al
Chris Lynch





Jul 2 2008 11:48 AM

Thanks for the request! You folks are great! Love "Dead Get Down". Any one who's been influenced by the Bonzos and Loudon Wainright III is alright with me! Love to see you live but I haven't been in NYC since 1973. I'd get lost for sure!

Peace,
Chris Lynch
Candypants





Jun 17 2008 4:07 AM

Hey, I know you! And I like you! That hardly ever happens here.
LJ
Hannah





Jun 15 2008 9:02 PM

thanks! loved your show at Joe's Pub last weekend, and now I have to get your albums.
I especially liked the horn section--nice addition!
WARCHILD





Jun 13 2008 11:18 PM

Hope you guys (and gal) can make it to our next show at The Cutting Room on Fri. July 18th at 10pm! I'd love to see you there--you are inspirational!
MichaelWARCHILD
Shawn Taylor


Is Online


Jun 8 2008 3:25 PM

thanks! Lovin' the music - have to catch ya'all live sometime.
luna





May 30 2008 1:23 AM

is that a vibraphone i hear??? marimba maybe??
Leisure Class





May 25 2008 2:17 AM

"A lemur named Jud
was forced to live in a cage
next to a partridge called Chris
who'd been placed in shackles
to keep him from harm.
"


www. leisureclass. net
WARCHILD





May 23 2008 4:53 PM

Thanks for the add, Don! Look forward to seeing you guys soon, and Yes, snot IS running down his nose...so bring Kleenex when you come to our shows.
WARCHILD
Emily Marilyn





May 5 2008 11:55 PM

Photobucket
Jacques Crabbe





Apr 30 2008 10:38 PM

I remember Carroll Gardens fondly from back in the early 90's...I dread to think of what it's like today...
Hot Time Harv's Rollercoaster of Kicks





Apr 29 2008 9:18 PM

Howdy LIAB!

Gee, you sure sound swell!

 Hot Time Harv’s Rollercoaster of Kicks

Cheers . . .



"Hot Time" Harv McFine


the peculiar pretzelmen





Apr 22 2008 5:57 PM

I like to think of a tasty mess that chokes you with a shiny pearl.
the peculiar pretzelmen





Apr 22 2008 2:04 AM

Welcome aboard. I like your sounds.

M.
Incroyable
Sandhya Sanjana





Apr 18 2008 8:27 AM

Life in a Blender,

Love your name for starters.

Really like your witty lyrics.

Also like the rich, full sound of the band. The vocal harmonies also...

And now I must stop.

Quite delighted to meet you....have a wonderful musical life together !

Sandhya
Daddy Bone





Mar 30 2008 4:48 AM


Thanks for being my friend!


www.daddybone.com

The Broodles





Mar 16 2008 6:08 PM

Thanks for the add. Love your music. Just feels right. You know...Like a Bass-O-Matic.

Love Ya Know...Woody/The Broodles
Auntee Social





Feb 15 2008 3:32 AM

Flattery will get you everywhere!
Mecca Bodega





Jan 25 2008 5:40 AM

Nipples and bits, nipples and bits.
Keshco





Jan 13 2008 5:59 PM

Good lyrics - very smile-inducing. I like your music a lot :) Let us know if you ever venture across the Atlantic...
Leisure Class





Dec 24 2007 12:47 AM

Off the Beat-n-Track





Nov 30 2007 2:55 PM

Your music will be played on the "Off the Beat-n-Track Radio Show"
101 Crustaceans





Nov 27 2007 11:31 PM

Mortified





Nov 13 2007 10:12 PM

Life in a a Blender makes us want to rock.

Congrats on being all cool and stuff.

From the people who specialize in celebrating those who were not.

We like you & your music so much we'd let you go to 2nd.

MORTIFIED

PS: We hope you enjoy our book... in stores everywhere.
Kevin





Nov 13 2007 6:38 PM

great show on Sat! but,,,,,we want Mel!
Martin Kaluza





Nov 12 2007 3:22 PM

...oh, and by the way - what the heck happened to Smith?
Jesus H Christ & The 4 Hornsmen of the Apocalypse





Nov 12 2007 1:41 AM

GREAT SHOW.
xxxxxxxxxx
Leisure Class





Nov 11 2007 4:38 AM


"The brooding image of Stalin,
I'm everybody's little darlin' "


www.leisureclass.net
Martin Kaluza





Nov 9 2007 8:14 PM

Hi guys, hi Don! I remember a great gig of yours at Sparky's Ale House some ten years ago. We were neighbors at that time. I hope you're all well! (You probably are if the band is still around...)
Little Oscar & The Oscats





Nov 9 2007 2:37 AM

Always dug Life In A Blender -- always wanted to jam with you guys but Riedel had me tied up!
Most Peculiar Momma





Nov 1 2007 6:00 PM

Because I love a good love song...

Yea, I am that kinky...

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Babs





Oct 31 2007 6:23 PM

Thanks for the add!
thinkwave





Oct 25 2007 5:43 AM

Life In A Blender are driven by a 350-watt motor and use stainless steel blades to ensure the wickedly funny bitter humor of their pungent lyrics. A toggle switch with the pulse option provides a hot steaming melting pot of unique creations and unexpected twists. The powerful all-metal drive system and chrome-encased blender base ensure sense of underlying resigned humanity lurking behind the prevalent sardonic sensibility. The blender also includes a terrifically dark and despairing work of beautifully bleak and burnt-out oddball art with superior ice-crushing power wrapped in a sexy chrome-encased blender base.

"Frozen berries are powerless when faced with a chop-puree combo from this bad-boy!"
The Crazy Babysitter Twins





Oct 18 2007 8:53 AM

I LOVE HALLOWEEN





Oct 16 2007 2:01 PM



http://www.myhalloween.it


http://www.halloween.dj


 

The Fabulous Ottomans





Oct 16 2007 10:33 AM

Thanx for joining



redcathexis





Sep 30 2007 8:23 AM

How about posting Mounds of Flesh ot The Girl in the Electric Chair someplace for us ole timers. I only have an old broken cassette tape. Remember those? Thanks for all the tunes!!!
big daddy mascaras