Feature Photo: Jonathunder, GFDL 1.2
The Spin Doctors were formed in 1988 in New York City. The core lineup consisted of Chris Barron (lead vocals), Eric Schenkman (guitar and backing vocals), Mark White (bass), and Aaron Comess (drums). The band gained a reputation for their energetic live shows and a distinctive blend of funk, blues, and rock. They signed with Epic Records and released their debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite in 1991, which became a multi-platinum success, largely due to hit singles like “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.” The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 5× Platinum in the U.S. The Spin Doctors followed this success with several more albums, though none reached the commercial heights of their debut.
Throughout their career, the Spin Doctors have released six studio albums, including Turn It Upside Down (1994), You’ve Got to Believe in Something (1996), Here Comes the Bride (1999), Nice Talking to Me (2005), and If the River Was Whiskey (2013). In addition, they have released two live albums and several compilation albums. Although their commercial success waned after their early 1990s peak, the Spin Doctors maintained a loyal fan base and continued to tour. The band received several nominations and awards during their peak, including a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Two Princes.”
SPIN DOCTORS STUDIO ALBUMS
Pocket Full of Kryptonite
Released 1991
Pocket Full of Kryptonite is the Spin Doctors’ debut album, released on Epic Records. The album was recorded at ACME Recording Studios in Mamaroneck, New York, between 1989 and 1990. It became the band’s most successful release, fueled by a mix of funk, blues, and rock, along with catchy melodies and witty lyrics. The album’s singles, including “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes,” helped catapult the Spin Doctors to fame in the early 1990s.
The album featured Chris Barron on lead vocals, Eric Schenkman on guitar and backing vocals, Mark White on bass, and Aaron Comess on drums. Pocket Full of Kryptonite was produced by Frankie LaRocka and Peter Denenberg. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 5× Platinum by the RIAA.
CD Track Listings:
- “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues” – 4:38
- “What Time Is It?” – 4:51
- “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” – 3:54
- “Forty or Fifty” – 4:23
- “Refrigerator Car” – 4:46
- “More Than She Knows” – 2:12
- “Two Princes” – 4:18
- “Off My Line” – 3:58
- “How Could You Want Him (When You Know You Could Have Me?)” – 4:59
- “Shinbone Alley” – 12:43
- “Yo Mama’s a Pajama” – 1:24
Turn It Upside Down
Released 1994
Turn It Upside Down was Spin Doctors’ second album, released on Epic Records. The album was recorded in 1993 at Clinton Studios and Acme Studios in New York City. The band embraced a more funk-oriented sound with this record, and although it did not achieve the same massive commercial success as their debut, it still produced notable singles such as “You Let Your Heart Go Too Fast.” The album peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Platinum.
The lineup remained the same as on the previous album, with Chris Barron on lead vocals, Eric Schenkman on guitar and backing vocals, Mark White on bass, and Aaron Comess on drums. The album was produced by Peter Denenberg.
CD Track Listings:
- “Big Fat Funky Booty” – 3:59
- “You Let Your Heart Go Too Fast” – 3:51
- “Cleopatra’s Cat” – 4:38
- “Hungry Hamed’s” – 3:52
- “Biscuit Head” – 4:19
- “Indifference” – 4:27
- “Bags of Dirt” – 4:11
- “Mary Jane” – 3:59
- “More Than Meets the Ear” – 4:29
- “Laraby’s Gang” – 3:49
- “At This Hour” – 4:03
- “Someday All This Will Be Road” – 3:30
- “Beasts in the Woods” – 5:48
You’ve Got to Believe in Something
Released 1996
You’ve Got to Believe in Something was the Spin Doctors’ third studio album, released on Epic Records. It was recorded at Avatar Studios and Bearsville Studios in New York in 1995. The album took on a more polished and diverse sound, incorporating elements of funk, blues, and rock. Despite some critical acclaim, the album did not perform as well commercially as their earlier releases, peaking at No. 99 on the Billboard 200.
This album marked the last appearance of Eric Schenkman before his departure from the band. Chris Barron continued on lead vocals, Mark White played bass, Aaron Comess was on drums, and Anthony Krizan replaced Schenkman on guitar. The album was produced by Danny Kortchmar.
CD Track Listings:
- “You’ve Got to Believe in Something” – 4:02
- “House” – 3:53
- “Dogs on a Doe” – 5:12
- “I Can’t Believe You’re Still with Her” – 3:44
- “She Used to Be Mine” – 3:36
- “She’s Not You” – 5:07
- “To Make Me Blue” – 3:33
- “‘Bout a Train” – 5:26
- “Where Angels Fear to Tread” – 4:03
- “If Wishes Were Horses” – 4:29
- “Sister Sisyphus” – 4:06
- “That’s the Way (I Like It)” – 5:30
- “Sister Sisyphus”
- “She Used to Be Mine”
Here Comes the Bride
Released 1999
Here Comes the Bride is the Spin Doctors’ fourth album, released on Uptown/Universal Records. It was recorded between 1998 and 1999 at RPM Studios in New York City. The album marked a significant shift for the band as Chris Barron lost his voice during the recording process due to a rare form of vocal cord paralysis, leading to uncertainty about the band’s future. Despite this, the album was completed with a mix of vocal contributions.
Chris Barron contributed lead vocals where possible, with other members and guest musicians filling in on vocals. Anthony Krizan played guitar, Mark White was on bass, and Aaron Comess handled the drums. The album was produced by Aaron Comess and Frankie LaRocka.
CD Track Listings:
- “Here Comes the Bride” – 3:13
- “Vampires in the Sun” – 2:58
- “Waiting for the Blow” – 3:16
- “The Man” – 3:51
- “Gone Mad” – 4:19
- “Wow” – 4:14
- “Siren Dress” – 3:15
- “Gorilla Boy” – 3:12
- “Key to the Kingdom” – 4:05
- “Fisherman’s Delight” – 4:12
- “The Bigger I Laugh, The Harder I Cry” – 3:26
- “Dodging Assassins” – 3:11
- “Diamond” – 3:47
- “Tomorrow Can Pay the Rent” – 11:02
Read More: Top 10 Spin Doctors Songs
Nice Talking to Me
Released 2005
Nice Talking to Me is the Spin Doctors’ fifth studio album, released on RuffNation Records. The album was recorded in early 2005 at various studios in New York City. It saw the return of the original lineup with Chris Barron on lead vocals, Eric Schenkman on guitar and backing vocals, Mark White on bass, and Aaron Comess on drums. The album presented a refined, funk-rock sound with some of the groove that made the band famous.
The album was produced by Matt Wallace.
CD Track Listings:
- “Nice Talking to Me” – 3:59
- “Sugar” – 4:18
- “Margarita” – 3:01
- “Happily Ever After” – 3:21
- “I’d Like to Love You (But I Think You Might Be Crazy)” – 5:03
- “Can’t Kick the Habit” – 8:16
- “My Problem Now” – 3:19
- “Genuine” – 5:40
- “Tonight You Could Steal Me Away” – 4:26
- “Safety Pin” – 4:13
Read More: Mark White Of Spin Doctors: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
If the River Was Whiskey
Released 2013
If the River Was Whiskey is the Spin Doctors’ sixth studio album, released on Ruf Records. The album was recorded live in the studio at The Clubhouse Studio in Rhinebeck, New York, in 2012. With a return to their bluesy roots, the album features a raw, stripped-down sound that hearkens back to their early days playing clubs. It was a departure from their polished commercial albums and was praised for its authenticity.
The lineup featured Chris Barron on lead vocals, Eric Schenkman on guitar, Mark White on bass, and Aaron Comess on drums. The album was produced by the band themselves.
CD Track Listings:
- “Some Other Man Instead” – 3:42
- “If the River Was Whiskey” – 3:25
- “Sweetest Portion” – 4:25
- “Traction Blues” – 4:07
- “Scotch and Water Blues” – 3:47
- “About a Train” – 4:06
- “The Drop” – 3:55
- “Ben’s Looking Out the Window Blues” – 4:10
- “So Bad” – 3:45
Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com
Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory
Complete List Of Spin Doctors Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
