Biography of Throwing Muses

Led by Kristin Hersh, Throwing Muses produced some of the most exciting, distinctive music of the late '80s. When they began recording in 1986, Throwing Muses didn't sound like any other band; after several albums and line-up changes, they still sound utterly original. Combining elements of folk, pop, and punk, the band's music is a swirling, guitar-based rush of sound. Hersh's cryptic, metaphoric lyrics and highly emotive singing were equally as original and challenging. Although their music might have sounded strange, it never was alienating; Hersh's songwriting is emotional, not intellectual. Throwing Muses' gained a substantial cult following on the basis of their first album; they were never able to break into the mainstream because, no matter how close they came to direct guitar-pop on their later albums, their music is always too emotional and abstract to qualify as easy listening.After releasing three albums and two EPs, Hersh's step-sister, guitarist Tanya Donelly decided to leave the band while they were recording 1991's The Real Ramona; she formed Belly the following year. After releasing Red Heaven in 1992, Hersh recorded a solo acoustic album in late 1993. The record, Hips and Makers, was released in early 1994, just as Throwing Muses headed back into the studio to record their next album. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine