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Full performer name: The Presidents Of The United States Of America. The Presidents Of The United States Of America: Chris Ballew (vocals, two-string basitar); Dave Dederer (vocals, three-string guitbass); Jason Finn (vocals, drums). Additional personnel: Kim Thayil (guitar). Producers: Conrad Uno, Chris Ballew, Dave Dederer. Engineers: Barrett Jones, Amazing Uno. THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was nominated for a 1996 Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Performance. "Peaches" was nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. How is it that with only five strings The Presidents Of The United States Of America sound harder than fully-stringed, two-guitar bands? Could it be that by stripping down their instruments, and raising the "no frills" quotient, The Presidents are getting back to the elements that made rock and roll rock in the first place? Having modified the bass to two strings and the guitar to only three, The Presidents are about as gut level as you can get. The irresistable riffing and "meowing" vocals on "Kitty" show that this is a band with power to spare. Bassist Chris Ballew's writing is diverse and catchy, and propels The Presidents through roaring originals that they obviously love to play. "Lump" has a ferocious pop kick and sing-along appeal, rivaled only by the gnarly, funky edge of "Boll Weevil." The rest of the album is rich and rhythmically appealing, and makes you think that maybe the lack of strings makes for a more compact sound. THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is a winning debut displaying humor and honest, no-frills rock and roll; and is evidence that this band's five strings are more fun than most six-string guitar attacks
