Album Notes

We are proud to present the self-titled debut album from Hilken Mancini (guitarist/vocalist of Fuzzy) and Chris Colbourn (bassist/vocalist of Buffalo Tom). Along with their friends in the Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr., and Belly, Fuzzy and Buffalo Tom helped place Boston on the US indie rock map in the early '90s. Alternative rock fueled by Nevermind major label budgets. A Freak Scene indeed.

Over the years these two minor league stars collected plenty of stories, touring scars, and an impressive guitar collection. One afternoon at her kitchen table, Hilken showed Chris a couple of songs she had been sketching on guitar. Collaborating came naturally; the two began writing and recording an album together. They decided to share lead vocals in the style of their heroes Husker Du, Big Star and Richard & Linda Thompson. Chris played rhythm, Hilken added skylark harmonies and lead guitar, and they both wrote songs from a darker place than they had with their past bands.

Hilken Mancini and Chris Colbourn is an autumn-soaked gem with bright melodies written from both male and female perspectives. Essential contributions are made by J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., Winston Braman from Consonant and drummer Mike Savage from The Count Me Outs. It's rock, folk, indie pop, and more. You might file under: Anne Sexton has lunch with The Village Green Preservation Society.

Chris continues to record with his band Buffalo Tom, and Hilken, who has always embraced a DIY spirit, recently co-founded Punk Rock Aerobics, the international hit book and workout series (Da Capo Press).

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The rock 'n' roll network in Boston, Massachusetts circa the early nineties was something of a mushroom village. Guitar/vocalist Hilken Mancini was then a member of Fuzzy (Seed/Tag/Atlantic) and Chris Colbourn was the bassist/vocalist for Buffalo Tom (Beggars Banquet); both helped buoy Boston onto the indie rock map. As in most small cities, likeminded artists tended to end up in the same handful of bars, artist lofts and studios scattered throughout town. Along with their friends in bands like the Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr., The Dambuilders and Belly, Chris and Hilken often played shows together, rehearsed along side each other, and recorded at the same studios.

Over the years both musicians kept Boston their home base as they enjoyed critical acclaim and national success through their respective bands. They had become good friends. The decision to collaborate was a natural one, and the two began working together. Years older and seasoned by rock 'n' roll and life, both wrote songs from a darker place than they had in their past.

Hilken Mancini and Chris Colbourn is a beautiful record whose time has come. The songs on their debut reflect the grace and maturity that comes with life's experience. And, as thrilling as it was to lead the alternative college-radio rock pack back in the day, Hilken and Chris bet a dollar to the donut that, upon hearing these songs, you'll agree that Adult Contemporary music never sounded so good. Then again, you may just want to call it Pop.