The Rave-Ups

Roots-rock quartet the Rave-Ups was formed in 1980 by frontman Jimmer Podrasky, a Pittsburgh native who founded the group while studying English at Carnegie-Mellon University. The original incarnation of the band briefly relocated to Los Angeles before dissolving, prompting Podrasky to return home and accept a job as a house painter; he then traveled back to Southern California, recruiting drummer Timothy Jiminez to record the Rave-Ups' 1984 debut EP, Class Tramp, with the aid of session musicians Chuck Wada on guitar and Douglas Leonard on bass. Guitarist Terry Wilson and bassist Tommy Blatnik cemented the lineup prior to cutting 1985's acclaimed Town + Country. A year later, at the behest of avid fan Molly Ringwald, the group appeared in the actress' film, Pretty in Pink (Podrasky later fathered a child with Ringwald's sister, Beth, as well). All the media exposure resulted in a major label contract with Epic, and in 1988 the Rave-Ups issued The Book of Your Regrets. Despite high commercial expectations, the album failed to make much of a chart impact, however, and after completing 1990's Chance, the group disbanded, making their final appearance on television's Beverly Hills 90210. Podrasky later formed the Lovin' Miserys with ex-Concrete Blonde drummer Harry Rushakoff, releasing Happy as Hell in 1996. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide