Versus

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There are at least five bands called Versus:

1) New York City favorites Versus evolved from the remnants of Flower, a band led by singer/guitarist Richard Baluyut and singer/bassist Ian James (later to form French). In the final months of Flower’s existence, the group was joined by vocalist/guitarist Fontaine Toups, who remained with Baluyut in the short-lived Saturnine before the duo formed Versus (borrowing the name from an LP by Mission of Burma) with Baluyut’s brother, Ed. After playing their first shows with a line-up comprising three guitars and a drum machine, Ed Baluyut relocated to the Phillipines, and Toups switched over to bass; upon Ed’s return, he assumed drumming duties, and Versus issued its 1992 debut single, “Insomnia.” In 1993, the trio issued the stellar EP Let’s Electrify!, a taut, melodic collection spotlighting their intricate, dissonant guitar work and odd harmonies. After signing to the Teenbeat label, Versus issued their 1994 full-length debut, The Stars Are Insane (originally titled Meat, Sports and Rock,
three subjects the band ardently supported, much to the dismay of the prevaling indie-scene mentality of the moment). A collection of singles, compilation tracks and demos titled Dead Leaves appeared in 1995, followed in early 1996 by the EP Deep Red. Another Baluyut brother, James, signed on for the 1996 LP Secret Swingers; the album was also Ed’s last, with new drummer Patrick Ramos enlisting for 1998’s Two Cents Plus Tax.

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  • enclave_

    Damn there is at least two bands vith name "Versus". I listen synthpop German band VERSUS. Separate VERSUS from Versus!!! [2]

    21 Apr 2012 Reply
  • DM09

    god damn i love these guys!

    29 Mar 2012 Reply
  • Alec_Trevelyan

    I love Versus. The one from New York, of course.

    14 Feb 2012 Reply
  • Dynamo_Clock

    Damn there is at least two bands vith name "Versus". I listen synthpop German band VERSUS. Separate VERSUS from Versus!!!

    7 Dec 2011 Reply
  • Ashtoria

    Jesus this band is aaaaawesome

    10 Jul 2011 Reply
  • pattitrishka

    I saw them play back in (maybe) 2000/2001 NYC and they did an awesome cover of ELO "Living Thing"- Did anyone else ever see them cover that? It was fantastic! Wish it was recorded somewhere! (is it?)

    27 Jun 2011 Reply
  • glitchface

    There will be hundreds of bands called Versus, but at the end of the day the only one that matters is the indie band from New York. [2]

    20 Jun 2011 Reply
  • SatanEsCholo

    Mexican Power Metal band called Versus !!! [3]

    18 Jun 2011 Reply
  • DM09

    the stars are insane is always my favourite, and it's the only album i have. ha

    27 Apr 2011 Reply
  • 6nb

    So I’m sitting here on a Friday night, listening to the new Versus album “On the Ones and Threes”!! The album is a music masterpiece!!! I don’t understand….why aren’t people swooning over it?? This band needs more love!!!

    29 Jan 2011 Reply
  • THEHONEYCOMB

    one of the best bands of all time...........

    9 Jan 2011 Reply
  • foreignlawns

    can't believe i missed em open for superchunk. phooey.

    17 Oct 2010 Reply
  • steeverb

    NEW ALBUM ROCKS -- WHY ISN'T IT UP HERE/

    28 Aug 2010 Reply
  • LataSixx

    mexican power metal band called versus 2

    12 Aug 2010 Reply
  • sophteonal

    So glad to see that they seem to be getting more well-known with the new album. I love Versus!

    12 Aug 2010 Reply
  • BingeListening

    "On the Ones and Threes sounds like a band that has been left for dead and isn’t particularly enthused to return to life." http://www.bingelistening.com/reviews/versus-on-the-ones-and-threes/

    3 Aug 2010 Reply
  • franciscobc84

    Wow, "Secret Swingers" is probably even better! Really glad to have come across them.

    9 Jul 2010 Reply
  • franciscobc84

    How had I never heard of this band? Listening to "The Stars Are Insane" and it's a really great album!

    9 Jul 2010 Reply
  • aaronleclair

    The new album might be the first thing all year I've been truly excited for.

    19 May 2010 Reply
  • Bosher_

    There will be hundreds of bands called Versus, but at the end of the day the only one that matters is the indie band from New York.

    7 Sep 2009 Reply
  • All 43 shouts