Baby Ray & Mary Frances

Boston pop surrealists Baby Ray were formed in 1996 by singer/guitarist Erich Groat (also a satellite member of the Willard Grant Conspiracy) and guitarist Ken Lafler, who previously teamed in the little-known Brain Helicopter. Subsequently recruiting drummer Nathan Logus and bassist Paul Siminoff, the group recorded a demo tape which found its way to the offices of indie label Thirsty Ear, which released Baby Ray's debut album Monkey Puzzle in 1998. Do I Love America followed a year later. ~ Jason Ankeny