RANSACKED: (1986-1988) There were a string of "living room comedy groups" started by Eric Schwartz in the late 80's. As people and friends came and went the group changed names numerous times. Originally Comedians Without a Cause then Morey, Hawks, Ellis, Pasulka, Schwartz, Lawrence and Olds then it became Understudy's Revenge (a name that Eric still favors to this day) The group finally became RANSACKED in 1987. The group consisted of Schwartz, Steve Yates, Steve Krug, Jason Halstead, Shawn Martin, Laurie Michniewicz, Matt Burriesci, Dean Kurth , Amy Snyder, Jeff Olds, Laney Vogt and Paul Brieser. A large group to say the least. Members of the group performed and wrote for stage as part of a local community college workshop. While ideas flew and writing was constant the group dissolved as time moved on. Laurie Michniewicz performed with Eric and Strange's in 1992. Steve Yates went on to perform in theater and video productions (eventually marrying Laney Vogt). Matt Burriesci continues to be an actor, film maker and author. Dean Kurth lives in New York City and is a writer for The Fox New Channel. The others? We'll let you know. picture 1 picture 2 picture 3 picture 4

STEEL ASYLUM (1990) - Rhode Island metal band where Dan Neid first picked up a bass.

SUDDEN DANCER (1991- 1992) Rock band formed by Dan Neid, Tony Aiello and Dan Imgrund. Eric eventually begged his way into the band where he quickly usurped any power from Imgrund who was then replaced by Mike Vertenten. Dan Bolger was added on drums. The group played one gig after which Mike and Bolger left. Dan, Tony and Eric carried on playing one open mic and driving the patrons from the bar with "I've Just See A Face". The three broke up not long after. set list 7/6/91 set list 7/31/91

SARCASTIC LIBIDO (1989 - 1992) The off and on duo of Schwartz and Vertenten performed at only one party. More like a bad relationship than a band. But ahhh the music. Love ya Mike. 12/21/91 set list

THE SCHWARTZ BANDS: These are all groups that existed for a time. We know this because these names have been found etched on countless notebooks. None of these Schwartz-driven projects ever performed anywhere: The Whatever 4, St. Peter & Black, Burden Of Legacy, The Had Beens, Abstract, Ozone Friendly.

ALTO VOLTAJE:(1991-1994) Dan Neid and Frank Carney throw their weight into the strange new wave ring with groups like WIRE. Surreality, straight goof and musical exploration melding together to create something wholly else...(I want my towel!)

WANG RADIO: (1977) Rumors have it that Steve Lord may or may not have participated in this pirate radio station depending on the statute of limitations. Birthplace of the legendary Zebulon Handjob III.

WHITEFISH TIMES: (1986-1987)In the mid to late 80's a wonderful, magical trend swept some remote areas. Skaters, punks and new wave fans began churning out little home spun magazines. Usually they had a cut and paste lay out then Xeroxed, stapled and sold for 50 cents at smaller record stores. For all this author knows, they're still doing it but it seemed to die down when they 80's died. Anyway, Eric Schwartz briefly wrote for this independent mag. Published by Andy Pasulka, WT had a small distribution list. Eric's pieces were mainly added as funny filler.

STILLBIRTH LOGIC:(1991-1994) Dan Neid, Steve Pierson and Frank Carney (albeit briefly) formed Stillbirth Logic as a way to make movies. A mixture of Stanley Kubrick, Tim Burton and Wierd Al Yankovic. As Dan puts it, "It was like a band but we made videos." Yes they did. Short videos like Embryonic Hairweave Pt. IX , Ennui, Shortwave Radio 1 -3 and various music videos helped incubate the surrealism that is now evident in Neid's later work with Frontage Road and 16 To Midnight.