Sh! The Octopus came to complete fruition in the spring of 2007. Though, prior to everyone being in the proper place, Randy Bishop began performing under the borrowed 1937 movie title in July 2003. The “artist” to “band” transition started late 2005 when friend/guitarist Andy Stachowiak joined. He was followed by drummer Joel Pearson and bassist Chris Sesta in spring and summer 2006 (respectively). Lastly, vocalist/pianist Christine Baxter added the final piece in March 2007. Sh!’s debut, The Carrot Chase was released in July of that year.
“After several listens and a couple weeks deliberation, I laboured to the decision that this album is… Brilliant… Sh! The Octopus pretty much incorporate all the successful dimensions of American pop.”
- Duncky (Faces in the Sand)
“Sh! The Octopus shows that Detroit still has some great music coming from its weary streets. At the same time, Sh! The Octopus has appeal beyond Detroit, and they mix elements that are popular in modern indie rock. I have a feeling we might see more of this band…”
- Kevin Eagan (Blogcritics.org)
“The kind of thing that could be a good backdrop for bar-brawling fun… Dashes of harmonica, twittering keyboards, female backing vocals and a well-defined rhythm section… On the mic, (Randy) Bishop is a pop philosopher, a jaded rock warrior… as he describes the bar band’s struggle for something more.”
- Natalie B. David (Detour)
“Poppy and a bit more polished than their initial output… (Christine) Baxter’s contributions are palpable and add a needed spice.”
- Keith N. Dusenberry (Real Detroit Weekly)
“‘Flaking Friends[…]’ A charming bit of acoustic-flavored pop… ‘If You Please[…]’ Sparse and wonderfully Spoon-esque.”
- Matt Whelihan (Punknews.org)
“It would be very hard for Sh! the Octopus to live up to such a great name, but they do an admirable job on their debut album, The Carrot Chase. The Detroit band [has] some good lyrics and can unquestionably play…”
- Michael Edwards (Exclaim!)
“The 5-piece outfit from Michigan known as Sh! The Octopus have done a fine job of recording, mixing, producing and releasing their debut full-length The Carrot Chase…”
- Matt the Raven (Delusions of Adequacy)
Hey Octopi, I'm playing at Paycheck's Lounge this Saturday night. 11:00 This is my second music show since I've been back from tour. I'm excited to do a full music set. I hope you can make it.
Thanks, Blair
Saturday, May 3rd Paycheck's Lounge 11:00 $5 2932 Canniff
wondeful bulliten about macomb countt animal shelter these are problems most people dont realize and it jes shows that we all need to do our part in svaing and resuing these helpless animal they cannot speak therefor we need to be there voice. i reposted it undr mine account and addeda little bitt for info from the site itself. u are great people look for wa4d to haveing another Sh the octupus/ how to stay alice in the woods reunion show Jordy drummer from How To Stay Alive In The Woods
Word on getting the radio plays guys! I had the privilege of reviewing the CD for WMHW, and it was so hard to pick which track to recommend for airplay because there were so many good ones. I'm glad Corey was able to get a hold of you guys about the GLMS show too. Those guys rock, and it'll be sweet to see you all open. Best wishes!
When i got my ipod last month & Delphina helped me load it she made this big list of music that she had to steal from us that she had forgotten about, like Q & not U, the MAKEUP, Burning Airlines... she kept saying "i love this song- i forgot about it!" ha!
The first time i heard "LS" was walking around Target, listening to my new ipod on my lunch. i was so surprised, i started tearing up right there in the aisle with all the chips & nuts. i love it! You guys are awesome.
no idea! we'd love to. we'll be getting a house all to ourselves this summer so we can play anytime for as long as we want. a big change from our old rehearsal habits in sams moms basement! we'll see how things evolve.
