Oh My Rockness

Part of the Elephant 6 collective, Of Montreal have been playing their unique brand of psych-pop with nods to 70's afro-beat and 80's electro-dance since 1997. And they are actually from Athens, GA.

The story goes that singer Kevin Barnes had a broken heart from a failed relationship with a woman from Montreal and decided to name his band after her. Perhaps it was doomed to start and a Southerner just can't make it with a Quebecois. Maybe he always wanted to drone on in his drawl about football while she wanted to explore the intricacies of hockey in French.

But whatever the reason for their break, you gotta hand it to the guy. What better way to get back at an old love than to be the front man of a highly successful and respected band? If she's not jealous then she just doesn't get it and he's better off without her. Unless, of course, she calls and apologizes.

Published 10/04/04