Biography of The Residents

The Residents are one of rock's oddest and most mysterious groups. Their identity has been a closely guarded secret for two decades. In rare public appearances, they are typically disguised as giant eyeballs decked out in tuxes and top hats. But behind all the weirdness is...more weirdness -- primitive mutations of popular songs by the likes of Elvis, James Brown, and Hank Williams, frightening nursery rhymes, elaborate mythological epics that span several albums, and pure sonic explorations. Like the most adventurous modern composers, The Residents understand the emotive power of sound; early works like Eskimo are unforgettably evocative. Their later projects contain subtle social commentary. Even when the parody verges on self-parody, the music retains shock value and sophistication. ~ Myles Boisen