Couchois was an American

rock band A rock band or pop band is a small musical ensemble that performs rock music, pop music, or a related genre. A four-piece band is the most common configuration in rock and pop music. In the early years, the configuration was typically two guita ...

consisting of the Couchois brothers - Chris (vocals), Pat (guitar), and Mike (drums) - along with Chas Carlson (keyboards) and Howard Messer (bass). Formed in 1979, the band released two albums on Warner Bros. Records: ''Couchois'' in 1979, and ''Nasty Hardware'' in 1980.

History

The Couchois brothers began playing in bands together while in junior high school during the 1960s. In 1971, Chris and Pat joined Ratchell with bassist Howard Messer and former Steppenwolf guitarist Larry Byrom. The group released two albums for

Decca Records Decca Records is a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis (Decca), Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934 by Lewis, Jack Kapp, American Decca's first president, and Milton Rackmil, who later became American ...

before splitting up. A few years later, Mike Couchois joined his brothers and Messer and Chas Carlson to form the group Couchois. The band signed with Warner Bros. Records and released their self-titled debut album, which peaked at #170 on the ''Billboard'' 200 in 1979. The album featured a guest appearance by

Chuck Findley Charles B. Findley (born December 13, 1947 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania) is an American trumpet player known for his diverse work as a session musician. He also plays other brass instruments such as flugelhorn and trombone. His technical abilities ...

. A review of the album in a 1979 issue of ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

'' called ''Couchois'' a "solid debut LP" with a "very melodic rock sound" and "noteworthy" keyboard work. Pete Bishop of '' Pittsburgh Press'' said it was an "enjoyable and promising debut album" and compared the band's style to that of

Creedence Clearwater Revival Creedence Clearwater Revival, also referred to as Creedence and CCR, was an American rock band formed in El Cerrito, California. The band initially consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter John Fogerty; his brother, ...

and Orleans. In 1980, Couchois released their second album, ''Nasty Hardware'', which included their song "Roll The Dice", which was later covered by such bands as

Rage Rage may refer to: * Rage (emotion), an intense form of anger Games * Rage (collectible card game), a collectible card game * Rage (trick-taking card game), a commercial variant of the card game Oh Hell * ''Rage'' (video game), a 2011 first-per ...

Charlie Charlie may refer to: Characters * "Charlie," the head of the Townsend Agency', from the ''Charlie's Angels'' franchise * Charlie, a character on signs for the CharlieCard, a smart card issued by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority * ...

and John Verity. '' Rolling Stone'' gave the album a one-star rating and characterized Couchois as an "aggravatingly lame soft-rock quintet that sports three brothers and zero talent." After the band dissolved, Chris wrote and played drums on the Eric Burdon song "Heart Attack" for the 1981 film ''

Comeback Comeback, The Comeback or Come Back may refer to: General * Comeback (publicity), a return to prominence by a well-known person * Comeback (retort), a witty response to an insult or criticism * Comeback (sports), an event where an athlete or team ...

''. The song later featured on many of Burdon's compilations, such as '' The Best of Eric Burdon'', '' Soldier of Fortune'', as well as on the original album '' Power Company'', which also featured Snuffy Walden,

Ronnie Barron Ronnie Barron (born Ronald Raymond Barrosse, October 9, 1943, in Algiers, New Orleans – March 20, 1997) was an American actor, keyboardist, organist, and blue-eyed soul singer during the 1970s. He was known for his work as a session musicia ...

and Terry Wilson. Couchois' "Visibility Zero" is also featured on the 2006 compilation ''Munich Rock Disco''.

Discography

References

External links

* {{authority control American pop rock music groups Musical groups established in 1979 American musical quintets Rock music groups from Alabama Warner Records artists 1979 establishments in Alabama Musical groups disestablished in 1981