Red Sun EP (Import) • 1988
Demon Records VEXCD8
Available on iTunes
Exploring the Axis • 1985
Frontier Records FLP 1015
Available on iTunes
Music
Bottomfeeders (Import) • 1987
Zippo Records ZANE 005
Available on iTunes as bonus tracks
ALRN 7” EP • 1978
Self produced/distributed
Rational Records 001
Game Theory was a pop/rock band started by Scott Miller in Davis in 1983. Game Theory had numerous releases and saw success in the college radio and on MTV. They are often grouped with REM, Let's Active and the dBs.
The album below is a collection of Game Theory hits and some extras that their label, Enigma Records released in 1988. I joined GT for the last line up which included original members Scott Miller and Gil Ray with Michael Quercio of Three O'Clock and myself. We played a handful of West Coast shows before calling it a day. Scott and I then formed The Loud Family.
The Sippy Cups was the inspiration of Paul Godwin who, while playing Syd Barrett's "Bike" to his then toddler son Bodhi, realized the potential that Psychedelic, Glam and Punk music had for entertaining children and families. Together with founding members: Actor/Juggler Doug Nolan and guitarist/graphic designer Mark Verlander,
I joined other like-minded musicians: Alison Faith Levy and Rudy Trubitt to record albums and play and major venues and festivals like The House of Blues, Lollapaloza and Austin City Limits. We were among the first in a "new wave" of
kid's music that did not offend the ears and minds of the parents.
Alternate Learning (ALRN)
Joseph (Jozef) Becker
Graphic Designer
Production Artist
Professional Musician
A comprehensive list of bands I have played with would be difficult to catalog. What follows is a history told by record covers. These were the bands that moved out of their garages, bedrooms and living rooms to achieve to some level of acclaim.
GBD was formed from two former members of Thin White Rope, Stoo Odom and Roger Kunkel; guitarist Amr Topozada and Drummer Bruce Todd. They released Little Love Things with the addition of three more songs which I play drums on.
Plants and Birds and Rocks and Things • 1993
Alias Records A033-D
The Graves Brothers Deluxe
Hollywood Holiday (Import) • 1983
New Rose Records
Available on iTunes
Game Theory
The Time Machine • 2008
Snackerdisc sd06
Available on iTunes
Thin White Rope was formed in 1980 by Guy Kyser and myself. With various line ups TWR went on to have successes on both sides of the Atlantic before calling it quits in 1992. Described by the press as Johnny Cash meets George Romero, Thin White Rope got lumped in, erroneously, with the "Paisley Underground" scene that was happening in Los Angeles at the time. Getting a luke warm response in the US, Thin White Rope did extremely well in Europe, particularly in Italy. I toured in the US five times and Europe three.
True West
The Loud Family
Moonhead • 1987
Frontier Records FLP 1020
Available on iTunes
Alternate Learning was formed when my friends Scott Miller, Scott Gallawa and me were in high school. It is a fine example of the "Do It Yourself" ethic, in that it was recorded and mixed at home; the package design was Scott M's and the art work was from a few of our high school friends. Each copy was assembled by hand and was unique. There were only 1000 pressed and they are considered to be collectable. The music was Pop/Rock and is a fine indication of where Miller's song writing was headed. Scott Miller went on to form Game Theory and The Loud Family which released several LPs, toured the US and abroad and gained a large cult following and significant critical success.
The Tape of Only Linda • 1994
Alias Records A060-D
Available on iTunes
Tinkers to Evers to Chance • 1988
Enigma Records 75351
What If It Works • 2006
125 Records 125-013
Little Love Things • 2000
Munster Records MRCD 183
Available on iTunes
The Sippy Cups
Electric Storyland! Live at the
Great American Music Hall DVD • 2008
Snackerdisc
Kids Rock for Peas!-Live • 2005
Snackerdisc sd01
Available on iTunes
Currently I am playing drums for a number of bands
- The Jean Genies, David Bowie Tribute;
- The Bye Bye Blackbirds
- Country Joe McDonald Band
- The Danny Pearson Band
Slouching Towards Liverpool • 1993
Alias Records A055-D
Available on iTunes
Electric Storyland! • 2007
Snackerdisc sd03
Available on iTunes
Snail Song & Magic Toast! (single) • 2005
Snackerdisc sd02
Available on iTunes
True West was a Davis, California band that was considered part of the "Paisley Underground Scene" in LA. With the college radio success of a single featuring the Pink Floyd cover "Lucifer Sam," a 12" 6-song EP was released an to enthusiastic response. Shortly after, a French record label, New Rose released the EP plus three extra songs. These were recorded with Kevin Staydohar and myself recently of Thin White Rope. This line up also recorded demos for Capital Records produced by Tom Verlaine of the band Television.
From the ashes of Game Theory rose The Loud Family. We went on to release a number of critically-acclaimed albums and tours of the US, Canada and England.
Thin White Rope
In the Spanish Cave • 1988
Frontier Records FLP 1027
Available on iTunes
Interbabe Concern • 1996
Alias Records A098-D
Available on iTunes