Black Eyed Snakes Explained

The Black-eyed Snakes
Landscape:	Yes
Origin:	Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.
Instrument:	Vocals, guitar, drums,
Genre:	Blues, rock
Years Active:	1999  - present
Label:	Chairkickers' Union Music, Shaky Ray Records, Varese Fontana

The Black-eyed Snakes is an American blues rock band from Duluth, Minnesota.^[1] Since releasing their debut album "It's the Black-eyed Snakes" in 2001, the band has toured the U.S., including with Charlie Parr, among others. Front man Alan Sparhawk also performs with Low and Retribution Gospel Choir.

The Black-eyed Snakes often perform at the Homegrown Music Festival in Duluth, Minnesota. Black-eyed Snakes was selected by City Pages as the Best New Band of 2001. Sparhawks described the band's attitude towards the blues: "We actually hate most blues. We were trying to destroy it. We're interested in putting the blues back into a gut level – instead of talent, we go with feeling more."

Lineup

• Alan Sparhawk – guitar, vocals
• Bob Olson – guitar
• Brad Nelson – drums
• Justin Sparhawk – percussion
• Bryan "Lefty" Johnson – percussion

Discography

Studio albums

• It's the Black-eyed Snakes – (Chairkickers' Union Music, 2001)
• Rise Up! – (Chairkickers' Union Music, 2003)^[2]
• Seven Horses - (Chairkickers' Union Music, 2018)

Singles

• "Chicken Bone George" (7") – (Shaky Ray Records, 2001)

Compilations

• Duluth Does Dylan – (Spinout Records, 2000)
• Sun Records the Ultimate Blues Collection – (Varese Fontana, 2003)
• Perverted by Mark E. / A Tribute to the Fall – (Zick Zack indigo, 2004)
• Homegrown Rawk and/or Roll: Starfire's Mix – (Homegrown Music Festival, 2008)

DVDs

• "Cross Country with the Snakes" (film by Hansi Johnson) – (Chairkickers' Union Music, 2005)

References

• Maerz, Melissa. God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You City Pages, October 10, 2001.
• Riemenschneider, Chris. Slitherin' Dither - Black-eyed Snakes Found a Way to Reinvigorate the Blues. Star Tribune, October 12, 2001.
• Royston, Reggie. Black-eyed Snakes Saint Paul Pioneer Press, December 19, 2003.
• Virtucio, V. Paul. Snakes Open Some Eyes Duluth News-Tribune, August 11, 2001.

External links

• • Myspace profile

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2018-11-22 . Best bets: Black-eyed Snakes, Native heritage and Christmas City . 2023-01-14 . Duluth News Tribune . en.
2. Web site: The Black-Eyed Snakes "Rise Up" « Brian Barber . 2023-01-14 . en.