Häzel

Hazel was one of several groups (including Elliott Smith's Heatmiser) that sprung up in Portland, Oregon in the early '90s, just as grunge was reaching fever pitch in neighboring Seattle. The trio of indie poppers included vocalist-guitarist Pete Krebs, bassist Brady Smith, and drummer-vocalist Jody Bleyle. They were often accompanied by a Fred Nemo, a dancer, and spirit man, à la the Happy Mondays' (and Black Grape's) Bez. The group, who was signed to Sub Pop records, released their debut album, Toreador of Love, in 1993. The punk-pop effort was most notable for the unique me...