Spin Doctors | History of the Band

Blending Funk, Blues, and Pop: The 90s Band That Brought Jam-Driven Rock to Mainstream Radio

When it comes to bands that captured the carefree spirit of the early 1990s, Spin Doctors stand out as one of the most memorable names from the alternative and jam band scene. With their infectious blend of funky rhythms, bluesy guitar riffs, and undeniable pop hooks, the band enjoyed a meteoric rise, propelled by their massive hit album Pocket Full of Kryptonite (1991). Their sound was equal parts rock, funk, and jam, bringing a fresh, fun-loving energy to the rock scene in an era dominated by grunge. But their story is much more than a couple of big singles; it’s one of evolution, perseverance, and unexpected musical turns.

Formation and Early Years

Spin Doctors trace their roots to the vibrant New York City music scene of the late 1980s. The band began in 1988 when guitarist Eric Schenkman, originally from Canada, teamed up with vocalist Chris Barron, drummer Aaron Comess, and bassist Mark White. The band first played under the name “Trucking Company,” but as their sound solidified—a blend of bluesy rock, funk, and improvisational jams—they took on the name Spin Doctors. Early on, they were regulars at NYC venues like The Wetlands, a haven for up-and-coming jam bands.

Though their sound was rooted in the loose, improvisational style of jam bands like the Grateful Dead, Spin Doctors distinguished themselves with their concise, radio-friendly approach to songwriting. Their sound took elements of blues, funk, and rock, pairing them with Barron’s sharp lyrical wit and Schenkman’s distinctively twangy guitar style, giving them a unique edge that would soon take them to mainstream success.

In the beginning, Spin Doctors’ music was a kaleidoscopic mix of funk and blues-driven rock with a jam band ethos. They excelled in live performances, often stretching songs out into extended jams, which won them a devoted following among the jam band circuit. However, unlike other jam bands of the time, such as Phish, Spin Doctors crafted songs that were hook-heavy and accessible, making them more palatable to mainstream rock radio.

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The band’s musical evolution over the 1990s was, in some ways, a response to the cultural shift brought about by the explosion of alternative rock and grunge. Spin Doctors flirted with these trends, but their upbeat, groove-centric music never fully aligned with the angsty, brooding energy of their peers in bands like Pearl Jam or Nirvana. Instead, their sound evolved in a more refined direction, incorporating tighter arrangements and more introspective lyrics, as seen in their later albums. Yet they never lost the playful spontaneity that defined their early work.

Discography and Notable 90s Albums

Pocket Full of Kryptonite (1991)

Spin Doctors’ debut album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite, was released in August 1991 on Epic Records, just months before the alt-rock explosion that brought grunge into the mainstream. Initially, the album received little attention. But by 1992, after extensive touring and the release of infectious singles like “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and the indelible “Two Princes,” the album caught fire. It eventually peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and went triple platinum.

The record’s blend of funk, blues-rock, and catchy hooks made it a hit on college and commercial radio alike, earning the band praise for their tight musicianship and fun-loving energy. Spin Doctors became synonymous with the lighter side of 90s rock, bringing a joyous, good-time vibe to a scene otherwise drenched in angst.

Turn It Upside Down (1994)

After the massive success of their debut, Spin Doctors followed up with Turn It Upside Down in 1994. Released again under Epic Records, this album saw the band leaning further into their jam-band roots with longer songs and more improvisational elements. Singles like “You Let Your Heart Go Too Fast” and “Cleopatra’s Cat” didn’t have the same chart success as their earlier hits, but the album still performed well, reaching No. 28 on the Billboard 200. While it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as Pocket Full of Kryptonite, Turn It Upside Down solidified Spin Doctors as a staple of the alternative rock circuit, particularly in the jam band scene.

You’ve Got to Believe in Something (1996)

By the time their third album, You’ve Got to Believe in Something, was released in 1996, the musical landscape had shifted dramatically. Grunge was on the decline, and pop-punk and nu-metal were starting to take over the airwaves. Spin Doctors’ upbeat, funky style seemed somewhat out of step with the darker, more aggressive tones of the mid-90s. Still, You’ve Got to Believe in Something was a solid album that showed the band exploring more introspective lyrical themes and tighter song structures. However, the album failed to make much of an impact commercially, and it marked the beginning of a period of decline for the band.

Here Comes the Bride (1999)

By the time Here Comes the Bride was released in 1999, Spin Doctors were far removed from their early 90s heyday. Schenkman had left the band in 1994 due to creative differences, and Barron had suffered a vocal cord paralysis that temporarily derailed the band’s momentum. Though Here Comes the Bride featured strong songwriting, the loss of Schenkman’s distinctive guitar playing was palpable, and the album received mixed reviews. It was clear that the band was struggling to find their place in a rock landscape that had moved on.

Critically, Spin Doctors were a polarizing band. While many praised their musicianship and ability to craft infectious pop-rock hits, others dismissed them as lightweight or lacking substance, especially compared to the brooding seriousness of their grunge peers. Pocket Full of Kryptonite received strong reviews, with Rolling Stone calling it “one of the most fun albums of the year.” However, later albums like Turn It Upside Down and You’ve Got to Believe in Something were met with mixed reactions. Critics often noted the band’s refusal to evolve with the times as both a strength and a weakness, depending on their perspective.

Influence and Legacy

After their meteoric rise in the early 90s and a gradual decline in mainstream popularity, the members of Spin Doctors continued to pursue both individual and collective musical endeavors. Though their days of dominating the charts had passed, they remained active, particularly in the jam band and live music circuits, where they retained a devoted fan base.

By the late 90s, Spin Doctors had experienced several significant challenges. Notably, lead singer Chris Barron suffered from a paralyzed vocal cord in 1999, which temporarily left him unable to sing. Despite this setback, Barron made a full recovery and reunited with the band in the early 2000s. Guitarist Eric Schenkman, who had left the band in 1994 due to creative differences, also rejoined the group in 2001, restoring the original lineup.

Since then, Spin Doctors have continued to tour extensively, performing at music festivals and headlining their own shows. While they never regained the commercial success of their 90s heyday, they found a new groove in the 2000s by embracing their role as veterans of the jam band scene. Their live performances, known for extended improvisations and high-energy jams, continued to attract a loyal following. In 2011, they even embarked on a 20th-anniversary tour to celebrate Pocket Full of Kryptonite, playing the album in its entirety at many shows, much to the delight of longtime fans.

The band’s post-90s releases haven’t charted, but they’ve allowed the Spin Doctors to continue evolving while still engaging with their loyal fan base. Their sound has matured, reflecting their journey from the upbeat pop-rock of their early days to a grittier, more roots-driven style.

In addition to their work with Spin Doctors, the individual band members have pursued various solo projects and collaborations since the 90s:

• Chris Barron: After his vocal cord paralysis in 1999, Barron began a solo career. In 2001, he released Shag, a solo album that leaned more into singer-songwriter territory than the funky, blues-infused sound of Spin Doctors. In 2017, Barron followed up with Angels and One-Armed Jugglers, an introspective folk-rock album that showcased his storytelling abilities and vocal recovery. He also frequently performs solo acoustic shows and collaborates with other musicians.

• Eric Schenkman: After leaving Spin Doctors in the mid-90s, Schenkman embarked on several musical ventures. He played with the band Cork (featuring former Mountain bassist Corky Laing) and pursued a solo career. In 2019, Schenkman released Who Shot John?, a blues-driven solo album that received positive reviews for its raw energy and stellar guitar work. He continues to collaborate with various musicians, tapping into his deep love for blues and rock.

• Aaron Comess: Spin Doctors drummer Aaron Comess has been one of the busiest members outside the band, carving out a career as a session drummer and composer. He has recorded and performed with a wide range of artists, including Joan Osborne, Bilal, and Edie Brickell. In addition to his session work, Comess has released several instrumental solo albums, including Beautiful Mistake (2018), which showcases his versatile drumming and compositional skills.

• Mark White: The band’s bassist, Mark White, took a break from music in the late 90s but returned to the Spin Doctors fold when they reunited in the 2000s. White also took up teaching, sharing his bass-playing expertise with aspiring musicians.

Spin Doctors may have started as an alternative rock act with a mainstream pop sensibility, but their lasting legacy is most strongly felt in the jam band community. Alongside groups like Blues Traveler and Phish, Spin Doctors helped usher in a wave of jam-friendly rock in the 90s that combined improvisational live shows with catchy songwriting. Their ability to bring jam band elements to mainstream radio is often cited as a precursor to the rise of other jam-influenced acts like Dave Matthews Band.

Though their chart-topping days are behind them, Spin Doctors are now seen as pioneers of the early 90s alternative jam band scene, contributing to the eclectic mix of sounds that defined that era. Their albums, especially Pocket Full of Kryptonite, remain emblematic of the lighter, more carefree side of 90s rock, while their commitment to musicianship and live performance ensures they remain relevant within niche circles.

While Spin Doctors may be remembered by casual listeners for their big hits in the early 90s, their story is much richer and more complex. From their jam band roots in New York to their meteoric rise with Pocket Full of Kryptonite, the band has shown remarkable resilience in the face of changing musical trends and personal setbacks.

Their legacy lies in their ability to straddle the line between jam band improvisation and tight, pop-savvy songwriting, influencing a generation of musicians who came after them. Spin Doctors’ continued presence on the live circuit and their forays into solo projects demonstrate a band that has never stopped evolving. For fans of 90s rock, Spin Doctors serve as a reminder of a time when music was playful, funky, and undeniably fun—a puzzle piece in the greater story of 90s music, forever linked to the decade’s sonic tapestry.