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After colliding at a favorite neighborhood watering hole in Madison, Wisconsin one summer evening, guitarist Dan Hicks and vocalist Courtney Collins instantly bonded over their mutual love of old-school power pop. They closed the evening with a pact to start a band that would pay homage to the bands that inspired them during their formative years, and yet shed new light upon their favorite genre of modern music. The duo started writing together and then set about finding the rhythm section that would complement their music, which they dub "arena pop." Drummer Dave Ross entered the scene and wholeheartedly agreed to join the expedition. The lineup was completed with the addition of Arena Venus's newest member, bassist Andrew Yonda. Hicks' roaring power chords and classic arrangements are augmented by Yonda's melodic and insistent bass lines. Yonda's knack for pop is only complemented by Ross' precise but big beat, which provides the foundation for the playground that is Arena Venus. Collins ties it together with her protean contralto, bright melodies, and multi-entendre lyrics which are usually delivered with tongue planted firmly in cheek. The band's debut EP, "Plucked," was released in July 2003. "Plucked" has been reviewed as a "smart, catchy disc," with "gritty guitars" and "sultry, dreamy legato" vocals. Over the summer of 2004, Arena Venus took a temporary departure from power pop to record a Christmas cd, for release in November 2004. "Yuletide Swank" combines lounge, rockabilly, and traditional stylings - upright bass, vibraphone, Christmas bells, rocking guitar, organ, and smooth female vocals make this Christmas cd both retro and fresh. Check out http://cdbaby.com/all/arenavenus for all Arena Venus CDs! And also visit www.theback40s.com and www.CourtneyCollins.com for more projects from members of Arena Venus. Check out the artist's website: http://www.courtneycollins.com Track List: 1. Santa Baby 2. Sleigh Ride 3. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree 4. I'd Like You For Christmas 5. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen 6. The Man With The Bag 7. Winter Wonderland 8. Jingle Bell Rock 9. Baby, It's Cold Outside -featuring Ryan Smith of the Melismatics 10. Riu Chiu 11. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 12. Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me 13. Jingle Bells 14. Christmas Waltz 15. Good King Wenceslas 16. Happy Holiday 17. Auld Lang Syne Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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