New York, NY (Top40 Charts) The Miamis, led by brothers
James and
Thomas Wynbrandt, were legends in New York in the 1970s, playing shows at CBGB, Max's Kansas City, and the Mudd Club with artists like Blondie, Television, Ramones, Talking Heads, and even KISS. A Miamis show was the show to see. But, while the crowds loved them, the record business couldn't decide whether they were pop or punk. Luckily, the band recorded material — with producers like
Craig Leon (Ramones) and Genya Ravan in studios including Plaza Sound and Electric Lady. Plus, their live prowess was captured on tape.
Omnivore Recordings is proud to finally "introduce" the Miamis to the world with We Deliver: The Lost Band of the CBGB Era (1974-1979). Twenty-three tracks of the best music you've never heard. Street date is January 29, 2016.
The best of the band's studio material is collected here, as well as demos and live tracks from CBGB — including a cover of Sinatra's "That's Life," recorded two years before Sid Vicious would tackle "My Way."
The set also features vintage memorabilia, photos by renowned photographer Bob Gruen, and extensive liner notes. The compilation was produced by
Jesse Lauter (Bob Dylan in the 80s), the Wynbrandts' cousin, who discovered his family connection to the Miamis while attending college in New York City decades after the group had disbanded. After carefully transferring the existing tapes, he had the material re-mastered and restored by Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves.
The Miamis' We Deliver: The Lost Band of the CBGB Era (1974-1979) is a timeless gem from the New York music scene of the 1970s. You may think you know the story, but you won't know the whole story until you devour We Deliver.
"Why don't more people know about the Miamis?" questions liner note author
Glenn Coe. "Probably because they left us so few recordings. Until recently, their songs were known only to those fortunate enough to have heard them in person. But with this carefully re-mastered archival compilation, everyone can now understand how special the group was. It presents the Miamis as they were: a muscular rock band with hit material and a joyous approach. Record companies of the time deemed the Miamis too punk for the pop market and too pop for punk. Today, happily, those labels no longer apply. The music is what matters. And that's why, as your ears will quickly tell you, the Miamis do, too."
"I tried never to miss a Miamis show. I loved the songs and the brothers in action was always a great night out. At last we get to hear the Miamis again." —Deborah Harry, Blondie
"A Miamis show was a guaranteed good time. You knew that the coolest people in New York were going to be there, clapping and singing along to all their great songs." —Tommy (Tommy Ramone) Erdelyi
"Palm trees on the Bowery!" —Richard Hell, writer and musician
"The Miamis were there from the very beginning of the CBGB era, and their spirit helped make that moment special. 'We Deliver' = Deliverance!!" —Lenny Kaye, writer and guitarist, Patti Smith Group
"The Miamis had, like, seventy number-one hits that never got recorded." —Bob Gruen, rock photographer
"The Wynbrandt brothers were excellent songwriters. The Miamis stood out." —Hilly Kristal, founder/owner of CBGB
Track Listing:
. 1. We Deliver
. 2. Cry Baby
. 3. I Want a Girlfriend
. 4. Dancin' Together
. 5. Just Too Many People in the World
. 6. Wang It
. 7. Let There Be Pain
. 8. Another Place, Another Time
. 9. We Need a Bigger Navy
. 10. Fight Team Fight
. 11. She Sure Works Hard (At Lovin' Me) (demo)
. 12. We Deliver (alternate version)
. 13. I Want a Girlfriend (alternate version/demo)
. 14. Another Place, Another Time (alternate version)
. 15. Open Up Your
Heart (live)
. 16. Dada Mama (live)
. 17. Détente (live)
. 18. We Need a Bigger Navy (live)
. 19. Dancin' Together (live)
. 20. Wang It (live)
. 21. Elvis, Groucho & Bing (live)
22. Fight Team Fight (live)
. 23. That's Life (live)
