The Rentals
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The Rentals | |||
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Background information | |||
Origin | United States | ||
Years active | 1995–1999 2006–present |
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Genre(s) | Alternative Rock | ||
Label(s) | Maverick Records Reprise Records |
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Website | http://www.therentals.com | ||
Current Members | |||
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Former Members | |||
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The Rentals are a rock band fronted by Matt Sharp, former bass player for Weezer.
Overview
The Rentals are best known for their mid-1990s hit single, "Friends of P." The group released two albums during their initial period of activity, 1995's Return of the Rentals and 1999's Seven More Minutes, on Maverick Records. The band quietly dissolved following the world tour for their second album, but in 2005 Sharp reformed the band with intentions of touring and recording a new record. In 2007, The Rentals released The Last Little Life EP containing three new tracks and a revamped version of 'Sweetness and Tenderness', a classic track from their debut album.
Matt Sharp's concept for The Rentals began before his involvement in Weezer. He is heavily influenced by late 70s/early 80s new wave, punk, and synth pop, particularly musician Gary Numan and his project Tubeway Army. As such, The Rentals' sound is dominated by this influence.
During the writing of Seven More Minutes, Matt spent alot of time touring with British musicians including Blur and Ash. Such exposure influenced his songwriting, and caused him to open up to collaborative efforts. Musicians from Elastica, Blur, and Ash appeared on several tracks on Seven More Minutes. Matt has gone on to collaborate with Blur frontman Damon Albarn on several occasions. Along with Blur drummer Dave Rowntree, they recorded a cover of Gary Numan's "We Have A Technical" for a tribute album, and Albarn appeared with the Rentals on French television performing "Friends of P.".
In 2006, The Rentals re-formed and went on a summer tour with Ozma. Following the completion of the tour, they began making home recordings in Los Angeles with Matt and Sara overseeing production. The next summer, in 2007, the band released The Last Little Life EP and went on tour with Goldenboy and Copeland.
After a year of silence, the band announced in 2009 their plans for an ambitious new project: Songs About Time. The first of the three mini albums was released on April 7, 2009 and is called The Story of A Thousand Season's Past.
Discography
Studio albums
Year | Title | Label |
1995 | Return of the Rentals | Maverick/Reprise/Warner Bros. |
1999 | Seven More Minutes | Maverick/Warner Bros. |
2009 | Songs About Time | Self-released |
EPs
Year | Title | Label |
2007 | The Last Little Life EP | Boompa |
Singles
Year | Title | Label |
1995 | "Friends of P." | Maverick/Reprise/Warner Bros. |
1996 | "Waiting" | Maverick/Reprise/Warner Bros. | 1996 | "Please Let That Be You" | Maverick/Reprise/Warner Bros. |
1999 | "Getting By" | Maverick/Reprise/Warner Bros. | 1999 | "She Says It's Alright" | Maverick/Reprise/Warner Bros. |
2008 | "Colorado" | Self-released |
Compilations
Year | Title | Label |
1995 | The Poop Alley Tapes | Maverick/Reprise/Warner Bros. |
1995 | How The _____ Stole Christmas KROQ cassette | Maverick/Reprise/Warner Bros. |
2000 | The Solution To Benefit Heal The Bay benefit | Maverick/Reprise/Warner Bros. |
Special releases
Year | Title | Label |
For The Ladies (Early Rentals Session) | Self-released | |
2001 | Excellent Stocking Stuffer (demos and rough mixes) | Self-released |
Little Russel Street (Seven More Minutes rough mixes and demos) | Self-released |