54-40: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Videos
• Photos
• Groups/Boards
• Fan Sites

• Toad the Wet Sprocket
• 10,000 Maniacs
• Hunters & Collectors
• The BoDeans
• Hoodoo Gurus
• Miracle Legion
• The Waterboys

• R.E.M.

• Neil Osborne
• Phil Comparelli
• Brad Merritt

Formed:

Jan 1, 1981 in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Can

Genres:

Rock Music, Alternative Rock Music

Decades Active:

1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Low

Ratings Guide

Vancouver's 54-40 takes their name from James K. Polk's presidential campaign slogan "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight," which sought to expand the U.S. border northward. 54-40 formed in 1981 as a trio consisting of Brad Merritt (bass), Darryl Neudorf (drums), and Neil Osbourne (vocals); they began touring the Western Canadian club circuit, without gaining much attention. In 1984, Phil Comparelli was added on guitar and vocals; Neudorf left shortly thereafter and was replaced by Matt Johnson (not The The's frontman). By the time of the band's self-titled album in 1986, their folk/roots approach had earned them favorable comparisons to R.E.M. Subsequent albums found the band moving into harder-edged territory. A lack of U.S. interest led to 1992's exclusively Canadian release Dear Dear, but by 1994, continued success in their homeland helped to make a U.S. release possible for Smilin' Buddah Cabaret in 1995.

- Chris Woodstra, All Music Guide