Material Issue: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Videos
• Photos
• Groups/Boards
• Fan Sites

• Bill Lloyd
• The Jesus and Mary Chain
• Lackloves
• The Dons
• International Pop Overthrow
• Pixies
• P76

• Shoes
• Big Star
• The Who
• Cheap Trick
• The Beatles
• Byrds
• Tom Petty

• The Contrast
• Noise Addict
• OK Go
• Hop on Pop
• Paper Airplane Pilots

• Hushdrops

• Jim Ellison

Formed:

Jan 1, 1986 in Chicago, IL

Disbanded:

Jan 1, 1996

Genres:

Rock Music, Alternative Rock Music

Decades Active:

1980's|1990's

Artistic Quality

Low

Ratings Guide

Material Issue's music is a return to the classic power-pop formula: catchy, melodic songs driven by loud, jangly guitars and usually paying tribute to girls and teenage love. The inevitable Beatles/Big Star/Cheap Trick/Tom Petty comparisons sparked intense interest in the band from power-pop fans and critics, and the group's musical allegiances were further underscored when ex-Shoes member Jeff Murphy produced their first two records, and Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen guested on 1994's Freak City Soundtrack. The group was formed in Chicago by vocalist/guitarist Jim Ellison, an early member of Green, and his friend Ted Ansani (bass); they located drummer Mike Zelenko through a want ad. They released a self-titled EP in 1987 and attracted some local attention through a 1989 single. Their 1991 debut for Mercury, International Pop Overthrow, was hailed as pure power pop in all its glory and earned the group a fan base; several songs became hits on modern-rock radio. Destination Universe tended to follow an identical formula and was not as well received. Freak City Soundtrack utilized a more streamlined,'70s hard rock production and consolidated the group's standing as critics' darlings, but when the album failed to sell, Mercury dropped the group. Sadly, Ellison committed suicide on June 20, 1996, suffocating himself in his garage with carbon monoxide fumes from his moped.

- Steve Huey, All Music Guide