A bit about "Something Else Entirely", our new record:

The late 2006 release from Justin Bell & the Lazy Susan Band constitutes the band’s third release and second full length studio album. This record sees the band at it’s best yet. Something Else Entirely expands on the band’s roots in twang rock (Someone Else’s Daughter/If I Had My Way), Bar room blues (Missing) and straight ahead rock & roll
(Xs & Os/The Same). Produced by Justin Bell & Jonathan Earl, the sounds of the Lazy Susan Band have been corralled into one piece of art that confidently stands on its own feet while paying respect to the artists that influence it. One can easily hear echoes of the Jayhawks, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, and Tom Petty - but Justin’s own voice pierces through the canvas of sounds.

Justin says of the record:

“I wanted to get something specific for this record: these musicians developing these songs on hundreds of stages across Minnesota over the last four years. I think we captured that nicely. I feel like these are the strongest songs I’ve put out there and this band has molded them all into something very special that we are all proud of. There are songs that I didn’t think would make it onto the final album that ended up being the strongest because of what Ben, Mike, Tom & Rob gave to them. This is a great CD and anyone who likes what we do, even a little bit, should hear it.”

Justin Bell: Lead Guitar & Vocals

Justin began playing for audiences at age 14, starting with open mic nights at the Acoustic Café in Winona, Minnesota. It was there, along the banks of the mighty Mississippi, that his songwriting skills were honed, as natural a progression as the course of the river itself. Hearing one of his songs for the first time, it's easy to latch on to one of his casual melodies and ride it like a raft, letting the tide take you wherever it pleases.

“I try to write songs that have multiple levels in them, so while the essential story of the song may be very specific to me, others can have interpretations that totally fit their experiences.” Plus, he makes really funny expressions while soloing.

Ben Young: Drums, percussion & Vocals

Ben began his music career long before he met Justin at St. Mary's University in the late 1990's. But it was there that they formed the original incarnation of Doc's Kids, named after their music teacher, Dr. John Paulson. Now, as the founding member of Lazy Susan, Ben's imprint on the sound of this band is more profound than ever.

"I'm really inspired when I go to see a great live band," says Young, "and I want to be in a band that inspires others in a similar way." By holding down a solid backbeat and adding complex vocal harmonies, he does just that.

Ben is no cookie-cutter drummer - it's more like a three-hole-puncher. Depending on the show, you might see him playing a full kit, a stripped-down version with no toms, or merely percussion. But not matter what, he'll be there lending his vocal prowess to the hooks, and shaking the house with his steady rhythm.

Tom “TNA” Adams: Bass Guitars & Other Instruments as needed

Tom is a musical power house. Quite possibly the finest bass player Justin has ever had the pleasure to work with. After many years of being a Minneapolis scene regular (Cartoon Water, The Benejesurits) Tom retired into the shadows. He was pulled out of the shadows by a trombone slide when his presence was required to round out our Zatchymusic site-mates Doc’s Kids as the third member of the zany pop duo. Justin and the boys have succeeded in brainwashing him into sticking around as a permanent fixture of the Lazy Susan Band to fill the gigantic shoes of late bassist Mike D. (He’s not dead, but he’s literally like 3 months late for a gig.)

Tom is a big wig in the bicycle industry and continues to play percussion in Doc’s Kids as well express himself through the medium of film. In 2005 he released his first documentary “Thank God For Kid n’ Play”, a film which has nothing to do with Kid n’ Play.

Memphis Evans: Acoustic Guitars

Justin met Dave “Memphis Evans” by following up on a flyer that promised a “They Might Be Giants” sounding duo called “Great Uncle Helmer” that featured guitars and keyboards performing at the famous Acoustic Café in Winona. After going to the show and seeing no keyboards, Justin decided that Memphis was the most contemptible liar he’d ever encountered. His distain for Memphis tuned into infatuation and when Justin and Ben needed  a new bass player for the newly formed “Urban Rust”. Justin’s infatuation had turned into borderline stalking, and having Memphis join the group was just more efficient.

A solid all around instrumentalist, Memphis has been in a pile of bands over the years, but the highlights include Urban Rust, Great Uncle Helmer, Jubilant Dogs and Honnigman.  He has made some brief Lazy Susan appearances, but his guitar  playing will be an ever growing presence in the weeks and months to come.

Nearly Departed: As of early 2007, two of the Lazy Susan band's "regulars", guitarist Rob Weaver and bassist Mike Dolbow, have gone into semi-retirement. Mike and Rob promise to be back occasionally, but they refuse to divulge details. Read on for more from Mike, and look for "the Weave" at Gordon Lightfoot tribute shows.

From Mike D., our steady bass player between 2003 and 2006:

The music scene in the Twin Cities of Minnesota has a secret - one that is itching, dying to get out. It's only a matter of time before it gets out, prompting locals to ask: how could I have missed this for so long? But right now, several forces seem to be in place to keep this secret tucked away, hidden at the corner bar on the West Bank or the upstairs emporium in the Halloween capitol of the world. But you, lucky Netizen, have stumbled upon it. Follow us into this hole in the wall, which happens to be the right place at the right time, and we'll tell you a little more about it....

Come, sit down here by the bar, let's order a beer. You see, this secret is a band, the one playing tonight. They have a name, but not one you'll hear very often. "We are Lazy Susan" is about the only introduction you'll get from the guys on stage. But sit tight, and pay no attention to names - what you're about to see and hear goes beyond labels and easy sound bites. After all, this is music, isn't it? Talking about it just ain't the same as hearing it, seeing it, experiencing it.

(Speaking of which, why not dial up some tunes while you're here? It might actually make this illusion come to life...)

Alright, they're ready to start. The sound check is done, the lights go down, and you hear the first few notes ring out. Look! On stage is a bunch of guys burning holes in the stage carpet with moves, sweat, and pure electric energy. Drums, bass, guitar (hey, is that a trombone???) - and in front, Justin Bell: a unique singer-songwriter who combines the burning solos of Stevie Ray Vaughan with the the hook-laden choruses of Counting Crows. Hey, these songs are actually pretty good! And the band isn't just standing there - they actually appear to be enjoying themselves! Could this be possible? Can you get worked up watching a band nearly as much as you enjoy listening to them?

Of course you can - you just don't get it enough! Sure, you've seen other bands that are fun to watch - but when's the last time you went home humming one of their songs in your head? No, this band in front of you is different. They're both exciting to watch and they have great songs. Maybe you don't know their name yet, but damned if you're not going to find out so you can see them next time they blow through town...

You look around and see the other lucky patrons agree by nodding their heads, tapping their feet, or abandoning self-consciousness and dancing their asses off. So why are these guys still such a well-kept secret?

"I hate all that cocky bandleader frontman stuff", says Bell, with his usual deference. "I just like being part of a band - and letting our music do the talking." That's why you'll rarely hear Justin introduce himself while he's onstage, preferring to lump himself in with the Lazy Susan Band, his rotating cast of bandmates and guest stars that give these songs the power they deserve. Anchored by the rock-solid drumming and intricate vocal harmonies of Ben Young, Lazy Susan is more than just a band - it's a freakin' metaphor.

So why do the CDs, the T-shirts, the bumper stickers say "Justin Bell & Lazy Susan" - or nothing but a web site? Forget about all that...why does it matter? You're here. You're probably quite inebriated. And you're definitely having the time of your life - experiencing a great band and a great buzz. You may not remember your own name by the end of the night - but be sure to take home that CD. Pop it in the stereo tomorrow afternoon. After that, you won't be asking about the name.

You'll be asking yourself - "When's the next show?" (Go here to find out!)

-Mike Dolbow, only slightly biased....1/01/2005