The Radiators - New Dark Ages (1995)

Against all odds, The Radiators have kept their original line up together for 25 years, bringing their New Orleans-infused blend of swamp rock and rhythm and blues to fans throughout the United States and Europe. With a constantly changing "book" of more than 300 original songs, as well as hundreds more covers, The Radiators never play the same show twice. As a result, they are followed around the country by a devoted group of "Fishheads," who use meetings at live shows and the internet to discuss various aspects of the band's music.

As The Radiators' sound and stage show have been influenced by jam bands of the sixties and seventies such as The Grateful Dead and the Allman Bros. Band, so have younger jam bands of the nineties and beyond listed The Radiators as a major influence. Members of Phish, Blues Traveler, Spin Doctors, Widespread Panic and Gomez have paid tribute to The Radiators in interviews and on stage.

With their eponymous twelfth release (their sixth complete studio album), The Radiators have made what may be their best album ever. The Radiators contains twelve original songs that range from the moody intensity of "These Fugitive Dreams" to the funky feel of "Driver" to the country twang of "I Don't Speak Love." Although it is rare for rock and pop musicians to take a step forward once out of their twenties, The Radiators have done just that, with the help of Grammy-winning producer Jim Gaines. Perhaps most famous for his work on Santana's Supernatural, Gaines has also produced and/or engineered work by acts as diverse as Blues Traveler, Journey, Huey Lewis, Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Luther Allison, and Coco Montoya.

Gaines says, "I've wanted to work with The Radiators since I first heard their music in the eighties. They represent the best traditions of the hippie band. That's what made the Dead what they were. That spirit is what makes contemporary bands like Blues Traveler, Phish and The Radiators so great."

The band consists of: Ed Volker, keyboards and vocals, founder and principal writer; Dave Malone, guitars, vocals and songs; Camile Baudoin, guitars; Reggie Scanlan, bass; and Frank Bua, drums. Although the members have played as sidemen with New Orleans legends Professor Longhair, Dr. John, James Booker and Earl King, they are best known for their 25 years on the road and in the studio as The Radiators.