Rain Parade

Rain Parade is an American alternative rock band formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, California. They were part of the Paisley Underground movement, which sought to revive the psychedelic sounds of the 1960s. The band's original lineup included David Roback, Steven Roback, Kendra Smith, and Will Glenn. Their debut album, 'Emergency Third Rail Power Trip', was released in 1983 and is considered a seminal record in the genre. The band gained a cult following during the 1980s and released several albums throughout the decade, including 'Explosions in the Glass Palace' (1984) and 'Beyond the Sunset' (1985). After a period of inactivity, Rain Parade reformed in the late 1990s and has continued to perform and release music, though with various lineup changes over the years.

Rain Parade's music is heavily influenced by 1960s psychedelia, folk rock, and the burgeoning alternative rock scene of the 1980s. Key influences include The Byrds, The Velvet Underground, and the British Invasion bands. Their sound often incorporates jangly guitars, lush melodies, and ethereal vocals, reflecting the dreamy qualities of their paisley underground contemporaries.

Rain Parade was one of the first bands to emerge from the Paisley Underground scene, which also included groups like The Bangles and The Dream Syndicate. The band's music often features a blend of electric and acoustic instrumentation, and they have been praised for their melodic songwriting. Kendra Smith, the band's original bassist and vocalist, left the group in 1985 but went on to have a successful solo career. The band has experienced several lineup changes, with David Roback being the consistent driving force until his passing in 2022.

Rain Parade is significant for their role in the Paisley Underground movement, which helped to revitalize interest in psychedelic music during the 1980s. Their influence can be seen in the music of later alternative rock bands and the resurgence of psychedelic music in the 2000s. They are often credited with helping to bridge the gap between the 1960s psychedelic sound and the alternative rock of the 1980s.

Rain Parade has not received major mainstream music awards but has been recognized within the alternative rock community for their contributions to the genre and their influence on subsequent musicians.

Rain Parade has covered songs by artists such as The Byrds and The Velvet Underground during live performances, reflecting their influences and roots in the psychedelic rock tradition.