This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: Cosmic Cow specialize in music recorded in the 1980s – by bands as diverse as the Clash, Talking Heads, Simple Minds, Elvis Costello, the Pretenders, Billy Idol and Devo. During a typical set, you’re likely to hear the trio of musicians play everything from “Should I Stay or Should I Go” and “Whip It” to blasts from the musical past by Timbuk3 (“The Future’s So Bright”), Soft Cell (“Tainted Love”) and Tommy Tutone’s “Jenny (867-5309).
The band carries the ’80s vibe even further – taking on the alter ego personas of musicians who personify that musical era: guitarist/vocalist Billy Midol, bassist/vocalist Danny Rude, and drummer (what else?), Drumbeaux.
But those fans who have kept a close eye – and ear - to the area music scene will recognize the musicians behind these eighties era alias: guitarist Eric James, bassist Ken Kase and drummer Steve Mortellaro.
All three were members of the Ken Kase Group, which was in the process of calling it quits around 2008, according to Kase.
“I started working with Eric in my group in 2002 and with Steve in 2006,” Kase says. “When that band folded, Eric, Steve and I willed Cosmic Cow into existence.”
Although a few other bands in the area focus on playing music from the ’80s era, Kase sees Cosmic Cow providing a unique approach – one that specializes in what was termed New Wave music at the time.
“We’re going less for the FM commercial music of that era that other bands play,” he says. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t throw in something like that now and then. What’s really fun is when we break out our Devo hats. You really see the cell phones snapping photos when that happens.”
Kase has other musical and artistic projects happening outside of Cosmic Cow as well. He recorded "Elephants Into Swans," the latest album by St. Louis band Sun Sawed in ½, which was released in January. He also published a book of poetry called "Seven Sonnets" and plans to release his first solo album, "Entitled,” later this year.
But Cosmic Cow will keep on revisiting the ’80s for area audiences, according to Kase.
“My band mates are stout-hearted, accomplished, skilled musicians,” he concludes. “In our hearts, we do this because we are working musicians who enjoy doing it. We're a tight unit both musically and personally and we love to play together.”
This Wednesday, Cosmic Cow plays at Parties In the Park in Clayton. Ken Kase’s alter ego, Danny Rude, provides additional background on the band below. For additional info about Cosmic Cow and upcoming performances, check the band’s website www.cosmiccowstl.com.
HOME: St. Louis
AGE: The band is five years old.
INSTRUMENTS: Billy Midol -- guitar, lead vocals; Danny Rude -- bass, vocals; Drumbeaux -- drums
HOBBIES: Rubik's Cube. Atari, plastic shoes, deficit spending.
LAST CONCERT: Billy Midol -- The Cure, 1988; Danny Rude -- The Ramones, 1987; Drumbeaux -- The Go-Gos, 1984
LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Billy Midol moved out of his parents' house last year. Danny Rude became a notary public in February. Drumbeaux was just promoted to crew chief after 27 years of loyal service flipping burgers.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO: We have no choice other than to do what we do. We live in a state of arrested development that borders on pathology. We love the ’80s, and playing shows as Cosmic Cow allows us to relive the best years of our lives; and audiences are right there with us, enjoying great music and reliving those years with us. Like many other St. Louisans, we like to relive the glory days of our high school years, but we've managed to make our inability to change with the times profitable.
QUOTE: "Where would this country be without this great land of ours?" --Ronald Reagan