Gin Blossoms

The Profile

Gin Blossoms are an American rock band formed in Tempe, Arizona, in 1987. They broke through with New Miserable Experience (1992) and hits like Hey Jealousy, Found Out About You, Til I Hear It From You, and Follow You Down. Co-founder Doug Hopkins was dismissed during the NME era and died in 1993. The band split in 1997, reunited in 2001, and later released Major Lodge Victory, No Chocolate Cake, and Mixed Reality.

New Miserable Experience achieved multi-platinum status in the U.S.; As Long as It Matters earned a Grammy nomination. Core members include Robin Wilson, Jesse Valenzuela, Bill Leen, and (early) Doug Hopkins; later lineups featured Scott Johnson.

Four DeBaser reviews chart Gin Blossoms from scrappy Dusted-era jangle to the radio-polished New Miserable Experience and the punchier Congratulations... I'm Sorry, then the melodic comeback Major Lodge Victory. Recurring themes: Tempe roots, hooks for days, and the shadow of Doug Hopkins. Overall tone: appreciative with measured critiques of folky leanings and gloss.