The Lemonheads: reviews, bio and works on DeBaser

The Profile

The Lemonheads are an American alternative rock band formed in Boston in 1986, fronted by singer-guitarist Evan Dando. They broke through with the 1992 album It’s a Shame About Ray and are also known for their cover of Mrs. Robinson.

Formed by Evan Dando and Ben Deily in Boston; frequently shifting lineups with Dando as the constant member. Major-label era on Atlantic Records produced Lovey (1990), It’s a Shame About Ray (1992) and Come On Feel (1993). Collaborations and contributions from Juliana Hatfield are a notable part of their early-’90s sound.

Reviews praise The Lemonheads’ Boston roots and Evan Dando’s shift from early hardcore edges to melodic indie rock. Lovey marks their Atlantic debut, bridging raw beginnings and tuneful craft. It’s a Shame About Ray is highlighted as their signature blend of jangle, folk, and power-pop. Come On Feel cements the melodic turn with pop gems and Hatfield’s presence. A 2012 live set revisits Ray in full, underscoring Dando’s restrained but emotive delivery.

Notable Quotes

❝ "It's a shame about Ray" is a prodigious blend of college rock, a happy snapshot capturing the band during the transition from their apprenticeship in the Husker Du zone of the flourishing Boston scene (with already notable albums like "Lovey") to the period of charming tunes fit for Dawson Creek like "Into Your Arms" and "If I Could Talk I'd Tell You" that would characterize the creative agony of the lemon heads in the mid-last decade.

❝ The Lemonheads were nurtured in that vein, initially offering a raw and rough hardcore mix between the power of Husker Du and the bawdy insights of the Replacements, with the bored Evan Dando in the role of a Paul Westerberg from the affluent neighborhoods; the results were brilliant, notably in "Hate your Friends" from 1987.

❝ Evan was there, at least him. The prince of Boston indie was in shape, in his own way, of course.

❝ Evan Dando is the other side of Kurt Cobain: both expressed the melancholic and nervous side of adolescence with their songs, but with absolutely different compositional methods.