Weird Things Happening (The Ellensburg Demos 1986-88) is an album containing early demo tapes of the band Screaming Trees, released on April 20, 2024 (Record Store Day). Recorded by Gary Lee Conner on his 4-track cassette recorder between 1986 and 1988 in Ellensburg, Washington.
Ellensburg, Washington is known for the world’s 3rd largest three-day rodeo, 90’s NFL legends Brian Habib and Drew Bledsoe and as the hometown of seminal Northwest band Screaming Trees. In the late 80’s, Ellensburg residents were often confronted with the strangely primitive sounds of the band emanating from their headquarters in the back room of the Conner family’s Main Street store, New World Video. Here was the scene of creation of songs from the band’s early Velvetone and SST albums. During this prolific time, much of the band’s music never made it beyond their own ears but was fortunately captured on Gary Lee Conner‘s 4 track cassette recorder. Those cassettes have survived, intact, down to this day and have now made their way to this recording. So now, transport yourself back to New World Video, in late 80’s Ellensburg, and hear the Weird Things Happening.
Tracklist:
Side A
- Electrify
- What’s Never Been
- When It Comes Around
- Next To Myself
- Now Or Never
Side B
- Baby Nicotine
- Take Another Look
- Carousel
- Bring Down The Sun
- Weird Thing Happening
Credits
Bass: Van Conner (tracks: A2, A3)
Drums: Mark Pickerel (tracks: A2)
Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Backing Vocals: Gary Lee Conner
Layout: Justin Tordella
Management: Tom Bunch
Mixed, Mastered by: Jack Endino
Photography by (Back Photo): Matt Varnum
Photography by (Cover Photo): Naomi Petersen
Recorded by: Gary Lee Conner
Sleeve (Inner): Gary Lee Conner
Vocals: Mark Lanegan
Mark Lanegan (November 25, 1964 February 22, 2022)
Van Conner (March 17, 1967 – January 18, 2023).
