Step on a Bug is the sole studio album by Seattle-based grunge pioneers The U-Men. It was released in 1988 on Black Label Records.
The U-Men was an American rock band, formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1980 and active until 1989. They toured extensively across the United States. Their musically “dirty” sound and off-the-wall sense of humor were a forerunner for the later grunge bands to come out of Seattle.
The U-Men were fronted by vocalist John Bigley and included Tom Price, Charlie “Chaz” Ryan, Robin Buchan, Jim Tillman, Tom Hazelmyer and later Tony “Tone Deaf” Ransom. In 1983, The U-Men became the first band managed by renowned Seattle band manager Susan Silver. Butthole Surfers named the song “The O-Men”, from the album Locust Abortion Technician, in their honor.
Tom Price moved on to form Gas Huffer, and also play in The Monkeywrench. Bigley and Ryan co-founded The Crows. Jim Tillman, who is recognized as the main line-up bass player having played on the first two full releases which included the self-titled EP, “The U-Men” (1984), “Stop Spinning” (1985), and the Deep Six compilation (1986) track “They”, went on to play bass for other local bands, most notably Love Battery. Mark Arm from Mudhoney noted on Sub Pop’s anthology release announcement that the band was never the same after Tillman‘s departure.
Tom Hazelmyer briefly played with the band but left to remain in his hometown of Minneapolis (performing live just once with the band when they opened for Big Black at the Showbox Theater in March 1987) to promote his record company (Amphetamine Reptile Records) and band, Halo of Flies.
Tracklist:
- Whistlin’ Pete
- 2 X 4
- A Three Year Old Could Do That
- Juice Party
- Flea Circus
- Too Good to Be Food
- Willie Dong Hurts Dogs
- Papa Doesn’t Love His Children Anymore
- Pay the Bubba
- Solid Action (bonus track on 1990 UK CD version)
- Dig It a Hole (bonus track on 1990 UK CD version)
Credits
Artwork: Eric Edwards, Susie Hutchinson, U-Men
Bass: Tone Deaf
Bells, Vocals: The Ubongo Sound Shapists
Drums: Circus Charlie
Guitar: Thomas
Photography by: Russ Battaglia
Producer: John Nelson, U-Men
Vocals: John Bigley
Written-by: U-Men
