The Parties were formed in 2004 by Red Planet alumnus Jeremy Powers and Richmond, Virginia songwriter and drummer John L. Morgan IV, who had a joint love for all things Lennon-McCartney. The two soon hooked up with bassist Rex Padayhag, who grew up in the Philippines playing with various bands on the Manila psychedelic pop circuit, and Oakland guitarist Sarah Melfeld.
Three Ring Circus Records saw the band in Sacramento multiple times and asked to put out the EP that the boys had already recorded themselves and that they had been selling at shows. They agreed to this but wanted more exposure and press. Failing to get that, the band sent a letter to Rainbow Quartz Records along with a demo, and the band had a new deal.
Rainbow Quartz Records
After sending demos to Jim McGarry at Rainbow Quartz Records, The Parties landed a recording contract and finished up a handful of demos for their debut-length LP, Can't Come Down.
''Can't Come Down''
Track listing:
1. Love for Sale - J Morgan, lead vocals 2. Breaking Hearts - J Powers, lead vocals 3. Cold Life - Rex Padayhag, lead vocals 4. Yours and Mine - J Powers, lead vocals 5. The Parties - J Powers, lead vocals 6. Radio - J Morgan, lead vocals 7. Velvet Love Affair - Rex Padayhag, lead vocals 8. Waterfall - Rex Padayhag, lead vocals 9. Gotta Get Out - J Powers, lead vocals 10. Damned by the Sunshine - J Powers, lead vocals 11. Much Better - J Morgan, lead vocals Personnel: Sarah Mehlfield, guitar; John Morgan, drums; Rex Padayhag, bass; Jeremy Powers, guitar
''Cryin' Shame'' EP
The Cryin' Shame EP was released in 2009. Originally planned as a full-length album, Morgan left the band for his home state of Virginia, so the other members were left with only a handful of songs and decided to go for an EP. Rob Uytingco was hired to replace Morgan. The EP was released in November, 2009 by Rainbow Quartz. Track listing: 1. Cryin' Shame 2. I Disagree 3. Kensington Avenue 4. Blame it on the Sun 5. She's Gone Away
''Coast Garde''
Coast Garde was the band's second CD with Rainbow Quartz and first with the new line-up with Rob Uytingco. The release was followed by multiple shows, but reviews were mixed, and Rex Padayhag, who had been the glue in the band as a lead and harmony singer while playing bass, organ, and piano, ultimately decided to leave the band.
