Better Than Ezra

Better Than Ezra is an American alternative rock trio based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Though many theories abound, the band refuses to disclose the origin of its name. Fans of the group often refer to themselves as Ezralites.

Better Than Ezra was formed in 1988 by its four original members, vocalist and guitarist Kevin Griffin, lead guitarist Joel Rundell, bassist Tom Drummond and drummer Cary Bonnecaze. All four members were attending Louisiana State University at the time of Better Than Ezra's formation. Better Than Ezra circulated a demo cassette tape later in 1988, the “Chimes Street Demo.” While not an official release, this demo is sought-after by the band's fans, and traded by collectors. In 1990 the band released a cassette-only album, “Surprise.”

After the death of Rundell, the remaining three members of the band took some time off to reassess its future. The band released its first nationally-distributed album “Deluxe” in 1993 on its own independent label, Swell Records, which caught the attention of major record labels and radio. The band then signed with Elektra Records in 1995. Elektra Records re-released “Deluxe” in 1995 and the single, “Good,” reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart which helped push the album to platinum record status by the end of 1995.

Better Than Ezra released their second major label album, “Friction, Baby,” in 1996 through Elektra Records. “Friction, Baby” produced the hits “Desperately Wanting” and “King of New Orleans.”

The trio began work on their third major release, “How Does Your Garden Grow?,” soon after the end of touring for “Friction, Baby.” The album was produced by Malcolm Burn and released in August 1998. The album was described as experimental and a significant departure from their previous two albums. The single “At the Stars” debuted, and peaked at No. 78 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Subsequent album releases from Better Than Ezra include “Closer” via Beyond Records in 2001, “Before the Robots” via Artemis Records in 2005 and “Paper Empire” via Megaforce Records in 2009.

In 2013, in an article with CBSNews.com, Kevin Griffin confirmed that they plan on releasing a new album later this year, their first since 2009.