Gin Blossoms October 28, 2006

The Gin Blossoms rocketed out of the college pop charts and into the mainstream with their 1993 hit single 'Hey Jealousy.' Combining the ringing guitar hooks of the Byrds and R.E.M. with a solid, rootsy drive, the band's breakthrough full-length album was 'New Miserable Experience.' After a brief breakup, the group reunites vocalist Robin Wilson, bassist Bill Leen, Jesse Valenzuela and Scott Johnson on guitars. Hailing from Birmingham, England, the English Beat (known simply as the Beat in England) has been on the music scene since 1979. Members of the band, particularly Dave Wakeling, went on to successful solo work as well as to work with other groups. Georgia native Shawn Mullins labored for 10 years as an independent artist until fortune shined upon him with his breakthrough, 1998 hit single, 'Lullaby.'