Lifter

In 1996, the Los Angeles band Lifter called the attention of radio programmers with a song about moving back home and mowing the lawn for dad. The song, "402," became an anthem for twentysomethings frustrated by the loneliness and financial instability of living alone. The track could have catapulted Lifter into the superstar status of other loud alternative rock groups such as Everclear and the Foo Fighters. However, the band became lost in a market overstocked on young groups with fuzzy guitars and angry, introspective lyrics. Lifter formed in 1992 with Mike Coulter (vocals, guitar), Jeff Sebelia (bass), and John Rozas (drums). Lifter released several singles on independent labels like Fingerpaint and Triple X. Before agreeing to sign the band, Interscope Records sent Coulter to rehab to rid him of his addiction to heroin. In 1996, Lifter released their debut album, Melinda (Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt), on Interscope Records. The LP was named after Coulter's ex-girlfriend, whose full name appears in the liner notes, and many of the songs reek of references to romantic rejection and drug abuse. Despite the minor success of "402," Melinda (Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt) did not sell well, and Lifter vanished into obscurity. ~ Michael Sutton