Forgotten Band: ‘Til Tuesday

‘Til Tuesday, an American new wave band formed in Boston in the 1980s, rose to prominence with their distinctive blend of pop melodies, rock instrumentation, and heartfelt lyrics. Led by vocalist Aimee Mann and guitarist Robert Holmes, ‘Til Tuesday achieved commercial success with their breakout single “Voices Carry” and their critically acclaimed debut album of the same name. Over the course of their career, the band released three studio albums before disbanding in the early 1990s, leaving behind a legacy of music that continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

The roots of ‘Til Tuesday can be traced back to the vibrant music scene of Boston, Massachusetts, where Aimee Mann and Robert Holmes first crossed paths in the early 1980s. Bonding over their shared love of music and mutual admiration for each other’s talents, Mann and Holmes began writing and performing together, honing their sound and developing a strong musical chemistry. With Mann’s distinctive voice and introspective lyrics, paired with Holmes’ melodic guitar work and innovative arrangements, the duo quickly caught the attention of local audiences and industry insiders alike.

In 1982, Mann and Holmes formed ‘Til Tuesday, adding bassist Joey Pesce and drummer Michael Hausman to round out the lineup. With their lineup solidified, ‘Til Tuesday began performing at local clubs and quickly gained a following for their dynamic live shows and infectious energy. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences, including punk, new wave, and classic rock, the band’s sound was both eclectic and accessible, with Mann’s emotive vocals serving as the centerpiece.

In 1985, ‘Til Tuesday released their debut album, “Voices Carry,” which catapulted them to international fame and critical acclaim. The album’s lead single, also titled “Voices Carry,” became an instant classic, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning the band a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. With its infectious hook, poignant lyrics, and powerful vocal performance by Mann, “Voices Carry” struck a chord with audiences around the world, establishing ‘Til Tuesday as one of the most promising bands of the new wave era.

Following the success of “Voices Carry,” ‘Til Tuesday released two more studio albums, “Welcome Home” (1986) and “Everything’s Different Now” (1988), both of which showcased the band’s continued evolution and maturation as songwriters and performers. While these albums received positive reviews from critics, they failed to match the commercial success of their debut, leading to tensions within the band and ultimately contributing to their decision to disband in the early 1990s.

After the breakup of ‘Til Tuesday, Aimee Mann embarked on a successful solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and earning accolades for her songwriting and vocal performances. Robert Holmes continued to work as a musician and producer, collaborating with artists across a variety of genres. While ‘Til Tuesday may have disbanded, their music continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, with their songs remaining as fresh and relevant as ever.

‘Til Tuesday left an indelible mark on the music world with their distinctive blend of pop melodies, rock instrumentation, and heartfelt lyrics. Led by the dynamic duo of Aimee Mann and Robert Holmes, the band captured the spirit of the new wave era and helped define the sound of a generation. Today, their music continues to be cherished by fans old and new, with their songs serving as a timeless reminder of the power of music to evoke emotions and connect people across generations.

Author: Schill