Buffalo Tom was formed in the fall of 1986 in Northampton, Massachusetts, by Bill Janovitz (vocals, guitar), Chris Colbourn (bass, vocals), and Tom Maginnis (drums) while they were students at the University of Massachusetts in nearby Amherst. The band’s mix of melody, introspective lyrics, and powerful performances helped them build a dedicated fan base and secure their place in alternative rock history.
Bill Janovitz and Chris Colbourn started jamming together in various campus apartments, drawing inspiration from classic bands like The Replacements, The Gun Club, Bob Dylan, Echo & the Bunnymen, Van Morrison, and The Rolling Stones. They soon teamed up with drummer Tom Maginnis, forming Buffalo Tom—a name that was a play on Maginnis’ reserved personality and Buffalo Springfield.
In 1988, they released their self-titled debut album, co-produced by J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., on SST Records. Songs like Sunflower Suit and The Bus became college radio hits, earning them a strong fan base and attention from European booking agencies. Grant Hart from Hüsker Dü named the album one of his “Best of 1988” in Melody Maker.
As the alternative rock scene exploded in the early ’90s, Buffalo Tom found themselves at the heart of a musical revolution. Their second album, Birdbrain (1990), marked a significant step forward, showcasing their growth as songwriters and performers. Tracks like Fortune Teller and the title song caught the attention of major labels, leading them to sign with Beggars Banquet Records.
Their third album, Let Me Come Over (1992), became their most commercially successful record, featuring Velvet Roof and their signature song, Tailights Fade, which was later covered by Pearl Jam, among others. The album solidified their status among leading alternative rock bands, and they embarked on tours across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Buffalo Tom continued their success with Big Red Letter Day (1993), produced by The Robb Brothers at Cherokee Studios in Hollywood. Featuring singles like Soda Jerk and I’m Allowed, the album showcased a more polished yet emotionally intense sound. Their song Late at Night was featured in a pivotal scene of the acclaimed TV series My So-Called Life, and they even performed on an episode.
The band released two more albums in the ‘90s: Sleepy Eyed (1995), co-produced by John Agnello and featuring the fan-favorite Summer, and Smitten (1998), produced by David Bianco, which included the classic single Rachael.
After a hiatus, Buffalo Tom returned in 2007 with Three Easy Pieces on New West Records before forming their own label, Scrawny Records. They continued with Skins (2011), Quiet and Peace (2018), and their upcoming 2024 album, Jump Rope.
