The trio formed in Boston in 1986 by Bill Janowitz (vocals, guitar), Chris Colbourn (bass, vocals) and Tom Maginnis (drums) was influenced by the rock played by bands like Hüsker Dü and Dinosaur Jr. The name Buffalo Tom was derived from band Buffalo Springfield and the drummer's first name.
The American trio's debut album, released in 1988 on the SST Records label and which bore only the group's name, was produced by J. Mascis (Dinosaur Jr). Birdbrain, the second, came out in 1990.
During the 90s, Buffalo Tom "specialized" in creating beautiful ballads, such as the hits "Taillights Fade" and "Mineral" from the 1992 album Let Me Come Over, and "Soda Jerk" and "Late at Night", both from the 1993 album Big Red Letter Day.
Subsequently, the band released the albums Sleepy Eyed (1995) and Smitten (1998). In 2000, the "best of" Asides from Buffalo Tom was released and, in 2002, the compilation Besides: A Collection of B-Sides and Rarities.
After almost a decade of inactivity, Buffalo Tom returned in 2007 for some shows, including participation in the South by Southwest Music Festival. Also, in 2007, the band released the album Three Easy Pieces.
Skins, the band's eighth studio album, was released in February 2011 on the trio's own label, Scrawny Records. A new album, Quiet and Peace, arrived in 2018, followed by 2024's Jump Rope.
- Origin:
