Ass Ponys

by Stephen Thomas ErlewineLed by guitarist/vocalist Chuck Cleaver, Cincinnati's Ass Ponys cut a niche in the indie rock world of the early '90s with their skewed country-rock. The group managed to twist standard rock and country conventions around, giving them a goofy, off-kilter perspective. After releasing a couple of independent records, the band signed with A&M Records, releasing their major-label debut, Electric Rock Music, in 1994, followed by Known Universe in 1996. After a lengthy hiatus that saw the group severing ties with A&M, they signed a deal with alternative country label Checkered Past. The resulting Lohio was a triumphant, if slightly depressing, return to form. A compilation, Okra Years, was released in 2005.