To the avalanche of recharged late ’90s/early ’00s acts returning this summer (No Doubt, Blink 182, Limp Bizkit, etc), add another name: lite-funky SoCal rockers Sugar Ray.
Following the flatlining of 2003′s In the Pursuit of Leisure and a greatest-hits release in ’05, the band went on informal hiatus, and lead singer Mark McGrath became the jocular, frosted-tips co-host on Extra for nearly four years, among other stand-and-deliver duties (see also: The Pusscat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll).
Now reunited with original members Craig “DJ Homicide” Bullock, drummerStan Frazier, bassist Murphy Karges and guitarist Rodney Sheppard for an album due July 21 and winkingly titled Music for Cougars, McGrath explains the six-year break to Billboard magazine: "Back in 2003, the writing was on the wall for bands like us. Radio was changing, music was doing what it does, it was justgoing through a cycle. We weren’t selling a lot of records and wewere like ‘You know, maybe we should take a break from the grind ofrecording and touring and see what else is out there.’"
First single "Boardwalk" will hit radio in May, Music Mixers. Are you ready to put your arms around them, baby? Here, a reminder of what you’ve been missing:
More on the Music Mix:
Eminem’s gory ’3 A.M.’ video: Did he go too far?
Embarrassing albums: What are your most shameful musical secrets?
‘American Idol’s’ audience is aging: Do guests like Jamie Foxx and Lady GaGa help?
NO WAY!!! and there’s not even a need to remind me of what i’ve been “missing”, i still listen to their songs all the time. but i have been WAITING for a new album.