Better Than Ezra

Better Than Ezra Originally formed in 1988 as a roots rock outfit with elements of country and punk, the group consisted of four students from Louisiana State University: Kevin Griffin (vocals, guitar), Joel Rundell (guitar), Tom Drummond (bass), and Cary Bonnecaze (drums). The future of the group was put into doubt when Rundell committed suicide on August 8, 1990.

Immediately following Rundell's passing, the remaining members initially opted to go their separate ways, but by the end of the same year had reunited as a trio. Better Than Ezra relocated to Los Angeles soon thereafter, they created their 1993 independent release, Deluxe. They later signed with Elektra and re-issued Deluxe two years after its original release. With the solid radio hit "Good", the album hit platinum sales by the end of 1995.

Cary Bonnecaze decided to leave the group in early 1996 and was replaced by fellow New Orleans’ native Travis McNabb. Shortly after welcoming McNabb to the group, Better Than Ezra entered the recording studio to record their second major-label release, Friction, Baby. The group later created their own recording studio in New Orleans where they recorded 1998's How Does Your Garden Grow? After the album failed to re-establish the group as commercially viable rockers, Better Than Ezra parted ways with Elektra.

In 2001, the trio signed with the independent Beyond Music label and issued their next release, Closer. Beyond Music declared bankruptcy before the band could issue a second single. Better Than Ezra took a 3-year break before reappearing in 2004 with a live album show at the House of Blues. Their greatest hits collection was issued in 2005, but Better Than Ezra were not finished. After signing with Artemis Records, they released their last album, Before the Robots, in May 2005.