The Psycho Sisters
Susan Cowsill and Vicki Peterson have another band project that they work on outside The Continental Drifters whenever they get the chance or the mood strikes. Eventually, they had enough material to perform, and thus they began singing at local clubs around LA in their nightgowns. (What eventually inspired the name, Psycho Sisters I think.)
Basically, the Psycho Sisters are just Vicki and Susan on guitars with vocals and harmonies. Occasionally, another musician or two will back them up on drums and bass to fill out their sound. But, as Robert Mache once told me, "They really don't need anyone else. By themselves they are so awesome!" And they are!!
The Psycho Sisters have put their voices to good use over the last decade, as they have provided vocals and instrumental backing for bands like Giant Sand, Steve Wynn, Calexio among others. They have also released a couple of recordings, though they have yet to release a full-length album. In 1992, the Psycho Sisters released the 7" single, "Timberline" on the SOL Record Label. (The single might have even gotten some airplay because I vaguely remember hearing it on radio.) A full length album was planned,for release later that same year, but production fell behind as Vicki and Susan's commitments to The Continental Drifters expanded in 1993. (They become official members that year.)
As the Drifters became an increasingly hot phenomenon, the Psycho Sisters became a sometime project, usually as the opening act for the Drifters own shows. The Psycho Sisters did open for the Go-Go's on some of the dates of their 1994-1995 tour. (Back when Vicki was substituting for the pregnant Charlott Caffey.)
Meanwhile, the Psycho Sisters actually HAVE continued to work on their debut album. They recorded more material in the summer of 1996 and again in the winter of 1998 with Kevin Salem producing. So will we see a Psycho Sisters album? That is a very good question that is not easy to answer. With Vicki off doing her thing with The Bangles in addition to her Drifters commitments, it will be interesting to see what happens.( Susan also has another side project if I remember right.)
One thing has become clear, The Psycho Sisters are the female Simon & Garfunkle, and its just a matter of time before they draw their own spotlight.
To be continued.....
Vicki and Susan seem to have written a bumper crop of songs as the Psycho Sisters. The following list is based on set lists from people who have attended Psycho Sister shows and is not complete:
1 Lay Yourself Down- Vicki Peterson
2. Heather Says - Cowsills Cover.
3. He's Got A Secret - Bangles cover, written by Vicki
Peterson.
4. My Baby Blue -Vicki Peterson
5. Indian Summer - Susan Cowsill
6. Every Little Thing She Does - Vicki Peterson/Susan Cowsill
7. Wheel of Life - Susan Cowsill
8. Never Never Boys - Vicki Peterson/Bobby Donati
9. Timberline - Vicki Peterson/Susan Cowill
10. This Painting -Vicki Peterson
11. Danny - Vicki Peterson/Susan Cowill
12. Baby Don't Go - Sonny & Cher Cover
13. CumNumb - Vicki Peterson
14. More Than Meets The Eye - Bangles cover written by Vicki
Peterson/Debbi Peterson.
15. Single By Choice - Vicki Peterson