Kristie Stremel's been a local music stalwart since her time in Frogpond. Personally, though, I always thought her best work was with Exit 159. The power pop group featured -- at various points -- such area luminaries as Tawni Freeland, Byron Huhman, and Rob VanBiber, and the group's full length and EP were among the best releases of the mid-90s. Power pop hasn't been quite as good as it was in those five years.
The group's since reformed in its original lineup of Stremel, VanBiber, and Jamey Wheeler, plus Kristie Stremel Band guitarist Scott Cameron, and is now known as Kristie Stremel and the ONE59ERS. Coincidentally, it's that original lineup that performed on the band's first recorded release, the Lost On Earth EP.
Now, why are we posting "Cigarette Kiss" today? The reasons are two-fold. First, the Kansas legislature finally passed a state-wide smoking ban, making the subject matter and local news all relevant and such. Secondly, long-time friend of the band (and one of three producers on the record, including the band and Kenny Carter) Aaron Weber recently returned to the wonderful world of blogging (following the demise of his excellent Transbuddha) with Dad's Big Plan.
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