DESCRIPTION:
Garden Variety began in Valley Stream, New York in 1991 when Anthony Roman and Anthony Rizzo posted an ad in a Long Island punk zine asking for a drummer who was interested in playing music with them. Joe Gorelick, the drummer of the Atlantic Records signed band King Missile saw the ad, and the trio began writing together. The same year, the band recorded their first demo at Boulevard Studios on Northern Blvd in Queens, NY. The band played their first show together at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Queens Village, and from there played countless basement and bar shows.

In 1992, the band signed a small contract with Queens based, "MintTone Records". The "Hedge 7"" single was released to critical acclaim, and many punk zines compared them to the likes of Jawbreaker and 1.6 Band. Garden Variety toured in support of the seven inch, and began generating buzz both across the country and even abroad.

A year later, the band joined the Gern Blandsten Records family along with Native Nod, 1.6 Band, and many others. Through this label they released the Self Titled album, which was well received by critics, punk zines, and fans due to Garden Variety's constant touring and through the help of their label. In the same year, they were a part of the "Hathead 7"" which also featured the bands Wheel and Glue. The record was released by the UK label, Mayking.

In 1994, with Garden Variety still touring in support of their self titled album, they recorded a split 7" (entitled "Parker") with the band, Dahlia Seed. MintTone put it out.

Garden Variety released Knocking the Skill Level on Cargo/Headhunter in 1995, to fantastic reviews and features in Spin, CMJ, Alternative Press, and many other periodicals. They released a music video for the song, Harbored. The band's tracks off of this record were used in SoundViews magazine compilation. They were also featured on a Descendants tribute CD. Shortly after this, they released the "Tennille 7"" with Hell No through Reservoir Records, as well as the "Stickler 7"" with Chune through Cargo Records.

In May of 1995, Gern Blandsten and CMJ New Music Monthly teamed up to put out Garden Variety's "Binder". An interview by actress Janeane Garofalo on the "7-Up Listen Up" series soon followed, as well as appearances on VHS video compilations, as well as features on the Lookout Records "Punk Rock USA" compilation (w/ Jawbreaker) and the Anti Matter Compilation (w/ Texas is the Reason, Jawbreaker).

In 1996, Garden Variety released the "New Guitar Parts 7"" with Jejune through Montalban Hotel Records/BWR Records. The band split up soon after. The members went on to form bands like Radio 4, Bluetip, Hell No, Vic Thrill, Retisonic, and Marah.