DanaHaynes's Music Collectibles 4-29 Dishwalla
Dishwalla is an American alternative rock band that originated in Santa Barbara, California, in 1994. The band is perhaps best known for their hit single "Counting Blue Cars," which was released in 1996 as part of their debut album Pet Your Friends. The song became a major success on rock radio, earning significant airplay and reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart. The band's sound blends elements of post-grunge, alternative rock, and pop, characterized by melodic hooks, atmospheric instrumentation, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer J.R. Richards. Pet Your Friends was well-received by critics and listeners alike, setting the stage for Dishwalla’s place in the late '90s rock scene.
Following their initial success, Dishwalla continued to release albums, including And You Think You Know What’s Going On (2000) and Opaline (2002). Although they were never able to replicate the commercial success of "Counting Blue Cars," Dishwalla maintained a loyal fanbase and earned a reputation for their emotionally resonant music and ability to craft anthemic alternative rock songs. Over the years, the band faced several lineup changes, and after a period of inactivity, they returned in the mid-2010s with new material and occasional tours. Dishwalla's music remains a blend of introspective lyrics and rich, layered soundscapes, marking them as a lasting presence in the alternative rock genre, despite their relatively brief moment in the mainstream spotlight.
