Ten For... DILLON FENCE

Welcome to Ten For, a feature where I take a look at the discographies of artists who tend to be known in the mainstream for only a few songs (if that), offering up a collection of tracks that will either serve as the start of an education or a squabble, depending on how you feel about the artist’s catalog.

Today’s subject: Dillon Fence.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, I was working for a record store and going to concerts whenever possible, so I found myself falling in love with a lot of bands that passed through town on a regular basis, including more than a few that I still can’t believe didn’t end up with massive followings. This is not to say that some didn’t, but for whatever reason, the bands that I loved the most always seemed to be the ones that maintained strong regional followings but never really made it beyond cult status elsewhere.

One of those bands, as you might’ve guessed, was Dillon Fence. If I didn’t see them a dozen times over the years, it certainly wasn’t for lack of opportunity, but I’m absolutely positive that I saw them more than half a dozen times, keeping my eyes and ears peeled for new music from the Fence. I was thrilled for them when they got signed to Atlantic Records, but it always seemed to me like they got signed to their deal in the midst of the grunge movement - even though they absolutely were not grunge - and never managed to find a solid foothold on modern rock radio before the end was nigh.

When I think of Dillon Fence, I think of jangly guitars, catchy choruses, and powerful vocals, and I think I’ve successfully captured their evolution over the course of their all-too-short career. Frankly, the real failing here is that I had to limit it to ten tracks, but isn’t that always the way?

1. “Frances” (1989 - Dillon Fence EP)

2. “Unlucky Soul” (1989 - Dillon Fence EP)

3. “Daylight” (1992 - Rosemary)

4. “Hey Mockingbird” (1992 - Rosemary)

5. “Something for You” (1992 - Rosemary)

6. “Safety Net” (1993 - Outside In)

7. “Black Eyed Susan” (1993 - Outside In)

8. “Living Room Scene” (1994 - Living Room Scene)

9. “Day After Tomorrow” (1994 - Living Room Scene)

10. “Coffee Cup” (1994 - Living Room Scene)

Well, there’s your ten tracks, but you know me: I can never resist a bonus track. As such, here’s a tune that turned up on their 1992 CD single for “Daylight,” their cover of Blondie’s “Dreaming.”