Formed in 1989, Carnival Art was a two-album American alternative rock band whose most famous member, bassist Brian Bell, later moved on to become the lead guitarist for Weezer. Other members of Carnival Art during Bell’s era were Michael Petak (vocals, guitar), Ed Dobrydnio (guitar, vocals) and Keith Fallis (drums, vocals). In 1991, the band released their second full-length album, Thrumdrone, from which the music video Mr. Blue Veins was in MTV rotation. The song’s biggest success came from an episode Water Safety (“Vomit! Vomit! Vomit, dammit!”) of Beavis & Butt-head.

Mr. Blue Veins is an interesting mix of twisted alternative rock with a powerpop chorus. I have to admit that otherwise the band’s output hasn’t really struck a chord with the author of this blog, but it’s worth giving it a chance.

Carnival Art recorded their third album for Beggars Banquet Records, but due to a lack of commercial success, the band was dropped from the label. Carnival Art changed their name to Jerkwater, but they were unable to secure a record deal. Singer Michael Petak recorded a solo album, Brian Bell then left to join Weezer and drummer Keith Fallis went on to join the great punk-pop band Big Drill Car. Guitarist Ed Dobrydnio’s past included a stint in Jane’s Addiction, before Dave Navarro replaced the him before the debut album Nothing’s Shocking.