Hootie & the Blowfish comprised of four University of South Carolina graduates, began as a classic rock/R.E.M. cover band, but polished an original sound through persistent East Coast tours, and developed a fanatical regional following with their 1993 indie release KOOCHYPOP. With CRACKED REAR VIEW, Hootie & the Blowfish have distilled their unique brand of Southern rock & soul into a driving pop sound, marked by an insistent rhythm groove, shimmering, soaring guitar work, and sweet country/R&B-styled vocal harmonies. Certified at 16 million units by the RIAA. (2/01)