Voting Station

Information Society

Please vote to return to collections.

Musicians

The Resume

    (1982- )
    Formed in Minneapolis, MN
    Name taken from Alvin Toffler's 1970 book 'Future Shock'
    (also known as InSoc)
    Kurt Harland (aka Kurt Valaquen) - multiple instruments/vocals
    Paul Robb - multiple instruments/vocals
    James Cassidy - multiple instruments/vocals
    Amanda Kramer - vocals
    Recorded 'What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)' and 'Walking Away' from the album 'Information Society (1988)'

Why they might be annoying:

    Harland was born Kurt Harland Larson. He created a pseudonym, Jaxom Valaquenyar, from books by Anne McCaffrey and J.R.R. Tolkein.
    He shortened the name to Valaquen and it stuck (to his chagrin).
    They are a 2 hit wonder.
    They recorded their first EP in 1983 and pressed 1,000 copies. Approximately 20 sold.
    Kramer quit after 1988's 'Information Society' to record solo and with 10,000 Maniacs.
    Robb and Cassidy quit after their 3rd LP, 'Peace & Love, Inc. (1992)'
    Harland produced the next LP, 'Don't Be Afraid (1997),' partially out of his rebuilt car.
    They have completely disassociated themselves from the VH-1 produced show about them, 'Band Reunion,' due to intrusive camera crews and storyline inaccuracies.
    Their 2001 'Greatest Hits album is called 'Strange Haircuts/Cardboard Guitars/Computer Samples.'
    Harland, as the only member left and with no plans on future recording, refuses to say 'InSoc' has disbanded.

Why they might not be annoying:

    They were one of the first white groups signed by Tommy Boy Records.
    'What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)' was a Top 3 smash in 1988.
    It was one of the first songs to use a TV series 'sample' (Star Trek).
    Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock provided the 'Pure Energy' and DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy provided the opening 'It's worked so far, but we're not out yet!'
    Their CD was one of the few to use CD+G, combining digital graphics on the disc along with the music.
    They were part of the 1989 Club MTV Tour, along with Paula Abdul, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam and Tone Loc.
    Their music was popular in dance clubs. 'Peace & Love Inc.' reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart.

Credit: Scar Tactics


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 102 Votes: 67.65% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 7 Votes: 28.57% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 20 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 9 Votes: 22.22% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 25 Votes: 28.00% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 8 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 12 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 58 Votes: 46.55% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 45 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 51 Votes: 45.10% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 25 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 24 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 53 Votes: 41.51% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 30 Votes: 70.0% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 85 Votes: 64.71% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 142 Votes: 48.59% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 643 Votes: 42.77% Annoying