Consisting of singer/songwriter/guitarist Adam Marsland, bassist Rob Cassell, and drummer James Hazley, Cockeyed Ghost first made itself heard with the release of 1996's Keep Yourself Amused, which was acclaimed by the music press and even hailed by New York Press as the "finest debut album of the rapidly aging year." The band promoted the album through two national tours including one opening for Shonen Knife. 1997 saw the release of the band's second album, Neverest, again roundly hailed by the music press, and culminating with a nomination for Outstanding Pop/Rock Artist in the BAM Music Awards.