The Minus 5 started in 1993 when Scott “McOi” McCaughey realized he had a dumptruckload of songs that his Young Fresh Fellows would never get to. Friends and fellow Seattleites Peter Buck along with Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer of The Posies were quick to volunteer to help capture McCaughey’s “Let The Bad Times Roll” vision in early sessions that produced the “Hello” EP and “Old Liquidator.”

Since then the Minus 5 has produced a dizzying array of albums, EP’s, singles, tracks on compilation albums and tribute albums, an eclectic mix that ranges far afield from the band’s punk-pop-rock roots to include a movie soundtrack album along with collections featuring movie themes, duets, and instrumentals which draw on a riotous diversity of musical influences from the Shangri-Las to the Undertones. The lineup is constantly changing. Along with Stringfellow and Auer, McCaughey and Buck (both of R.E.M. fame) have been joined by Jeff, John, Glenn and Leroy of Wilco (see the Minus 5 collaboration “Down with Wilco”), and sundry musical rounders.

The current incarnation sees Buck and McCaughey joined by Decemberist John Moen on drums with assists from fellow Decemberists Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Nate Query and Jenny Conlee. Tucker Jackson handles the rampant pedal steel duties and The She Bee Gees contribute many a backing vocal.

Due out in July is a new Minus 5 Album, “Killingsworth,” and a new release for McCaughey’s Young Fresh Fellows, “I Think This Is,” a romp through punk, college rock and 60’s pop produced by friend and collaborator Robyn Hitchcock.