The alternative punk-pop group Walt Mink formed in the late '80s at Macalester College in Minnesota, with guitarist/vocalist John Kimbrough, bassist Candice Belanoff, and drummer Joey Waronker taking their name from a favorite psychology professor. Inspired by proto-punkster Jonathan Richman as well as English folky Nick Drake (whose "Pink Moon" the band covered on their first album), Walt Mink debuted in 1990 on a split 7" single (with Gneissmaker) for Skene! Records. After releasing two cassette-only albums -- Listen Little Man and The Poll Riders Win Again!! -- during 1990-1991, Walt Mink got the chance to play at the New Music Seminar in New York, due to their association with Babes in Toyland.