It's shocking, but the alt-metal combo Puddle of Mudd have actually been in some form of existence since 1993. Belying many critics who initially labeled the as band grunge-derivative, Puddle of Mudd were actually around to see the heyday of grunge music. This common misconception can be traced back to the fact that Puddle of Mudd did not release a major label album until 2001's hit Come Clean, after which they seemed to be everywhere at once after coming out of nowhere. Puddle of Mudd typically stick to a classic heavy quiet/loud/quite formula while also incorporating jittery, chugging nu-metal flourishes into the mix. Puddle of Mudd got their name in the early 90's, when the Kansas, Missouri band's studio was flooded by the Missouri River. The band achieved local recognition, based on the strength of their rowdy live shows and an independent record titled Stuck, but they failed to attract national attention. After a second indie album was recorded, lead singer Wes Scantlin caught the ear of LimpBizkit's Fred Durst in 1998. The rocker Durst was flirting with music industry player status, and was attempting to put together a new band for his label. By this time, the original Puddle had grown frustrated and more or less broken up so Durst flew Scantlin to California, where they assembled an entirely new band under the name Puddle of Mudd. Scantlin hit it off creatively with Boston-based bassist Doug Ardito, and the two of them began re-recording Scantlin's old songs and writing new ones, along with a rotating cast of musicians. Finally, the band released Come Clean, featuring the adrenaline-pumped single "Control." "Control" was an instant hit, and was even picked up as a theme song for the WWE. Follow-up singles included the teen-angst anthem "Blurry" and the spastic "She Hates Me." Puddle of Mudd have had continued success with the album Life On Display and the Famous EP.