Introducing the Scruffs. I love that name for a band. They have been around since the 70s and have released an album in 2011.
Big Star wasn’t the only power pop band in Memphis in the 70s. This band formed in Memphis in 1974. It was started by writer/guitarist/vocalist Stephen Burns along with guitarist David Branyan, bassist Rick Branyan, and drummer Zeph Paulson.
“She Say Yea” was influenced by the Beatles and Byrds but also early 70s American power pop greats like the Raspberries and Big Star.
They used Big Star’s same studio (Ardent) and their producer Jim Dickinson who along with Big Star worked with the Rolling Stones, Carmen McRae, Delaney & Bonnie, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dee Dee Warwick, Ronnie Hawkins, Sam & Dave, Dion, Brook Benton, Lulu, Sam the Sham and others.
I have heard some great power pop in the last 10 years but for me the golden era of Power Pop was in the 70s and 80s…I do believe in the last ten years it has made a comeback with newer bands…but I love these seventies bands that with a little more luck could have had major success.
The Scruffs released their debut album in 1977 named Wanna Meet the Scruffs? The single from the album was Break the Ice with She Say Yea as the B side. Another single off the album was Shakin’ / Teenage Girls…we will go over that one in a few weeks.
All 13 tracks were written by guitarist Stephen Burns though lead guitarist Dave Branyan gets partial credit for three numbers.
(Sorry… could not find the lyrics)
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That seems strange that the lyrics are so hard to find.
I looked about everywhere I could
I tried to fined them also, but I gave up.
I was digging, too. It appears to be nowhere. I guess when a song doesn’t chart (or an album) lyrics don’t get posted.
I’ve seen a few posted before but not this one…
Very 60s-ish. Not bad , not fantastic but a real likable guitar sound to it… how did you discover them? I’ve not heard of them before.
Just looking for power pop music on youtube…and I became interested with the Memphis – Big Star connection.
Very cool. Never heard these guys, but I like em. Remind me of the Raspberries.
Yea Badfinger, Raspberries, and Big Star are the three I shoot for…or at least bands influenced by them…thanks for reading
For sure!
There’s a lot going on this song. I hear the influences you mention. Some different change-ups. Maybe the market could only take on so many bands with this sound? Seems like they should have made it.
I don’t understand…only a few like Tom Petty and Cheap Trick managed to have staying power…oh and the Cars.
It’s catchy. I guess they were just regional.
Just like their big influence Big Star