These garage bands were a breath of fresh air in the 80s. They sound like their 60’s predecessors but with an updated sound.
The Miracle Workers were formed in January 1982 in Chicago by Gerry Mohr, and Joel Barnett. The original guitarist and drummer left the band early on. Matt Rogers, a friend of Joel’s, became the guitarist. The band finally stabilized in 1984, with the addition of Dan Demiankow, and Gene Trautman.
They ended up recording 5 albums and 8 singles and EPs between 1984 and 1995. They play garage rock and fit with the revival acts, such as The Chesterfield Kings and Lyres that I have covered.
They broke up in 1992 because of musical differences. The band came together back in Portland to record their last album “Anatomy of a Creep” and released it in 1995.
You Know Why
You thought you’d be back here but it’s not that
that it works for you, but you don’t know where it’s at
You’ll know why when you learn to cry
You can’t see through another’s eyes
Someday you’ll be hurt like others have been by you
Can you feel the pain inside when there’s nothing you can do
You’ll know why when you learn to cry
You can’t see through another’s eyes
You could be who you want to be if you change your state of mind
Look inside and you will find something you just can’t hide
You’ll know why when you learn to cry
You can’t see through another’s eyes
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Garage Rock at times can hit that sweet spot.
Yes it is Deke! Thanks for listening man.
OMG. I lived in Portland in the early 1980s and was in the music biz (on the management side) there. I *loved* The Miracle Workers and went to see them whenever I had the opportunity. Somewhere around here I have an EP of theirs.
Thank you Sharon! It so nice reading comments from people who have seen these not so known bands. I so wished I would not have missed most of the garage revival and Paisley Underground music…I would have liked the 80s much more!
I was in the right place at the right time in that regard. Miracle Workers, Theatre of Sheep, Receivers, The Jackals, Billy Rancher … we were spoiled for choice when it came to great bands.
I have a post in drafts with Billy Rancher and the Unreal Gods…I believe that is the name.
Yep, that’s the name. He was my absolute favorite.
Another great-sounding tune, Max. Where do keep digging up these garage bands? The lead vocalist reminds me a bit of Elvis Costello. I can also hear some early Joe Jackson here. Great pick. Keep ’em coming!
Because of work my rare ones took a dip but hopefully now I’ll have more time to look. I love the sounds of these 80s bands…in the middle of the synth age. Thanks for listening Christian.
Great, I’ve been enjoying your picks. Pretty much all of these bands are entirely new to me!
Many are new to me also lol… Thanks Christian
Quite good, yet another one I’ve never heard of. I agree with Christian, had a tinge of early Joe Jackson …and guitar that strangely makes me think ‘La Bamba’
La Bamba…this is interesting…I hear that now.
Reblogged this on Sharon E. Cathcart and commented:
If you read “Music, Mayhem, and Bad Decisions,” you will have seen me mention The Miracle Workers more than once. Check out PowerPop Blog’s post, with a tasty cut called “You Know Why.”
I’ve never heard of them – maybe a bit too self consciously retro to get the critical acclaim?
They were awful close to the original movement.
I really like this sound.
Yes me also… publicity would have helped!
Missed these guys but would have picked it up back then if I heard them.