THE SPIFFS (Phoenix, AZ) Don't Waste Your Money On This Garbage Industry Insulting (II-001), 1980
This record came as quite a refreshing surprise when I picked it up on my travels through Arizona last year. While one respected website gave it a less than flattering analysis, I contend that this is one hell of a great EP that shows versatility and promise. Despite the band's humility in naming their "mini LP" Don't Waste Your Money On This Garbage, released on the ever-so-confident Industry Insulting label, the songs are actually quite endearing, toying the lines of pop punk, power pop and even showing a mysterious dark side on "Kill You." Sure, the sleeve and foldout poster leave a little to be desired, but I give two thumbs up to what lies in the grooves.
Front man, Glenn De Jongh, went on to play in a flurry of bands after the Spiffs before ruling the casino and cruise line scene.
TEDS (Phoenix, AZ) The Eighties Are Over EP Placebo (PLA 201), 1981
Greg Hynes and Bob Peterson began playing together in 1978 in a project called Détente. The band later became the Teds, which started out as a four piece. They practiced at their second guitarist, Slim Corless’ house. But Slim had a meltdown one day and kicked the guys out. So Mark Bycroft, who had hung out and listened to them practice, approached Bob and told him that he could play guitar. Mark, who they coined Bekins because he worked for Bekins movers, solidified their new three piece line-up in 1980.
Drawing influenced from the Stones, Beatles, Talking Heads, Devo, Clash and Sex Pistols, they were looking for a modern take on the early British invasion of the 60’s, as well as the rockabilly sound of the 50’s. They started gigging regularly, playing halls, vacant churches, VFW’s, condemned buildings and bars such as Friar Tucks, Mason Jar, Star System and Mad Garden. They built a small but loyal following while sharing the stage with fellow Phoenix-area bands like Blue Shoes, The Feederz, Meat Puppets, JFA, and Sun City Girls. They also opened up shows for touring acts like the Blasters, The Waitresses, and The Alley Cats.
By the summer of 1980, they were ready to go in the studio to record. So they flew out to LA to lay down tracks with their manager Tony’s brother, Eddy Beram, who was a drummer that toured with the Everly Brothers. Eddy recorded and mixed eight songs in one day, then the guys picked out four of them to be released on their EP.
At the time, there were no labels in Phoenix putting out records. So Greg, Mark and Tony formed Placebo Records in order to put out the Teds EP. 500 copies of The Eighties Are Over were pressed with the first 50 being hand numbered and signed by all members. Having no connection to national distributors and receiving little press besides local reviews, most of the copies were sold locally.
By 1983, Greg had started Mighty Sphincter. He intended on keeping both bands going but Bob wasn’t agreeable to it, so the Teds broke up. Meanwhile, Placebo Records was blossoming because there was such a vibrant music scene in Phoenix. Besides a series of compilation LPs that showcased local talent, individual records were released by JFA, Sun City Girls, Conflict (US), and of course, Mighty Sphincter, amongst many others. The label stayed active through the late 80s.
Greg now works for the United Transportation Union and is a railroad safety expert. Mark went on to be a rocket scientist (seriously). Bob unfortunately passed away about 10 years ago.
