I’ve mentioned this band before, most prominently when ex-front man Charlie Chesterman died last year. A bit of country, a bit of punk, a bit of folk and roots rock, maybe a little rockabilly – Scruffy The Cat was a little hard to define. That might be way “alternative” radio at the time never got behind them.
Hailing from Boston Scruffy The Cat released two EPs and two LPs. Their first release was 1986’s extended play High Octane Revival. It is definitely one of the more raucous releases the band put out. Here is “Happiness To Go!” off of that first release.
The band’s first full length album Tiny Days came out the following year. It features a few slower tunes as well but the fit in very nicely with the other higher tempo material. One of my favorite songs on the album is “Upside Down” which is meant to be an insult. Give it a listen.
Also in 1987 Scruffy The Cat released their second extended play Boom Boom Bingo. There were a couple of new songs and a few live ones as well. The band had undergone a slight personnel change and with it the sound shifted as well. You can hear this in every track, including “You Dirty Rat” the lead track.
1988 saw the second and last full length album by Scruffy The Cat to be released – The Moons Of Jupiter. By this time this had evened out as far as the band’s sound. While a few songs too long, it’s a strong effort by the band. I little slow if you’re used to the earlier stuff. Here is “Beg, Borrow and Steal” from that release.
Last but not least is the 1989 split single with The Young Fresh Fellows I mentioned last week. Here is that side of the single, “Love Song #9.”
I miss this band.
Back when I had more money than responsibility I walked into a record store as I was prone to do and picked up several albums that looked interesting. Tiny Days by Scruffy The Cat was one of those purchases. That’s when I discovered that band, along with several others. I am very happy to this day with that random purchase.