The Scruffs (1977) Bedroom Stories - LOST 70s GEMS

From the underground classic, Wanna Meet The Scruffs , it's a mix of 60s pop, 70s new wave influenced power pop and the usual hard rock virtuosity of the late 70s arena sound; in short, a collection of catchy yet disposal and occasionally irritating melodies. Listen to 'I'm A Failure' for great lyrics or 'Revenge' for the bright and funky pop chords, janglyness to the max combined with powerful falsetto vocals and a sitar sounding, slide guitar playing lilting blues in an eastern texture. While Frozen Girls and Tommy Gun are strong tunes, the former a 50s tribute a perfect vehicle for the band's melodic sense drifting form melancholic soul to hard rocking prog, while the latter is another raucous rock n roller full of backing vocals and funky, jangly guitars marked by rave ups like a lot of the whole album and it's turbo fuelled retro pop rock. But Bedroom Stories is the best, the delicate folk starts with heartfelt delivery, the album's jangly guitars sound best here with a slight banjo picking, the vocals are smooth again and the exuberant melodies, the album in general seems like a showcase for the warbling belting of lead singer and rhytmm guitar of Stephen Burns. It's also important to note the arpeggios and pop jangle on this track feels like a sign of what the 90s would bring along with the offbeat harmonies.