Young Fresh Fellows
Operating out of Seattle, USA since the early '80s, the Young Fresh Fellows have released a body of rough hewn, understated pop gems. Their debut album was recorded in 1983 and released a year later. The band comprises Scott McCaughey (vocals), Chuck Carroll (guitar) and Tad Hutchinson (drums). THE FABULOUS SOUNDS OF THE NORTH PACIFIC picked up immediate plaudits, Rolling Stone Record going so far as to describe it as ‘perfect’. Joined by Jim Sangster (Jimbo) (bass), they become a fully fledged off-beat new wave act, the dry humour and acute observations of their lyrics attracting a large college following. Their stylistic fraternity with the higher profile Replacements was confirmed by their joint tours, both bands sharing what Billboard magazine described as 'a certain deliberate crudity of execution'. After the mini-album REFRESHMENTS they moved to Frontier Records for 1988's TOTALLY LOST. Despite being dogged by a ‘joke band’ reputation, brought about by an aptitude for satirizing high school traumas, the band's critical reaction was once more highly favourable. However, Carroll played his last gig for the band in winter 1989 in Washington. He was replaced by the Fastbacks guitarist Kurt Bloch (who continues with both bands). Their most polished album yet, THIS ONE'S FOR THE LADIES, highlighted McCaughey's successful adaptation of the spirit of the Kinks while Bloch's guitar melodies fitted in seamlessly. Elsewhere, McCaughey released his first solo album and toured as second guitarist with R.E.M. in 1995.