The ROCKERS were part of the San Francisco powerpop underground along with other bands like The Pushups, The Squares or Sweet Tommy Band. It seems that they were quite popular in the SF Bay circuit during their short lifespan between 1978 and 1980. They've put out a 4-track 7" EP, released on their own label, Alcatraz, which got good reviews but, apparently, moderate regional success. By 1980, C.Jeppesen left the band (he has played since in numerous bands), and by replacing him by John SanFilippo, the band changed its name to The FINDERS (music-wise very similar to The Rockers in fact, see the corresponding entry). Until then, their sole slab of vinyl was really worth seeking because, in addition of the excellent sound and songwriting (power chords plus great melodies), they had perfectly pop vocals in the person of John Rock. Fortunately, Phil and his brother Dennis Schraub, helped by John "Rock" Perga, recently got their own small Squid Music label and have re-released the Rockers EP on CD (the label also intends to pull together a compilation of Bay Area unsigned pop bands that worked during the late 60's, 70's, and early 80's). The label have also put out three CDs with unreleased FINDERS recordings (a "great lost album", demos and live stuff).
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Phil Schraub : guitars,vocals
Carl Jeppesen : bass,vocals
John Rock : vocals
Bryan Allinsmith : drums
EP 7" « Don't Leave Me Tonight »« Understanding » b/w « I Want To Tell You »« Come Back » (USA [Alcatraz Records #?] 1980)
From the highly beatle-esque "Understanding" to the Nerves-ous "I Want To Tell You" the four tracks are really good. With a special mention to "Don't Leave Me Tonight". Let Tweezers' Fifi speak "Great song title, driving back beat, crispy vocals and raw stinging guitar can only make a great song". I can't agree more.
CD « EXTENDED PLAY 1980 » (USA [ Squid Music ]1980/1999)
The CD contains the four EP tracks (from the original master tapes) : "I Want To Tell You" and "Understanding" written by John and Phil, and "Don't Leave Me Tonight" and "Comeback", written by Carl.
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