The Scruffs

Although their appearance evoked New York City residents while their music carried a British inflection, the Scruffs actually originated in Memphis, Tennessee, where they achieved a brief period of recognition upon issuing their only album from 1977, titled Wanna Meet the Scruffs?. Drawing inspiration from power-pop acts such as the Raspberries along with local Memphis icons Big Star, this group proved to be a genuine rock outfit despite the whimsical moniker, though they faded into obscurity surrounded by inferior imitators sporting skinny ties. One notable figure who took notice was respected critic Bob Christgau, who granted Wanna Meet an A- grade within his regular Consumer Guide column and remarked that "it bursts with off harmonies, left hooks, and jolts of random energy." His assessment proved accurate, yet it failed to avert the band's complete disappearance.