Reviews for
“Disgracing the Family Name” & “Work Song”
(1st Skafish
record release)
Released November,1979
Released in England, (Imported into the U.S.) on Illegal records (I.R.S. Records)
“...An epic of garage rock.”
- Al Lewis - Editor - Sounds
“...As predicted last month, Skafish’s debut 45, “Disgracing The Family Name” b/w “Work Song” (Illegal import ILS 0018) is nothing short of magnificent….If Skafish’s forthcoming Illegal single (“Obsessions Of You” b/w “Sink Or Swim”) and eponymous LP (recorded at Chicago’s PS Studios by a somewhat revised lineup) comes across with the attack of this preview, Skafish could be one of the first major shapers of the ‘80s”
-Cary Baker - Illinois Entertainer - January, 1980
“...Disgracing The Family Name” shows Skafish’s uniquely irritating voice off to fine advantage, complete with lackadaisical chording on a cheap electric organ, a beat that goes ‘chug’ rather a lot and a lyric that pretends not to be self-pitying but actually is (actually). A supremely annoying record that would make marvelous radio, and made by the person least likely to become the next Debbie Harry.”
- Charles Shaar Murray - “Geek of the Week” - New Musical Express - January 26, 1980
“Most artists with “sensational” aspects to their appeal would make the most of another group’s hit single based on their own roadie (“My Sharona”) or two celebrities (Sid Vicious and Todd Smith, Patti’s brother) brawling in the middle of their set at Hurrah. Jim Skafish’s bizarritude is more genuine - a grotesque face and physique coupled with an imaginative mind too feisty not to assert itself in the face of abuse. Maybe this “crusty little moron” isn’t the apple of his family’s eye or a record biz exec’s marketing dream, but this popster (with his cohorts) has created two punchy, Kinkish sides. Skafish has a distinct vocal, lyrical and musical approach. Whaddaya waitin’ for, IRS? Put ‘im in a real studio! (This is a home four-track job.)”
- Jim Green - Trouser
Press - March, 1980
“A-side: Deceptive start. Swanee River”? Drums come thundering in and a classic rock‘ n’ roll song is born. The band crashes, thuds, jumps, and laughs like they were having a wonderful time. Jim Skafish’s vocal is terrific. Tune of the month
B-side: Uh-oh, here comes No Wave. No! Wait a minute! More great music! I can’t believe it! Two great songs on one record! Are you getting tire of these exclamation points? This record deserves them by the thousands!!!!!”
- (R.B.) - New York Rocker - March, 1980