Singles Going Single # 52 - The Jumpers 7" (1979 Play it Again, Sam)
The Buffalo, NY punk/powerpop scene during the late '70s and '80s certainly wasn't the most prevalent in the nation, but nevertheless generated some talent that's weathered the test of time. Truth is, I wasn't anywhere near Buffalo during said halcyon era, nor was I even conscious of it other locales. Word on the street was that The Jumpers were the creme de la creme of the Western New York scene at the time, and as luck would have it, they've performed several reunion shows in the past five-to-six years. As luck would also have it, I came into possession of this scarce 1979 single a few years ago. Fronted by Terry Sullivan (later of the long-running Terry and the Headhunters), the Jumpers had all the proper ingredients baked into an ever-so-luscious cake - an euphoric level of enthusiasm, bravado, chops, and relatable lyrics. If you're under the impression that both "Sick Girl" and/or "This is It" could pass for long lost classics, it's because they ARE long lost classics! This is essential listening for all you Powerpearls and Teenline types. You know who you are.
For more Jumpers action, and an in-depth excavation of Buffalo's turn of the decade scene, head over to CD Baby for This Is It - Greater Buffalo's Greatest 1977-1984, a plentiful 2 CD overview that includes about two dozen other Queen City local yokels as well.
A. Sick Girl
B. This is It
7 comments:
I grew up in Buffalo, and can certainly vouch for how great the Jumpers were back then. They moved to NYC to try to hit the big time, but failed. Somewhere in my tape collection I have a live show of their from a lost Buffalo musical showplace, McVann's.
And did you know, Play It Again Sam was the precursor to Home Of The Hits (I imagine you've heard of that place!). I remember finding boxes of this single in the basement (alas, no picture sleeves though). I either gave them to Terry or have them in my basement now.... must do some looking!
Guitarist Scott Michaels just moved back to town. Bob Kozak's back regularly (he's in town right now) and the band play periodically! They should've been huge and they're still great. I was just too young to ever see them back in their prime, but fortunate to know everyone involved. I have a bunch of live gigs on CDRs too.
Let me know if you want them!
evr...yes, please! I would be very interested in the CD-R's. I just got back from visiting my parents in Buffalo over the weekend, so some live Jumpers would hit the spot.
serovner at mindspring.com
thanks!
Nice to hear some American power-pop with bite!
(And hey here's a companion song for Social D.'s "Sick Boys")
Good work.
Last Sunday at Bomp power pop guru Gary Sperrazza's memorial party, all young wannabe bands just got SCHOOLED by the Jumpers who are as feral and vital as ever. And as their peers are aging out, the Jumpers may re-write history to emerge at the top of the heap! The Shoes and 20/20 better take their heart medication and start practicing...
Last Sunday at Bomp power pop guru Gary Sperrazza's memorial party, all young wannabe bands just got SCHOOLED by the Jumpers who are as feral and vital as ever. And as their peers are aging out, the Jumpers may re-write history to emerge at the top of the heap! The Shoes and 20/20 better take their heart medication and start practicing...
Re-up request, please! Thanks.
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