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The Detroit Cobras
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The Detroit Cobras are an American garage rock band from Detroit, Michigan, which was formed in 1994 by guitarist Steve Shaw, guitarist Mary Ramirez, bassist Jeff Meier, drummer Vic Hill, and singer Rachel Nagy. The group was later known (with the exception of Rachel Nagy and Mary Ramirez) for a constantly changing assortment of musicians.[2] Rachel Nagy died on January 14, 2022.
Key Information
History
[edit]The Detroit Cobras signed with Sympathy for the Record Industry and released their first album, Mink, Rat or Rabbit, in 1998.[3] After a three-year gap, they released a second album, Life, Love and Leaving. The two albums consisted entirely of cover versions of songs from the 1950s and 1960s, with the exception of the Detroit Cobras version of "Bad Man" (done by the Cobras as "Bad Girl") written by Greg Cartwright in the mid 1990s. In 2001, they were one of thirteen Michigan-based bands featured on Jack White's Sympathetic Sounds of Detroit compilation album: the Detroit Cobras' contribution was a cover of Otis Redding's "Shout Bamalama."
Their retro-garage rock formula proved popular in the UK and prompted the London-based Rough Trade Records[4] to sign the band. They released an EP, Seven Easy Pieces, in 2003 and their third album, Baby, in 2004.[5] Baby broke with the Cobras' tradition in that it included one original song, "Hot Dog (Watch Me Eat)". Baby was picked up for release in the US by Bloodshot[6] (who added the songs from the Seven Easy Pieces EP to the end of Baby. In April 2007, Bloodshot released the band's fourth album, Tied & True.[7]
The band was known for multiple line-up changes, although the band consistently fielded the classic rock and roll instrumental configuration of rhythm guitar (always played by Ramirez), lead guitar, bass and drums. Nagy and Ramirez generally had a touring line-up different from their recording line-up. Greg Cartwright of Reigning Sound (aka Greg Oblivian of the Oblivians) proved to be an especially prolific collaborator. Perhaps their most famous sideman was Don Was, who was their bassist for one gig in 2008.
In the summer of 2008, the Detroit Cobras went on tour in support of X on their 13x31 tour. For the summer of 2009, the Detroit Cobras headlined a tour with the Dex Romweber Duo in support. The band apparently stopped touring for several years after that, although they always played a few gigs every year, usually near Detroit but sometimes farther afield. In May and June 2014, they went on an extended tour of the Midwest and the West Coast. In April 2018, they traveled to Europe (for the first time since 2004) to play two festivals in Germany and Spain, which led to an extended European tour in October and November 2019. A US tour was planned for 2020 but canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another tour was planned for 2022.
Nagy died on January 14, 2022, in New Orleans. News reports gave widely varying ages immediately following her death, ranging from her late 30s to her late 50s, but she was in fact 48 years old (born December 15, 1973).[8][9]
In August 2022, Ramirez reunited the band for one show only at the Magic Stick in Detroit. Marcus Durant (formerly of Zen Guerilla) filled in as the guest vocalist.
The Rachel Nagy celebration show in Detroit in late August 2022 went so well that the remaining members of her band — co-founder Mary Ramirez (guitar), Steve Nawara (guitar), Dale Wilson (bass), and Kenny Tudrick (drums) — are reuniting to perform a tribute set with a string of west coast dates.
Members
[edit]Current line-up
[edit]- Marcus Durant – lead vocals
- Mary Ramirez – guitar (also known as Mary Cobra and Maribel Restrepo)
- Steve Nawara – guitar
- Dale Wilson – bass
- Kevin Irwin – drums
Former members
[edit][citation needed]
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Discography
[edit]Albums and EPs
[edit]- Mink, Rat or Rabbit - LP, CD, MP3 (1998, Sympathy for the Record Industry; reissued 2004 and 2016)
- Life, Love and Leaving - LP, CD (2001, Sympathy for the Record Industry, Rough Trade; reissued 2004, Sinnamon Records, Rough Trade)
- Life, Love and Leaving - remastered CD, MP3 (2016, Third Man)
- Seven Easy Pieces (EP) - CD (2003, Rough Trade)
- Baby - LP, CD, MP3 (2004, Rough Trade, Sinnamon Records; reissued 2005, Rough Trade)
- Baby - Enhanced CD (2005, Bloodshot, BS 125 - includes Seven Easy Pieces and video of Cha Cha Twist)
- Tied & True - LP, CD (2007, Rough Trade, Bloodshot, Fiveman Army; reissued 2011 Bloodshot)
Compilations
[edit]- Bankstock II - CD (1995, 44 Caliber Records, RFD 2301) recorded at the Old Miami, in Detroit, July 4 weekend, 1995
- The Original Recordings (Singles and Unreleased 1995-1997) - LP, CD, vinyl 7" Box Set (2008, Munster Records)
Singles
[edit]- "Village of Love" / "Marie Christina" - vinyl 7" (1996, Human Fly)
- "Over to my House" / "Down In Louisiana"- vinyl 7" (1996, Black Mamba)
- "Ain't It a Shame" / "Slum Lord" - vinyl 7" (1996, Scooch Pooch)
- "Cha Cha Twist" / "Hey Sailor" - vinyl 7" (2004, Rough Trade, RTRADS189)
- "Cha Cha Twist" / "The Real Thing" / video of "Cha Cha Twist" - Enhanced CD,(2004, Rough Trade, RTRADSCD189)
- "Cha Cha Twist" - promo CD, (2004, Rough Trade, RTRADSCDP189 - cover Transcript: "Detroit Cobras, Live at Ulu, Wed 8th Sept")
- "Ya Ya Ya (Looking for My Baby)" / "As Long As I Have You" - vinyl 7" (2008, Stag-O-Lee)
- "Feel Good" - digital single (2015, iTunes)
- "What More" / "I Can't Go Back" - vinyl 7" - digital single (2018, Third Man Records, TMR579)
References
[edit]- ^ Murray, Robin (January 16, 2022). "The Detroit Cobras' Rachel Nagy Has Died". Clash Magazine.
- ^ Cooper, Leonie (February 3, 2022). "The Unsung: Remembering The Detroit Cobras' Rachel Nagy". The Forty-Five.
- ^ Deming, Mark. "The Detroit Cobras". Allmusic. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
- ^ "The Detroit Cobras". Rough Trade Records. Archived from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved April 1, 2012.
- ^ Ahmad, Jamil (November 1, 2004). "The Detroit Cobras – Baby". musicOMH. Archived from the original on July 1, 2013.
- ^ "The Detroit Cobras". Bloodshot Records. Archived from the original on September 21, 2012. Retrieved April 1, 2012.
- ^ "The Detroit Cobras, Making Old Rock New". NPR. July 15, 2007.
- ^ "Rachel Nagy, December 15, 1973 - January 14, 2022". March 2022.
- ^ Cocoran, Nina (January 16, 2022). "The Detroit Cobras' Rachel Nagy Has Died". Pitchfork. Pitchfork Media. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
- ^ Hardeman, Simon (November 19, 2004). "The Detroit Cobras: They're the real thing". The Independent.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- The Detroit Cobras discography at Discogs
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The Detroit Cobras
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Formation and early years
The Detroit Cobras formed in 1994 in Detroit, Michigan, emerging from the city's vibrant garage rock scene, with guitarist Steve Shaw, guitarist Mary Ramirez (also known as Maribel Restrepo), and bassist Jeff Meier as the initial core members.[1][10] The group drew inspiration from the raw energy of local acts like the Gories, focusing on a gritty reinterpretation of vintage R&B and soul material. In 1995, they recruited vocalist Rachel Nagy, a longtime friend of the band who had worked as an exotic dancer and had no formal singing background; her powerful, emotive delivery quickly became a defining element of their sound.[10][5] The band's early output centered on lo-fi recordings that captured their energetic live style. They released their debut single, "Ain't It a Shame" backed with "Slum Lord," in 1996 on Scooch Pooch Records, followed by additional 7-inch releases that same year on labels like Human Fly and Black Mamba, including covers such as "Village of Love" and "Down in Louisiana."[11][12] These tracks showcased their raw, stripped-down production and commitment to obscure 1960s influences, helping to build a cult following through limited pressings and underground distribution. Their early performances consisted of local gigs at Detroit venues, where they honed a high-energy stage presence amid the city's tight-knit punk and garage community. They signed with Sympathy for the Record Industry for their debut album. By 1997, lineup tweaks included drummer changes, with Chris Fachini and later Damian Lang joining to solidify the rhythm section for recording sessions. The band culminated their formative period with the release of their debut album, Mink Rat or Rabbit, on February 24, 1998, via Sympathy for the Record Industry; the 14-track collection featured all covers of forgotten R&B and soul gems from the 1960s, emphasizing Nagy's sultry vocals over minimal instrumentation.[13][8] This release marked their transition from scene obscurity to wider recognition within garage rock circles, while maintaining deep ties to Detroit's underground ecosystem, including shared bills and collaborations with emerging talents like future White Stripes members Jack and Meg White.[5]Rise to prominence
The Detroit Cobras achieved their commercial breakthrough with the release of their second studio album, Life, Love and Leaving, in 2001 through Sympathy for the Record Industry, a label known for supporting underground garage rock acts. The album showcased the band's raw interpretations of obscure R&B and rock & roll covers, earning praise for revitalizing forgotten gems within the burgeoning 2000s garage rock revival centered in Detroit. Tracks such as "Shout Bama Lama" and "Nothing But a Heartache" highlighted their energetic style, contributing to growing recognition among indie music circles as one of the scene's standout cover bands.[14][1] In 2003, the band secured a distribution deal with the UK-based Rough Trade Records, expanding their reach internationally and marking a pivotal step in their ascent. This partnership resulted in the EP Seven Easy Pieces that same year, followed by their third full-length album Baby in 2004, which included a re-recorded version of the fan-favorite "Cha Cha Twist" and introduced original material co-written by vocalist Rachel Nagy. During this period, the lineup evolved with the addition of guitarist Greg Cartwright—formerly of the Oblivians and Reigning Sound—from approximately 2003 to 2005, bringing fresh songwriting contributions and bolstering their live energy. The band undertook extensive touring, including opening slots for fellow Detroit revivalists the White Stripes in 2002 and headlining dates across Europe in 2004, where they performed high-profile sessions like the BBC Radio 1 John Peel show.[15][16][17][18][19] By 2007, the Detroit Cobras solidified their status in the garage punk scene with the release of Tied & True on Bloodshot Records, an album that blended their signature covers with more originals and received acclaim for its polished yet gritty production. The record's tracks, including "As Long as I Have You," underscored their maturation while maintaining the raw appeal that defined their role in the revival movement. Key festival appearances and consistent international exposure during these years cemented their reputation as a vital force in underground rock, influencing contemporaries with their unyielding focus on vintage-inspired energy.[20][1]Hiatus and Rachel Nagy's death
Following the release of their 2007 album Tied & True on Bloodshot Records, the Detroit Cobras entered a period of reduced activity marked by frequent lineup changes and a shift away from full-length releases. The band, long characterized by rotating musicians around core members Rachel Nagy and Mary Ramirez, experienced further instability that limited consistent touring and recording efforts.[21] Despite this, they issued occasional singles, including the digital release "Feel Good" in 2015 and the 7-inch "What More" b/w "I Can't Go Back" in 2018 on Third Man Records.[22][23] No new studio albums followed Tied & True, contributing to an extended hiatus from major projects. Rachel Nagy, the band's co-founder and lead vocalist, balanced her musical career with personal commitments, including her marriage to David Whitlock.[24] She remained connected to Detroit's garage rock heritage through her performances and collaborations, often highlighting the city's raw musical legacy in interviews.[25] Nagy's death on January 14, 2022, at age 48 from undisclosed causes marked a profound loss for the band and the genre.[7][24] The news was announced via the band's official Facebook page by guitarist Greg Cartwright, who described her as a carrier of rock, soul, and R&B traditions, emphasizing her irreplaceable presence.[26] Tributes poured in from peers, including a statement from Jack White's Third Man Records, which praised Nagy's tough yet sweet persona and her influence from early Detroit shows alongside the White Stripes, cementing her status as a garage rock icon.[27] The band's activities had already slowed prior to Nagy's passing, including the cancellation of a planned 2020 U.S. tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which further prolonged the hiatus and prevented momentum from building on their sporadic releases.[28] This pause underscored the challenges of maintaining the group's fluid roster amid external disruptions.Revival and recent activities
Following Rachel Nagy's death in January 2022, The Detroit Cobras reformed in 2023 with a new lineup featuring Marcus Durant, formerly of Zen Guerrilla, taking over lead vocals to honor her legacy.[28] The band embarked on a tribute tour that year, performing at key venues including Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on February 18, where they celebrated Nagy's contributions through high-energy sets of their classic material.[29] This tour extended through the summer, with shows across the U.S. that emphasized the group's enduring garage rock spirit while adapting to the post-Nagy era by preserving her influence in live interpretations.[30] In 2024, the band continued their resurgence with the release of the Right Now EP on July 12 via Third Man Records, a four-track 7-inch vinyl featuring Marcus Durant on vocals alongside longtime guitarist Mary Ramirez, blending new covers and original material to signal creative evolution.[31] The EP includes songs like "Right Now," "Feelin' In Mah Bones," "I'm Alive," and "There's A Light," marking their first new EP since the 2018 single on Third Man Records and reflecting a commitment to fresh output while nodding to their roots.[32] Complementing this, Third Man Records reissued the band's debut albums Mink, Rat or Rabbit (1997) and Life, Love and Leaving (2001) on August 26, 2024, in black vinyl editions to make early works more accessible and reignite interest in their foundational sound.[33] The band completed their 2025 U.S. tour in June, including performances at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on June 1 and Shrine Social Club in Boise on June 10. They continued with shows through the summer, such as at Third Man Records in July, maintaining their focus on live shows as a primary means to preserve and extend Nagy's legacy through communal experiences and raw performances as of November 2025. No new releases have been announced following the 2024 EP.[34][35][36]Musical style and influences
Garage rock sound
The Detroit Cobras' garage rock sound is defined by its raw energy and punk-infused edge, featuring distorted guitars, propulsive driving rhythms, and a commitment to minimal production that evokes the gritty immediacy of 1960s proto-punk.[13] This approach centers simple chord progressions that prioritize visceral impact over complexity, allowing the band's instrumentation to cut through with unadorned force.[37] Their tracks often build on straightforward rock structures, blending punk's aggression with garage rock's lo-fi aesthetic to create a sound that feels both primal and urgent.[38] Central to this sonic identity are the live-wire performances, where vocalist Rachel Nagy delivers sultry, emotive vocals that add a layer of seductive intensity over the band's taut arrangements.[39] Nagy's phrasing, often raw and unfiltered, conveys emotional depth without overproduction, complementing the distorted guitar work and steady, rhythmic backbone that drives songs forward.[40] This combination results in a performance style that captures the electricity of live shows, emphasizing spontaneity and grit even in studio recordings.[38] As key players in the 1990s and 2000s Detroit garage revival, the Cobras shared the scene with acts like the White Stripes and Dirtbombs, collectively reviving 1960s proto-punk sounds through a modern lens of raw authenticity.[33] Their recordings, frequently captured using analog techniques at Jim Diamond's Ghetto Recorders studio, preserved this revivalist spirit with a DIY ethos that favored tape warmth over digital polish.[41] The studio's analog setup contributed to the band's signature sonic texture, emphasizing natural reverb and unprocessed tones that heightened the punk-garage hybrid.[42] Over time, the Cobras' sound evolved from the stark lo-fi of their early work, such as the raw garage punch of their 1998 debut Mink Rat or Rabbit, to a slightly more refined approach in mid-2000s releases like 2007's Tied & True, where subtle production enhancements added depth while maintaining the core grit.[38] This progression allowed for broader rhythmic dynamics and vocal nuances without diluting the punk-inflected energy, ensuring the band's garage rock foundation remained intact.[43]Cover selections and interpretations
The Detroit Cobras primarily built their catalog from cover versions, drawing from obscure R&B, soul, and rockabilly tracks originating in the 1950s and 1960s, though their 2024 EP Right Now introduced original compositions.[44][45] Their selections emphasize lesser-known gems rather than well-trodden hits, sourced from artists including Otis Redding, Little Willie John, the Shangri-Las, Ike Turner, Clyde McPhatter, the Flirtations, and Irma Thomas.[46][47][48] This approach unearthed hidden tracks like "Shout Bamalama" by Otis Redding and "Nothing But a Heartache" by the Flirtations, transforming overlooked singles into vibrant cornerstones of their live sets and recordings.[46][49] The band's selection process prioritizes personal affinity and archival discovery, often involving record hunts in Detroit's vinyl shops to revive forgotten material that resonates with their raw energy.[21][49] Rachel Nagy and Mary Ramirez, guided by an impeccable shared taste, favor songs with emotional depth from labels like Stax, Columbia, and Motown, such as "I'll Keep Holding On" by the Marvelettes, alongside pre-Motown Black music influences such as the "5" Royales and Nathaniel Mayer.[21][49][50] This curatorial focus ensures each cover injects fresh vitality into classics, as seen in their choice of "The Hurts All Gone" by Irma Thomas or "Putty (In Your Hands)"—originally a 1950s doo-wop tune later adapted by the Yardbirds—highlighting overlooked rhythmic grooves and lyrical sass.[48][49] In their interpretations, the Detroit Cobras strip songs to their core elements, amplifying Nagy's throaty, cocky delivery with a sassy, mysterious edge that blends sensuality and grit.[44][51] Ramirez's twangy guitar riffs and the band's high-energy tempos propel these renditions into punk-inflected stomps, often taking liberties to make the material distinctly their own while preserving soulful essence.[44][21] For instance, "Baby Help Me" (originally by Bobby Womack) shifts from pleading verses to trashy, snarling choruses with silky bass lines, evoking a garage-rock urgency absent in the source.[44] Similarly, "Midnight Blues" (Charlie Rich) gains a brooding, high-octane twist through kinetic drums and trebly guitars, turning a country-soul lament into a dangerous, slinky groove.[49] These reworkings not only revitalize the originals but also influenced the garage rock revival by exposing modern audiences to pre-Motown R&B and soul's raw power.[21][49]Band members
Current lineup
As of 2025, the Detroit Cobras' active lineup features Marcus Durant on lead vocals, Mary Ramirez on guitar, Steve Nawara on guitar, Dale Wilson on bass, and Kenny Tudrick on drums, as confirmed by recent tour announcements for performances celebrating the band's legacy.[52][34] Marcus Durant has served as lead vocalist since 2023, stepping in as frontman for tribute shows honoring Rachel Nagy; a former Zen Guerilla member, he infuses the performances with raw, energetic delivery that aligns with the band's garage rock roots.[28][53] Mary Ramirez, also known as Mary Cobra or Maribel Restrepo, has been the band's guitarist since its formation in 1994 as a founding member, delivering the signature twangy riffs that provide stylistic continuity across eras.[52][5] Steve Nawara joined on guitar in the 2000s and contributes rhythmic drive to the ensemble, drawing from his prior work with Electric Six and Rocket 455.[28] Dale Wilson has played bass since 2023, anchoring the low-end groove that supports the band's propulsive live sets during recent tours.[28][52] Kenny Tudrick, a longtime drummer for the group, handles percussion duties in the current configuration, providing the steady, driving beats essential to their high-energy garage rock sound.[54][52]Former members
The Detroit Cobras experienced significant lineup changes throughout their history, reflective of the fluid dynamics in Detroit's garage rock scene, with core members Rachel Nagy and Mary Ramirez serving as the primary constants amid numerous musicians contributing across instruments.[1][49] Rachel Nagy co-founded the band in 1994 as lead vocalist and pianist and remained its frontwoman until her death on January 14, 2022, at age 48, defining the group's energetic stage presence and raw, soul-infused delivery on recordings from their debut singles through albums like Mink Rat or Rabbit.[27][7] Guitarist Steve Shaw co-founded the band in 1994 alongside Nagy and shaped its early raw garage sound on initial singles and the 1997 compilation The Original Recordings, departing sometime in the 2000s after contributing to the group's formative punk-edged style.[1][5] Original bassist Jeff Meier played from 1994 to 1998, providing the driving low-end on the band's debut singles such as "Cha Cha Twist" b/w "I Put a Spell on You" and early tracks compiled on The Original Recordings.[55][16] Guitarist Greg Cartwright joined in 2003 and contributed slide guitar and production to the 2004 album Baby, infusing Memphis soul influences into tracks like "Slipping Around" and "I Wanna Holler" during his tenure through 2005.[55][56] Other notable former members include bassist and producer Jim Diamond, who handled bass duties and engineered sessions at his Ghetto Recorders studio in the late 1990s, capturing the band's lo-fi grit on early material; drummer Damian Lang, who played from 1996 to 2001 and anchored the rhythm section on albums like Life, Love, and Leaving with his experience from Two Star Tabernacle; bassist Eddie Harsch, a veteran of the Black Crowes, who performed from 2001 to 2005 and added blues-rock depth to Life, Love, and Leaving; and drummer Chris Fachini, who contributed on various recordings in the 2000s, including early singles and compilations, drawing from his time in Rocket 455 and the Dirtbombs.[57][58][59][5]Discography
Studio albums
The Detroit Cobras released their debut studio album, Mink, Rat or Rabbit, on February 24, 1998, through Sympathy for the Record Industry.[60] Produced by Jim Diamond over a single weekend at Ghetto Recorders in Detroit, the album features 14 covers of obscure 1950s and 1960s R&B, soul, and garage rock tracks, capturing the band's raw, energetic sound with Rachel Nagy's distinctive vocals and a lo-fi aesthetic.[61] Highlights include "Cha Cha Twist" and "I'll Keep Holding On," which exemplify the group's ability to infuse vintage material with punk-inflected urgency.[8] Critics praised its unpolished vitality, with AllMusic awarding it 4 out of 5 stars for its tight instrumentation and "dirty garage rock" vibe that feels both nostalgic and immediate.[13] The album achieved modest sales, contributing to the band's emerging cult status in the garage rock revival scene without breaking mainstream charts.[1] Their second studio album, Life, Love and Leaving, followed on May 1, 2001, also on Sympathy for the Record Industry.[14] Comprising 12 covers drawn from similar mid-century sources, it was recorded at Ghetto Recorders with production by Jim Diamond and Mick Collins, emphasizing the band's gritty reinterpretations of forgotten gems.[62] Standout tracks like "Hot Dog" and "Hey Sailor" became cult favorites in the garage rock community, showcasing Nagy's sultry delivery and the rhythm section's driving pulse.[63] Reception was strong among niche audiences, earning an 8.3 out of 10 user rating on AllMusic for its infectious energy and faithful yet revitalized covers, though commercial performance remained limited to modest underground sales.[64] The third album, Baby, marked a shift with its release on November 1, 2004, via Rough Trade Records in the UK and September 27, 2005, on Bloodshot Records in the US.[16] Featuring 13 tracks, many co-produced by Greg Cartwright of the Oblivians, it blends the band's signature covers with a slightly cleaner production at The White Room in Detroit, while retaining their raw edge.[65] Key highlights include "Weak Spot" and "Raining," which highlight the collaboration's punchy arrangements and Nagy's commanding presence.[44] The album tied into the band's performance at Coachella in 2005, and received acclaim for its shimmy-ready garage revivalism, with Pitchfork lauding it as "crackling pieces of heaven" that balance sex, danger, and archival detail. AllMusic gave it 4 out of 5 stars, noting its effortless appeal despite modest overall sales.[56] The band's fourth and final studio album with Nagy, Tied & True, came out on April 24, 2007, on Bloodshot Records. This 12-track collection of covers adopts a more polished production approach at Easley Recording in Memphis, courtesy of Davis McCain and the band, while exploring a broader range of soul and rock influences.[66] Notable selections like "Right Track" and "Hot Summer Day" demonstrate refined interpretations that maintain the group's sassy charisma.[67] Reviews were generally positive, with AllMusic rating it 4 out of 5 stars for its mature evolution, though some critics like Slant Magazine found it occasionally formulaic in a 3 out of 5 assessment; sales stayed modest, aligning with the band's niche garage rock profile.[66][67]EPs and singles
The Detroit Cobras' EPs and singles played a crucial role in cultivating their cult following, particularly through limited-edition 7" vinyl releases that garnered airplay on college radio and in underground scenes. These shorter formats often featured raw covers of obscure R&B, soul, and rockabilly songs, showcasing the band's interpretive style and helping bridge their early indie output with major label breakthroughs. Over their career, they issued more than ten singles, emphasizing B-sides that expanded on their thematic obsessions with heartbreak and rebellion.[3]Early Singles (1995–1997)
The band's initial singles, compiled later on the 2008 collection The Original Recordings (Singles and Unreleased 1995–1997), were self-released or issued on small labels like Human Fly and Sympathy for the Record Industry, capturing their nascent garage rock energy.[68]- "Village of Love" b/w "Maria Christina" (1996, Human Fly Records, 7" vinyl): This debut single covered a 1962 R&B track by Nathaniel Mayer on the A-side and a doo-wop number by Bobby Bland on the B-side, establishing their affinity for vintage soul reinterpretations.[69]
- "Over to My House" b/w "Down in Louisiana" (1996, Black Mamba Records, 7" vinyl): Featuring a pleading rockabilly plea on the A-side (originally by Jimmy Reed) and a swampy blues cover by Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown on the B-side, it highlighted their raw, unpolished production.[3]
- "Ain't It a Shame" b/w "Slum Lord" (1996, Sympathy for the Record Industry, 7" vinyl): The A-side reimagined a 1969 garage rocker by the Chentelles, while the B-side was an original rant against urban decay, blending covers with band-penned material to build local Detroit buzz.[70]
Mid-Period Releases
As the band transitioned to larger labels, their singles maintained the 7" format but gained wider distribution, often tying into album promotions while standing alone for radio appeal.- "Cha Cha Twist" (2004, Rough Trade Records, 7" vinyl and CD single): A high-energy cover of the 1962 hit by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, backed with "Hey Sailor" (a Little Willie John original), this release marked a commercial push in the UK and Europe, featuring the song in advertising campaigns.[71]
- "What More" b/w "I Can't Go Back" (2018, Third Man Records, 7" vinyl): Issued during a period of sporadic activity, these tracks are covers of soul songs, with the A-side covering Z.Z. Hill's "What More" (1973) and the B-side covering Eddie Holman's "I Can't Go Back" (1967), signaling a return to form.[72]
EPs
The band's EPs served as bridges between full-length albums, offering concise sets of covers that amplified their reputation for transformative interpretations.- Seven Easy Pieces (2003, Rough Trade Records, CD and vinyl EP): This seven-track release, including covers like "Weakness for Sweet Things" (originally by The Elgins) and "Ya Ya Ya (Looking for My Baby)" by Bo Diddley, represented a UK breakthrough, earning critical praise for its punchy garage-soul fusion and peaking at No. 11 on the UK Independent Albums Chart.[73]
- Right Now (2024, Third Man Records, 7" vinyl EP): The band's first release following Rachel Nagy's death in 2022, this four-track EP features guitarist Mary Ramirez and bassist Marcus Durant leading covers of "Feelin' in My Bones" (Jimmy Lewis) and "I'm Alive" (The Hollies) alongside originals "Right Now" and "There's a Light," marking a revival with a fresh lineup while honoring the group's legacy.[45]
- In 2025, the band released a limited edition blue vinyl 7" EP exclusive to their Euro/UK tour.[74]