St. Louis Video: Young Fresh Fellows, "Young Fresh Fellows Theme" and "Hang on Sloopy," November 23, 1985

Here's something I never expected to find on YouTube: Someone found and uploaded an entire set from Seattle's Young Fresh Fellows, dated November 23, 1985. (This is old Cicero's, judging from the bricks, yes?) The info included with one says, "Video by Eric Donaldson, sound by Conrad Uno." Ring a bell to anyone? View the whole set here.

The YFFs, incidentally, were one of the unheralded '80s quirk-pop groups. Its '60s-inspired jangle-rock never found a wide audience, but its sensibilities and songcraft aligned with Robyn Hitchcock, R.E.M. and They Might Be Giants (who namechecked 'em in "Twistin'") -- and inarguably influenced the Presidents of the United States of America. Co-founder Scott McCaughey has played with R.E.M. for years now, but a new YFF record is in progress -- with Hitchcock's encouragement and help.

"Young Fresh Fellows Theme":

"Hang on Sloopy" -- also the theme song from the state of Ohio and played at Buckeyes games

-- Annie Zaleski