The Grodes
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 in Tucson, Arizona, United States |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Tucson , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The Grodes, who also performed under the name The Tongues of Truth, were a garage rock group originating from Tucson, Arizona, active between 1965 and 1968. Fronted by vocalist and songwriter Manny Freiser, they are primarily recognized for their original track "Let’s Talk About Girls" (released as The Tongues of Truth), which was subsequently covered by The Chocolate Watchband, as well as for "Cry A Little Longer," a song that secured the #46 spot on the All-Time Garage Rock singles ranking.
History
Formed in 1965 in Tucson, Arizona, The Grodes were spearheaded by guitarist, lead singer, and songwriter Manny Freiser. The initial ensemble comprised Freiser alongside Dale Smith on guitar, Rick Cota-Robles handling bass duties, Rick Lust on keyboards, and John Lee White III playing drums. Their first single, titled "Uh Huh Girl," debuted on the Tri-M label in August 1965. Later that year, John Lee White III was replaced by drummer Rick Mellinger.
In December 1965, the band issued the protopunk single "Cry a Little Longer" with "She Got What it Takes" as its B-side. Their 1966 release on Rally Records featured the songs "Love is a Sad Song" backed with "I've Lost My Way." Operating under the moniker The Tongues of Truth, they released "Let's Talk About Girls" coupled with "You Can't Come Back" on the Current label in October; this composition by Manny Freiser achieved broader acclaim through renditions by other artists. Additionally, Freiser contributed material to fellow Tucson-based group The Dearly Beloved.
Reverting to The Grodes name, they put out "It's True What They Say (About Love)" paired with "Have Your Cake (And Eat It Too)" via Impression Records in July 1967, followed by the single "Give Me Some Time" on Splitsound in December of the same year. After Patti McCarron joined as vocalist in early 1968, the band adopted the name Spring Fever and released "Sand" in June before disbanding two months later. Subsequently, McCarron and Freiser formed the duo Fire & Rain during the 1970s.
Lineup shifts included Pete Peterson taking over drums from Rick Mellinger in 1967 and Keith Craig replacing Rick Lust on keyboards. Patti McCarron's arrival came shortly before the group's breakup.
Over time, The Grodes' recordings have become sought-after among garage rock enthusiasts. Numerous tracks are featured on the compilation CD Let's Talk About Girls! Music From Tucson 1964-1968. Their songs "Let's Talk About Girls" and "Cry a Little Longer" appear on extensive collections such as Trash Box and Pebbles Box. These compositions have been covered by several bands including The Undertones, The Pretty Things, The Hypstrz, and the German outfit The Brood (who retitled it "Let's Talk About Boys"). Additionally, "Cry A Little Longer" has been interpreted by Imperial State Electric, Yard Trauma, and Better Men Than You.
Members
- Manny Freiser (also known as Fries) – songwriter, lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Patti McCarron – lead vocals (1968)
- Dale Smith – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Rick Cota-Robles (aka CR) – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Rick Lust – keyboards (1965–1966)
- Keith Craig – keyboards (1967–1968)
- John Lee White III – drums (1964–1965)
- Rick Mellinger (aka Cable von Marr) – drums (1965–1966)
- Pete Peterson – drums (1967–1968)
Singles
- "Uh Huh Girl" paired with "She Got What It Takes" (Tri-M 1001, August 1965)
- "Cry a Little Longer" backed with "She's Got What It Takes" (Tri-M 1002, December 1965)
- "Love Is a Sad Song" coupled with "I've Lost My Way" (Rally 5005, 1966)
- "Let's Talk About Girls" alongside "You Can't Come Back" (credited as the Tongues of Truth) (Current 112, October 1966)
- "(It's True) What They Say About Love" together with "Have Your Cake" (Impression 114, July 1967)
- "Give Me Some Time" (Splitsound 4, December 1967)
- "Sand" backed by "Give Me Some Time" (under the name Spring Fever) (Splitsound 8, June 1968)
Anthology
- Let’s Talk About Girls! Music from Tucson 1964-1968 (Bacchus Archives/Dionysus Records, issued in 1997)