The Muffs
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Southern California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The Muffs were a Southern California-based American pop punk group established in 1991, fronted by vocalist and guitarist Kim Shattuck. Throughout the 1990s, they produced four studio albums, including notable singles such as "Lucky Guy," "Sad Tomorrow," and a rendition of "Kids in America." After taking a break beginning in 1999, the band issued a fifth album in 2004 before disbanding. Nearly ten years later, the original trio reunited and released their sixth album, Whoop Dee Doo, in 2014.
Following Shattuck’s passing on October 2, 2019, after a two-year struggle with ALS, the band announced their dissolution on the same day. Shortly thereafter, they released their seventh and final album, No Holiday.
Formation and early period: 1991–1996
The Muffs originated from a partnership between guitarists Kim Shattuck and Melanie Vammen, both previously members of the all-female hard rock band The Pandoras. The group expanded to include bassist Ronnie Barnett and drummer Criss Crass.[1]
Their initial releases consisted of EPs and singles such as "New Love," "Guilty" (1991), and "I Need You" (1992), issued through West Coast indie labels Sub Pop and Sympathy for the Record Industry. Garnering positive attention led to a contract with major label Warner Bros. Records. The band became known for their straightforward pop punk style characterized by catchy tunes paired with Shattuck’s unique vocal delivery.[2]
Their debut album, self-titled The Muffs, was launched in 1993. After Crass left the band, Jim Laspesa filled in for tours until Roy McDonald (formerly of Redd Kross) joined permanently in 1994. Soon after, Vammen departed to join The Leaving Trains.
Operating as a trio—Shattuck, Barnett, and McDonald—The Muffs recorded their sophomore album, Blonder and Blonder, released under Warner’s subsidiary Reprise Records in 1995. This record included the college radio favorite "Sad Tomorrow."
Later albums and hiatus: 1996–2005
In 1995, The Muffs recorded a cover of Kim Wilde’s 1981 hit "Kids In America" for the soundtrack of the film Clueless. This track was also featured in the video game Rock Band 2 and was re-released on their 2000 compilation album, Hamburger.
Their third studio effort, Happy Birthday to Me (1997), marked their final release with Warner Bros. Subsequently signing with independent label Honest Don's Records, they unveiled Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow in 1999. This album included "I Wish That I Could Be You," which was featured on an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Additionally that year, they contributed the song "Pimmel" to Fat Wreck Chords’ compilation Short Music for Short People.
The band entered a hiatus late in 1999 but returned with their fifth album, Really Really Happy, in 2004. This release showcased a gentler and more subdued sound compared to their previous work.
Final years and Kim Shattuck’s passing: 2012–2019
In 2012, The Muffs reunited to perform at Minnesota’s "Girls Got Rhythm" festival. Former member Laspesa played an instrumental role in bringing together Barnett, McDonald, and Shattuck once again.
Their first album after a ten-year gap, Whoop Dee Doo, was released by Burger Records in July 2014. Shattuck was responsible for writing all twelve tracks as well as overseeing most of the production and engineering. The album marked a return to their punk origins with a raw sound that emphasized humor and conciseness. Critics lauded its steady energy and Shattuck’s signature vocal presence.
Kim Shattuck passed away on October 2, 2019, following her battle with ALS. On October 18, 2019, The Muffs issued their final album, No Holiday, containing recordings spanning from 1991 through 2017.
Covers and Tributes
The Muffs' track "End It All" was interpreted by the punk ensemble The Queers on the 2007 re-release of their album Don't Back Down. The British indie group Silver Sun included a rendition of "I'm a Dick" on their Too Much, Too Little, Too Late EP. Additionally, American punk outfits The Huntingtons and Off with Their Heads each recorded versions of "Big Mouth" for separate projects. The song also appeared in the soundtrack for the film Moxie, performed by The Linda Lindas.
Studio Albums
- The Muffs (1993), reissued with additional tracks by Omnivore Recordings in 2015
- Blonder and Blonder (1995)
- Happy Birthday to Me (1997)
- Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow (1999)
- Really Really Happy (2004)
- Whoop Dee Doo (2014)
- No Holiday (2019)
Compilation Albums
- Hamburger (2000)
- Kaboodle (2011)
Singles
- "New Love" (1991)
- "Guilty" (1991)
- "I Need You" (1992)
- "Big Mouth" (1993)
- "Lucky Guy" (1993)
- "Everywhere I Go" (1993)
- "Sad Tomorrow" (1995) (#29 on Canadian RPM Alternative Singles chart)
- "I'm a Dick" (1996)
- "Outer Space" (1998)
- "Happening" (1999)
- "No Action" (2000)
- "Really Really Happy" (2004)
- "A Lovely Day Boo Hoo" (2019)
- "Changes" (2023)
Music Videos
| 1993 | Title |
| "Lucky Guy" | |
| "New Love" | |
| 1995 | "Sad Tomorrow" |
| "Oh Nina" | |
| 2004 | "Really Really Happy" |
| "Don't Pick On Me" | |
| 2014 | "Weird Boy Next Door" |
| 2019 | "No Holiday" |