The Reatards
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Jay Reatard |
| Headquarters | Memphis, Tennessee , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, live recordings, EPs, singles |
The Reatards were a garage punk ensemble originating from Memphis, Tennessee, founded in 1995. Initially conceived as a solo venture by guitarist Jay Reatard, their style was marked by raw, minimalist instrumentation combined with lo-fi production techniques. Early on, they circulated self-produced cassettes and EPs such as Fuck Elvis, Here's the Reatards. Their first full-length album, Teenage Hate, debuted in 1998, followed by Grown Up, Fucked Up in 1999. Although their live appearances became infrequent by 1999 due to Jay Reatard’s involvement in other projects, the band reassembled in 2005 to issue a final studio album. Their catalog has been reissued over time and continues to hold significant influence.
History
Motivated by the garage punk sound of the Oblivians, Jay Reatard initiated the Reatards as a solo act, crafting homemade demos that echoed the distorted and lo-fi aesthetic of his inspiration. At just 15 years old, his initial recordings were rudimentary, made using a four-track tape recorder with vocals, guitar, and makeshift bucket percussion. Recognizing the potential in these demos, Oblivians guitarist Eric Friedl facilitated a record deal for Reatard through his independent label, Goner Records. The label released the Reatards' first EP, Get Real Stupid, in 1997, which consisted of four short tracks totaling less than seven minutes.
For their second EP, Fuck Elvis, Here's the Reatards, drummer Greg Cartwright of the Oblivians collaborated with Reatard. By 1998, the lineup had expanded to include guitarist Steve Albundy "Reatard" and drummer Ryan Elvis "Wong Reatard". This trio recorded their debut studio album Teenage Hate, delivering rough-edged punk tunes characterized by catchy hooks and intense vocals. The album featured both original compositions and covers from artists like Fear, the Dead Boys, and Buddy Holly.
After releasing two additional EPs—Get Out of Our Way and Your So Lewd—the band unveiled their sophomore album Grown Up, Fucked Up through Empty Records in November 1999. This record demonstrated greater musical complexity as Jay Reatard increasingly engaged with other endeavors such as the Lost Sounds. That year included tours across the West Coast and Europe before the band’s activities slowed.
Following the dissolution of Lost Sounds in 2005, Reatard revived the Reatards for live performances and issued their final studio effort, Not Fucked Enough, also on Empty Records. The band ceased activity again in 2006 when Reatard shifted focus to his solo career. After his untimely passing in 2010 at age 29, much of his work—including that with the Reatards—was re-released. A deluxe CD edition of Teenage Hate appeared in 2011 featuring the EP Fuck Elvis, Here's the Reatards. Critics highlighted this release as capturing the unrefined vigor that defined Reatard’s impactful legacy. The second album was likewise reissued in 2015.
Band members
- Jay Reatard – Lead vocals, guitar, drums (1995-99, 2004-06, 2009)
- Greg Cartwright (Greg Oblivian) – drums (1996-97)
- Scott Bomar – bass (1997)
- Jeff Goggins – drums (1997)
- Ryan Rousseau (Elvis Wong Reatard) – drums, vocals (1997-98, 1999, 2004, 2005-06, 2009)
- Sean Redd (Steve Albundy Reatard) – guitar, vocals (1998-99, 2004, 2009)
- Jack Yarber (Jack Oblivian) – drums (1998)
- Jason Sickle (Jason Eunuch) – drums (1998)
- Rich Crook – guitar, bass, drums (1998-99, 2004)
- Charlie Gerber – bass (1998)
- Pete Jay – guitar (1999)
- King Louie Bankston (Mr. X) – drums (1999)
- James Arthur – guitar (1999)
- Steve Sleaze – guitar (2005-06)
- Daniel Conroy – bass (2005-06)
Studio Albums
- Teenage Hate (1998)
- Grown Up, Fucked Up (1999)
- Not Fucked Enough (2005)
Live Recordings
- Live (2004)
Compilation Releases
- Bed Room Disasters (2004)
Extended Plays (EPs)
- Get Out of Our Way (1998)
- Untitled (2002)
- Plastic Surgery (2005)
- Monster Child (2005)
Singles
- "Get Real Stupid" [four tracks] – Goner Records (8GONE), 1997
- "You're So Lewd" [three tracks] – Empty Records (MTR-378), 1999
- "Totally Shattered" [three tracks] – Ken Rock (KEN 45), 2005
- "I Lie Too" [three tracks] – Zaxxon Records (ZR-003), 2006