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'''The Rubinoos''' are an American [[power pop]] band that formed in 1970 in [[Berkeley, California|Berkeley]], [[California]]. They are perhaps best known for their [[single (music)|singles]] "[[I Think We're Alone Now]]" (1977, a cover of the hit by [[Tommy James & the Shondells]]), "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" (1979), and for the theme song to the 1984 film ''[[Revenge of the Nerds]]''. Although "I Think We're Alone Now" has been their only charting hit, reaching No.45 in 1977, the group has a significant enduring [[cult following]] among fans of the [[power pop]] [[music genre|genre]].<ref name=shake>{{cite book|title=Shake some action: the ultimate power pop guide|author=John M. Borack|author-link=John M. Borack|year=2007|pages=17, 64|publisher=[[Not Lame Recordings]]|ISBN=978-0-9797714-0-8}}</ref>
'''The Rubinoos''' are an American [[power pop]] band that formed in 1970 in [[Berkeley, California|Berkeley]], [[California]]. They are perhaps best known for their [[single (music)|singles]] "[[I Think We're Alone Now]]" (1977, a cover of the hit by [[Tommy James & the Shondells]]), "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" (1979), and for the theme song to the 1984 film ''[[Revenge of the Nerds]]''. Although "I Think We're Alone Now" has been their highest charting hit, reaching No.45 in 1977, the group has a significant enduring [[cult following]] among fans of the [[power pop]] [[music genre|genre]].<ref name=shake>{{cite book|title=Shake some action: the ultimate power pop guide|author=John M. Borack|author-link=John M. Borack|year=2007|pages=17, 64|publisher=[[Not Lame Recordings]]|ISBN=978-0-9797714-0-8}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
===1970–1977: Formation and ''The Rubinoos''===
===1970–1977: Formation and ''The Rubinoos''===
{{More citations needed|section|date=June 2022}}
{{More citations needed|section|date=June 2022}}
In November 1970, Tommy Dunbar and Jon Rubin formed the Rubinoos to play at a dance for Berkeley High School in [[Berkeley, California]]. Other founding members included [[Greg 'Curly' Keranen]], [[Alex Carlin]], Ralph Granich and Danny Wood. Inspired by siblings' 45s and the Cruisin' vintage radio recreations LP series, Jon Rubin and the Rubinoos played rock and roll oldies, including covers of songs by Chubby Checker, Bill Haley and the Comets, [[The Dovells]], the Troggs, Little Eva, the Chiffons, and others.
In November 1970, Tommy Dunbar and Jon Rubin formed the Rubinoos to play at a dance for Bay High School in [[Berkeley, California]]. Other founding members included [[Greg 'Curly' Keranen]], [[Alex Carlin]], Ralph Granich and Danny Wood. Inspired by siblings' 45s and the Cruisin' vintage radio recreations LP series, Jon Rubin and the Rubinoos played rock and roll oldies. Songs included covers of Chubby Checker, Bill Haley and the Comets, [[The Dovells]], the Troggs, Little Eva, the Chiffons, and others.


Soon after the performance at Berkeley High School, where Rubin and Dunbar were enrolled, the original band dissolved. In May 1971, they shortened the name to the Rubinoos and reformed as a quartet with Donn Spindt on drums and Tom Carpender on bass. The group now focused on original material by Dunbar, in association with Rubin and others.
Soon after the performance at Bay High School, where Rubin and Dunbar were enrolled, the original band dissolved. In May 1971, they shortened the name to The Rubinoos and reformed as a quartet with Donn Spindt on drums and Tom Carpender on bass. The group now focused on original material by Dunbar, in association with Rubin and others.


The band's early development was assisted and inspired by the success of [[Earth Quake (band)|Earth Quake]], whose lead guitarist and principal songwriter was Tommy Dunbar's older brother, Robbie Dunbar. The Rubinoos often appeared as an opening act for Earth Quake in clubs, such as the Longbranch Saloon and the Keystone, in Berkeley.
The band's early development was assisted and inspired by the success of [[Earth Quake (band)|Earth Quake]], whose lead guitarist and principal songwriter was Tommy Dunbar's older brother, Robbie Dunbar. The Rubinoos often appeared as an opening act for Earth Quake in clubs, such as Berkeley's Longbranch Saloon and the Keystone Berkeley.


After the expiration of their contract with A&M Records, Earth Quake along with their manager, Matthew King Kaufman, founded [[Beserkley Records]] and started recruiting additional talent. This included [[Greg Kihn]], [[Jonathan Richman]] and the Rubinoos.
After the expiration of their contract with A&M Records, Earth Quake, along with their manager, Matthew King Kaufman, founded [[Beserkley Records]] and started recruiting additional talent. This included [[Greg Kihn]], [[Jonathan Richman]] and the Rubinoos.


In June 1973, [[Greg 'Curly' Keranen]] re-joined the group. In September 1974, they recorded a cover of [[the DeFranco Family]]'s "Gorilla", released as a single and included on the ''Beserkley Chartbusters'' [[compilation album]]. The group also provided accompaniment for Jonathan Richman on two ''Chartbuster'' cuts, "The New Teller" and "Government Center." Shortly after the release of "Chartbusters" Keranen left the Rubinoos to join Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers. He was replaced by Royse Ader.
In June 1973, [[Greg 'Curly' Keranen]] re-joined the group. In September 1974, they recorded a cover of [[the DeFranco Family]]'s "Gorilla", released as a single and included on the ''Beserkley Chartbusters'' [[compilation album]]. The group also provided accompaniment for [[Jonathan Richman]] on two ''Chartbuster'' cuts, "The New Teller" and "Government Center." Shortly after the release of "Chartbusters" Keranen left the Rubinoos to join [[Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers]]. He was replaced by Royse Ader.


One 'high point' of the band's early career included a performance at Bill Graham's Winterland Auditorium, September 24, 1974, on a bill with the Jefferson Starship. At this concert, the Rubinoos were joined on stage by Jonathan Richman, who danced to their version of [[The Archies|The Archies']] "[[Sugar, Sugar]]". This was greeted with intense booing and a pelting of unripe bananas by members of the audience.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jojofiles2.blogspot.com/2007/05/interview-15-greg-curly-keranen.html |title=Jojoblog backstage : Interview #15 : Greg "Curly" Keranen |publisher=Jojofiles2.blogspot.com |date=2007-04-12 |accessdate=2014-04-25}}</ref> The band had a number one single in Modesto, California, for 13 weeks, one of their concerts raffled off to a high school by Burger King, and appeared in ''Tiger Beat'' and ''16 Magazine'' many times.
One 'high point' of the band's early career included a performance at [[Bill Graham's Winterland Auditorium]], September 24, 1974, on a bill with the [[Jefferson Starship]]. At this concert, the Rubinoos were joined on stage by [[Jonathan Richman]], who danced to their version of [[The Archies|The Archies']] "[[Sugar, Sugar]]". This was greeted with intense booing and a pelting of unripe bananas by members of the audience. Their closer "The Pepsi Generation Theme Song" provoked an even more hostile reaction from the crowd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jojofiles2.blogspot.com/2007/05/interview-15-greg-curly-keranen.html |title=Jojoblog backstage : Interview #15 : Greg "Curly" Keranen |publisher=Jojofiles2.blogspot.com |date=2007-04-12 |accessdate=2014-04-25}}</ref> However, the band was the first mentioned and main focus of all the reviews of the concert.


In 1977, Beserkley released [[The Rubinoos (album)|''The Rubinoos'']], the group's eponymous debut album. It was well-reviewed and New York Rocker called it "The Best Pop Album of the Decade." The single, a cover of Tommy James' "[[I Think We're Alone Now]]," reached No.&nbsp;45 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] becoming Beserkley's first hit. The group appeared on ''[[American Bandstand]]'' (live), ''[[So It Goes (TV series)|So It Goes]]'' (by video) and Rolling Stone Magazine: The 10th Anniversary television special in which they were cast as a garage band, performed a tribute to the newly deceased [[Elvis Presley]] and morphed into [[claymation]] figures.
In 1977, Beserkley released [[The Rubinoos (album)|''The Rubinoos'']], the group's eponymous debut album. It was well-reviewed and New York Rocker called it "The Best Pop Album of the Decade." The single, a cover of Tommy James' "[[I Think We're Alone Now]]," reached No.&nbsp;45 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] becoming Beserkley's first hit. The group appeared on ''[[American Bandstand]]'' (live), ''[[So It Goes (TV series)|So It Goes]]'' (by video) and Rolling Stone Magazine: The 10th Anniversary television special in which they were cast as a garage band, performed a tribute to the newly deceased [[Elvis Presley]] and morphed into [[claymation]] figures. Along with these accomplishments, The Rubinoos had a number one single in [[Modesto, California,]] for 13 weeks, one of their concerts was raffled off to a high school by [[Burger King,]] and they appeared in ''[[Tiger Beat]]'' and ''[[16 Magazine]]'' many times.


===1978–2006: Breakup and reformation===
===1978–2006: Breakup and reformation===
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The group's next album, ''[[Back to the Drawing Board]]'' (1979), featured the single "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend," which had been released in 1978 and received heavy airplay in England and Europe. In support of this album, the Rubinoos appeared on ''[[Rock Goes To College]]'', ''[[The Old Grey Whistle Test]]'', ''Top Pop'' and opened 56 shows for [[Elvis Costello]] on the U.S. portion of his 1979 Armed Funk tour.
The group's next album, ''[[Back to the Drawing Board]]'' (1979), featured the single "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend," which had been released in 1978 and received heavy airplay in England and Europe. In support of this album, the Rubinoos appeared on ''[[Rock Goes To College]]'', ''[[The Old Grey Whistle Test]]'', ''Top Pop'' and opened 56 shows for [[Elvis Costello]] on the U.S. portion of his 1979 Armed Funk tour.
[[File:Rubes dating game.jpg|thumb|Rubinoos 1978 ]]
[[File:Rubes dating game.jpg|thumb|Rubinoos 1978 ]]
In 1980 Royse Ader was replaced by Al Chan. The Rubinoos then recorded the demos for a third album which never came to fruition. These demos, released in the 1990s as ''Basement Tapes'', engineered by well known audio guru, Dan Alexander, is still thought to be one of their best efforts. Spindt and Chan left the group in 1982 when Tommy and Jon decided to move to [[Los Angeles]]. In 1983, the group, now consisting of just Rubin and Dunbar, signed with [[Warner Bros. Records]] and released the Mini LP ''Party of Two'', produced by [[Todd Rundgren]]. ''Party of Two'' yielded the single and cult classic music video "If I Had You Back," which has been in continuous rotation on [[MTV]] and [[VH1]] for over 25 years. In 1984, they recorded the title song "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Breakdown" for the film ''[[Revenge of the Nerds]]''.
In 1980 Royse Ader was replaced by Al Chan. The Rubinoos then recorded the demos for a third album which never came to fruition. These demos, released in the 1990s as ''Basement Tapes'', engineered by well known audio guru, Dan Alexander, is still thought to be one of their best efforts. Spindt and Chan left the group in 1982 when Tommy and Jon decided to move to [[Los Angeles]]. In 1983, the group, now consisting of just Rubin and Dunbar, signed with [[Warner Bros. Records]] and released the Mini LP ''Party of Two'', produced by [[Todd Rundgren]]. ''Party of Two'' yielded the single and cult classic music video "If I Had You Back," which received heavy rotation on [[MTV]] and [[VH1]]. In 1984, they recorded the title song "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Breakdown" for the film ''[[Revenge of the Nerds]]''.


The Rubinoos began a long sabbatical in 1985. In 1989, Dunbar, Spindt, Chan, and [[John Seabury]] formed the group Vox Pop and recorded an album of material, co produced by Dunbar and Dan Alexander at Alexanders Coast Recorders. Also in 1989, Jon Rubin joined the noted Los Angeles a cappella [[Doo Wop]] group [[The Mighty Echoes]]. During the 1990s, two compilation CDs, ''Basement Tapes'' and ''Garage Sale'' were released. Their success led to the end of The Rubinoos sabbatical and a new album, ''Paleophonic'' (1999), produced by [[Kevin Gilbert (musician)|Kevin Gilbert]]. This album did not see the light of day until The Rubinoos' performance, their first in seven years, at the 1999 International Pop Overthrow Festival in Los Angeles. The lineup at IPO featured Rubin, Dunbar, Chan and Spindt. In 2000 Tommy and Jon were hired to sing the [[Flo and Eddie]] parts of [[Frank Zappa]]'s [[200 Motels]] at three concerts with the Netherlands' Philharmonic. In 2002 The Rubinoos toured Spain and Japan, released the all-covers ''Crimes Against Music'' (2002) and recorded the album ''Live in Japan'' (2004). In 2005 the group reunited with their original producer, Gary Phillips, to record ''Twist Pop Sin'' (2006). In 2007, [[Castle Communications]] issued the 63-song retrospective ''Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Rubinoos''. Also in 2007, The Rubinoos toured Japan and released a two CD compilation titled ''One Two That's It''. In 2009 the band toured Spain and released the compilation CD ''HodgePodge'' which featured one newly recorded track, a cover of [[The Hollies]]' classic, "[[Bus Stop (song)|Bus Stop]]."
The Rubinoos began a long sabbatical in 1985. In 1989, Dunbar, Spindt, Chan, and [[John Seabury]] formed the group Vox Pop and recorded an album of material, co produced by Dunbar and Dan Alexander at Alexanders Coast Recorders. Also in 1989, Jon Rubin joined the noted Los Angeles a cappella [[Doo Wop]] group [[The Mighty Echoes]]. During the 1990s, two compilation CDs, ''Basement Tapes'' and ''Garage Sale'' were released. Their success led to the end of The Rubinoos sabbatical and a new album, ''Paleophonic'' (1999), produced by [[Kevin Gilbert (musician)|Kevin Gilbert]]. This album did not see the light of day until The Rubinoos' performance, their first in seven years, at the 1999 International Pop Overthrow Festival in Los Angeles. The lineup at IPO featured Rubin, Dunbar, Chan and Spindt. In 2000 Tommy and Jon were hired to sing the [[Flo and Eddie]] parts of [[Frank Zappa]]'s [[200 Motels]] at three concerts with the Netherlands' Philharmonic. In 2002 The Rubinoos toured Spain and Japan, released the all-covers ''Crimes Against Music'' (2002) and recorded the album ''Live in Japan'' (2004). In 2005 the group reunited with their original producer, Gary Phillips, to record ''Twist Pop Sin'' (2006). In 2007, [[Castle Communications]] issued the 63-song retrospective ''Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Rubinoos''. Also in 2007, The Rubinoos toured Japan and released a two CD compilation titled ''One Two That's It''. In 2009 the band toured Spain and released the compilation CD ''HodgePodge'' which featured one newly recorded track, a cover of [[The Hollies]]' classic, "[[Bus Stop (song)|Bus Stop]]."


===2007–present: Avril Lavigne lawsuit and subsequent albums===
===2007–present: Back to the Basics===
In July 2007, Dunbar and songwriter James Gangwer filed a lawsuit for [[Copyright infringement|infringement of copyright]] against singer-songwriter [[Avril Lavigne]] for her 2007 single "[[Girlfriend (Avril Lavigne song)|Girlfriend]]"; producer [[Dr. Luke]], [[RCA Records]], and [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] were also named as defendants in the suit.<ref name="mtv">{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1564324/avril-lavigne-responds-to-lawsuit-says-shes-been-falsely-accused/|title=Avril Lavigne Responds to Lawsuit, Says She's Been 'Falsely Accused'|last=Montgomery|first=James|date=July 9, 2007|work=[[MTV]]|accessdate=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228012813/https://www.mtv.com/news/1564324/avril-lavigne-responds-to-lawsuit-says-shes-been-falsely-accused/|archive-date=February 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Dunbar and Gangwer alleged that Lavigne plagiarized the Rubinoos' 1979 single "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/avril-lavigne-36-1342875|title=Avril Lavigne responds to plagiarism claims|last=|first=|date=July 9, 2007|work=[[NME]]|accessdate=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407080232/https://www.nme.com/news/music/avril-lavigne-36-1342875|archive-date=April 7, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Lavigne denied these accusations and claimed that she had never even heard of the Rubinoos before.<ref name="mtv"/> In January 2008, an undisclosed [[Settlement (litigation)|settlement]] was reached between the two parties.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/avril-lavigne-30-1340740|title=Settlement reached in Avril Lavigne lawsuit|last=|first=|date=January 10, 2008|work=NME|accessdate=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514185553/https://www.nme.com/news/music/avril-lavigne-30-1340740|archive-date=May 14, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Dunbar and Gangwer later released a statement in which they claimed to "completely exonerate" Lavigne and Dr. Luke from any wrongdoing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/celebrity/songwriters-completely-exonerate-avril-lavigne/|title=Songwriters 'Completely Exonerate' Avril Lavigne|last=|first=|date=January 15, 2008|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|accessdate=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419083043/https://people.com/celebrity/songwriters-completely-exonerate-avril-lavigne/|archive-date=April 19, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2007, Dunbar and songwriter James Gangwer filed a lawsuit for [[Copyright infringement|infringement of copyright]] against singer-songwriter [[Avril Lavigne]] for her 2007 single "[[Girlfriend (Avril Lavigne song)|Girlfriend]]"; producer [[Dr. Luke]], [[RCA Records]], and [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] were also named as defendants in the suit.<ref name="mtv">{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1564324/avril-lavigne-responds-to-lawsuit-says-shes-been-falsely-accused/|title=Avril Lavigne Responds to Lawsuit, Says She's Been 'Falsely Accused'|last=Montgomery|first=James|date=July 9, 2007|work=[[MTV]]|access-date=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228012813/https://www.mtv.com/news/1564324/avril-lavigne-responds-to-lawsuit-says-shes-been-falsely-accused/|archive-date=February 28, 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Dunbar and Gangwer alleged that Lavigne plagiarized the Rubinoos' 1979 single "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/avril-lavigne-36-1342875|title=Avril Lavigne responds to plagiarism claims|last=|first=|date=July 9, 2007|work=[[NME]]|accessdate=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407080232/https://www.nme.com/news/music/avril-lavigne-36-1342875|archive-date=April 7, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Lavigne denied these accusations and claimed that she had never even heard of the Rubinoos before.<ref name="mtv"/> In January 2008, an undisclosed [[Settlement (litigation)|settlement]] was reached between the two parties.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/avril-lavigne-30-1340740|title=Settlement reached in Avril Lavigne lawsuit|last=|first=|date=January 10, 2008|work=NME|accessdate=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514185553/https://www.nme.com/news/music/avril-lavigne-30-1340740|archive-date=May 14, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Dunbar and Gangwer later released a statement in which they claimed to "completely exonerate" Lavigne and Dr. Luke from any wrongdoing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/celebrity/songwriters-completely-exonerate-avril-lavigne/|title=Songwriters 'Completely Exonerate' Avril Lavigne|last=|first=|date=January 15, 2008|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|accessdate=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419083043/https://people.com/celebrity/songwriters-completely-exonerate-avril-lavigne/|archive-date=April 19, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>


[[File:Rubinoos Group Shot 400 2.jpg|thumb|The Rubinoos 1980]]
[[File:Rubinoos Group Shot 400 2.jpg|thumb|The Rubinoos 1980]]
[[Music critic]] [[John M. Borack]] called ''Paleophonic'' No.&nbsp;36 in his list of the best [[power pop]] albums of all time, praising its "trademark pitch-perfect harmonies".<ref name=shake/>
[[Music critic]] [[John M. Borack]] called ''Paleophonic'' No.&nbsp;36 in his list of the best [[power pop]] albums of all time, praising its "trademark pitch-perfect harmonies".<ref name=shake />


In January 2010, The Rubinoos played their first kids show in support of their first all ages CD ''Biff-Boff-Boing''. The CD is a mix of covers and new originals.
In January 2010, The Rubinoos played their first kids show in support of their first all ages CD ''Biff-Boff-Boing''. The CD is a mix of covers and new originals.


In May 2010, to coincide with their Spain/Italy tour, the Rubinoos released their first new original album in five years - ''Automatic Toaster'', produced by [[Robbie Rist]].
In May 2010, to coincide with their Spain/Italy tour, the Rubinoos released their first new original album in five years—''Automatic Toaster'', produced by [[Robbie Rist]].


In 2015, to celebrate their 45th anniversary the band released the appropriately titled album ''45.'' They continued to tour in Europe and Japan with a few sporadic dates in the US.
In 2015, to celebrate their 45th anniversary the band released the appropriately titled album ''45.'' They continued to tour in Europe and Japan with a few sporadic dates in the US.


In 2018 the group signed with [[Yep Roc Records]], their first exclusive record deal since the 1980s, Long time fan and noted singer-songwriter [[Chuck Prophet]] was tapped to produce. The album, ''From Home,'' released in 2019, was recorded at [[Hyde Street Studios]] in San Francisco, formerly [[Wally Heider Studios]], where the group made some of its first recordings.
In 2018, the group signed with [[Yep Roc Records]], their first exclusive record deal since the 1980s, Long time fan and noted singer-songwriter [[Chuck Prophet]] was tapped to produce. The album, ''From Home,'' released in 2019, was recorded with the same technique as their first sessions, playing all at once in the same room, recorded to analog tape. This was done at [[Hyde Street Studios]] in San Francisco, formerly [[Wally Heider Studios]], where the group made some of its first recordings.


In June 2021 [[Yep Roc Records]] released a live to two track recording of The Rubinoos done in 1976 at CBS Folsom Street Studios, San Francisco. Entitled The CBS Tapes, the album includes 3 never released original songs and eight rare covers.
With the onset of the Covid epidemic in 2020, The Rubinoos' live performing schedule was put on hold for a couple of years. In June 2021, [[Yep Roc Records]] released a live to two track recording of The Rubinoos done in 1976 at CBS Folsom Street Studios in San Francisco, entitled ''The CBS Tapes''. The album includes 3 never released original songs and eight rare covers. This was followed by a re-issue of the groups eponymous first LP, ''[[The Rubinoos]]'' which was a [[Record Store Day]] selection. In September 2021 the group scored a placement of their hit version of "I Think We're Alone Now" on the Season Three premier of the Netflix hit comedy [[Sex Education]].

In 2022, the band had their cult classic "Rock and Roll is Dead" used as end title music for the first episode of the HBO hit [[Irma Vep]]. In July, The Rubinoos resumed live performing, starting with a bang up show at the Oakland California Punk/Pop festival [[Mosswood Meltdown]]. The surge of Covid at the end of 2022 slowed live performing for a bit longer.

In 2023, [[Yep Roc Records]] re-issued the groups second LP ''[[Back to the Drawing Board]]'' which was also a featured pick at Record Store Day. In October The Rubinoos set out for Europe to headline the Caravaca Power Pop Festival and tour of Spain.

in 2024 the Rubinoos are scheduled to return to Europe for a multi country tour and a summer tour of the east coast of the United States.


== Members ==
== Members ==
;Current Lineup
;Current lineup
* Jon Rubin - vocals, guitar (1970–present)
* Jon Rubin – vocals, guitar (1970–present)
* Tommy Dunbar - guitar, vocals (1970–present)
* Tommy Dunbar – guitar, vocals (1970–present)
* Donn "Donno" Spindt - drums, vocals (1971–present)
* Donn "Donno" Spindt – drums, vocals (1971–present)
* Al Chan - bass, vocals (1980–present)
* Al Chan – bass, vocals (1980–present)


;Former touring musicians
;Touring Musicians
* Susie Davis - keyboards, vocals (2002–2009)
* Susie Davis – keyboards, vocals (2002–2009)
* David Rokeach - drums (2007–2009)
* David Rokeach – drums (2007–2009)
* Nick D'Virgilio - drums, vocals (2002–2006)
* Nick D'Virgilio – drums, vocals (2002–2006)


;Former Members
;Former members
* [[Greg 'Curly' Keranen]] - bass, vocals (1970–1971, 1973–1975)
* [[Greg 'Curly' Keranen]] – bass, vocals (1970–1971, 1973–1975)
* [[Alex Carlin]] - organ (1970–1971)
* [[Alex Carlin]] – organ (1970–1971)
* Ralph Granich - drums (1970–1971)
* Ralph Granich – drums (1970–1971)
* Danny Woods - saxophone (1970–1971)
* Danny Woods – saxophone (1970–1971)
* Tom Carpender - bass, vocals (1971–1973)
* Tom Carpender – bass, vocals (1971–1973)
* Royse Ader - bass, vocals (1975–1980)
* Royse Ader – bass, vocals (1975–1980)
* Michael Boyd - keyboards, vocals (1981–1982)
* Michael Boyd – keyboards, vocals (1981–1982)


==Discography==
==Discography==


===Studio Albums===
===Studio albums===
* ''[[Rubinoos, The (album)|The Rubinoos]]'' (1977)
* ''[[Rubinoos, The (album)|The Rubinoos]]'' (1977)
* ''[[Back to the Drawing Board]]'' (1979)
* ''[[Back to the Drawing Board]]'' (1979)
* ''[[Party of Two EP]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Party of Two EP]]'' (1983)
*''Basement Tapes'' (recorded 1980) (1993)
* ''Basement Tapes'' (recorded 1980) (1993)
* ''Paleophonic'' (1998)
* ''Paleophonic'' (1998)
* ''Crimes Against Music'' (2003)
* ''Crimes Against Music'' (2003)
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* ''45'' (2015)
* ''45'' (2015)
* ''From Home'' (2019)
* ''From Home'' (2019)
*''CBS Tapes'' (recorded November 3,1976) (2021)
* ''CBS Tapes'' (recorded November 3, 1976) (2021)


===Compilations===
===Compilations===
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* ''The Best of The Rubinoos'' (2014?)
* ''The Best of The Rubinoos'' (2014?)


===Live Albums===
===Live albums===
* ''Live in Japan'' (2004)
* ''Live in Japan'' (2004)
* ''A Night Of All Covers -Live At Koenji High, Tokyo'' (2018)
* ''A Night Of All Covers – Live At Koenji High, Tokyo'' (2018)


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 16:05, 28 August 2024

The Rubinoos
OriginBerkeley, California, United States
GenresPower pop
Years active1970–1985
1999–present
LabelsYep Roc Records
Wild Punk Records
Air Mail Recordings
Beserkley Records
Warner Bros. Records
Castle Communications
Wounded Bird Records
MembersJon Rubin
Tommy Dunbar
Donn Spindt
Al Chan
Past membersGreg 'Curly' Keranen
Alex Carlin
Ralph Granich
Danny Woods
Tom Carpender
Royse Ader
Michael Boyd
WebsiteOfficial site

The Rubinoos are an American power pop band that formed in 1970 in Berkeley, California. They are perhaps best known for their singles "I Think We're Alone Now" (1977, a cover of the hit by Tommy James & the Shondells), "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" (1979), and for the theme song to the 1984 film Revenge of the Nerds. Although "I Think We're Alone Now" has been their highest charting hit, reaching No.45 in 1977, the group has a significant enduring cult following among fans of the power pop genre.[1]

History

1970–1977: Formation and The Rubinoos

In November 1970, Tommy Dunbar and Jon Rubin formed the Rubinoos to play at a dance for Bay High School in Berkeley, California. Other founding members included Greg 'Curly' Keranen, Alex Carlin, Ralph Granich and Danny Wood. Inspired by siblings' 45s and the Cruisin' vintage radio recreations LP series, Jon Rubin and the Rubinoos played rock and roll oldies. Songs included covers of Chubby Checker, Bill Haley and the Comets, The Dovells, the Troggs, Little Eva, the Chiffons, and others.

Soon after the performance at Bay High School, where Rubin and Dunbar were enrolled, the original band dissolved. In May 1971, they shortened the name to The Rubinoos and reformed as a quartet with Donn Spindt on drums and Tom Carpender on bass. The group now focused on original material by Dunbar, in association with Rubin and others.

The band's early development was assisted and inspired by the success of Earth Quake, whose lead guitarist and principal songwriter was Tommy Dunbar's older brother, Robbie Dunbar. The Rubinoos often appeared as an opening act for Earth Quake in clubs, such as Berkeley's Longbranch Saloon and the Keystone Berkeley.

After the expiration of their contract with A&M Records, Earth Quake, along with their manager, Matthew King Kaufman, founded Beserkley Records and started recruiting additional talent. This included Greg Kihn, Jonathan Richman and the Rubinoos.

In June 1973, Greg 'Curly' Keranen re-joined the group. In September 1974, they recorded a cover of the DeFranco Family's "Gorilla", released as a single and included on the Beserkley Chartbusters compilation album. The group also provided accompaniment for Jonathan Richman on two Chartbuster cuts, "The New Teller" and "Government Center." Shortly after the release of "Chartbusters" Keranen left the Rubinoos to join Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers. He was replaced by Royse Ader.

One 'high point' of the band's early career included a performance at Bill Graham's Winterland Auditorium, September 24, 1974, on a bill with the Jefferson Starship. At this concert, the Rubinoos were joined on stage by Jonathan Richman, who danced to their version of The Archies' "Sugar, Sugar". This was greeted with intense booing and a pelting of unripe bananas by members of the audience. Their closer "The Pepsi Generation Theme Song" provoked an even more hostile reaction from the crowd.[2] However, the band was the first mentioned and main focus of all the reviews of the concert.

In 1977, Beserkley released The Rubinoos, the group's eponymous debut album. It was well-reviewed and New York Rocker called it "The Best Pop Album of the Decade." The single, a cover of Tommy James' "I Think We're Alone Now," reached No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming Beserkley's first hit. The group appeared on American Bandstand (live), So It Goes (by video) and Rolling Stone Magazine: The 10th Anniversary television special in which they were cast as a garage band, performed a tribute to the newly deceased Elvis Presley and morphed into claymation figures. Along with these accomplishments, The Rubinoos had a number one single in Modesto, California, for 13 weeks, one of their concerts was raffled off to a high school by Burger King, and they appeared in Tiger Beat and 16 Magazine many times.

1978–2006: Breakup and reformation

The group's next album, Back to the Drawing Board (1979), featured the single "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend," which had been released in 1978 and received heavy airplay in England and Europe. In support of this album, the Rubinoos appeared on Rock Goes To College, The Old Grey Whistle Test, Top Pop and opened 56 shows for Elvis Costello on the U.S. portion of his 1979 Armed Funk tour.

Rubinoos 1978

In 1980 Royse Ader was replaced by Al Chan. The Rubinoos then recorded the demos for a third album which never came to fruition. These demos, released in the 1990s as Basement Tapes, engineered by well known audio guru, Dan Alexander, is still thought to be one of their best efforts. Spindt and Chan left the group in 1982 when Tommy and Jon decided to move to Los Angeles. In 1983, the group, now consisting of just Rubin and Dunbar, signed with Warner Bros. Records and released the Mini LP Party of Two, produced by Todd Rundgren. Party of Two yielded the single and cult classic music video "If I Had You Back," which received heavy rotation on MTV and VH1. In 1984, they recorded the title song "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Breakdown" for the film Revenge of the Nerds.

The Rubinoos began a long sabbatical in 1985. In 1989, Dunbar, Spindt, Chan, and John Seabury formed the group Vox Pop and recorded an album of material, co produced by Dunbar and Dan Alexander at Alexanders Coast Recorders. Also in 1989, Jon Rubin joined the noted Los Angeles a cappella Doo Wop group The Mighty Echoes. During the 1990s, two compilation CDs, Basement Tapes and Garage Sale were released. Their success led to the end of The Rubinoos sabbatical and a new album, Paleophonic (1999), produced by Kevin Gilbert. This album did not see the light of day until The Rubinoos' performance, their first in seven years, at the 1999 International Pop Overthrow Festival in Los Angeles. The lineup at IPO featured Rubin, Dunbar, Chan and Spindt. In 2000 Tommy and Jon were hired to sing the Flo and Eddie parts of Frank Zappa's 200 Motels at three concerts with the Netherlands' Philharmonic. In 2002 The Rubinoos toured Spain and Japan, released the all-covers Crimes Against Music (2002) and recorded the album Live in Japan (2004). In 2005 the group reunited with their original producer, Gary Phillips, to record Twist Pop Sin (2006). In 2007, Castle Communications issued the 63-song retrospective Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Rubinoos. Also in 2007, The Rubinoos toured Japan and released a two CD compilation titled One Two That's It. In 2009 the band toured Spain and released the compilation CD HodgePodge which featured one newly recorded track, a cover of The Hollies' classic, "Bus Stop."

2007–present: Back to the Basics

In July 2007, Dunbar and songwriter James Gangwer filed a lawsuit for infringement of copyright against singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne for her 2007 single "Girlfriend"; producer Dr. Luke, RCA Records, and Apple were also named as defendants in the suit.[3] Dunbar and Gangwer alleged that Lavigne plagiarized the Rubinoos' 1979 single "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend".[4] Lavigne denied these accusations and claimed that she had never even heard of the Rubinoos before.[3] In January 2008, an undisclosed settlement was reached between the two parties.[5] Dunbar and Gangwer later released a statement in which they claimed to "completely exonerate" Lavigne and Dr. Luke from any wrongdoing.[6]

The Rubinoos 1980

Music critic John M. Borack called Paleophonic No. 36 in his list of the best power pop albums of all time, praising its "trademark pitch-perfect harmonies".[1]

In January 2010, The Rubinoos played their first kids show in support of their first all ages CD Biff-Boff-Boing. The CD is a mix of covers and new originals.

In May 2010, to coincide with their Spain/Italy tour, the Rubinoos released their first new original album in five years—Automatic Toaster, produced by Robbie Rist.

In 2015, to celebrate their 45th anniversary the band released the appropriately titled album 45. They continued to tour in Europe and Japan with a few sporadic dates in the US.

In 2018, the group signed with Yep Roc Records, their first exclusive record deal since the 1980s, Long time fan and noted singer-songwriter Chuck Prophet was tapped to produce. The album, From Home, released in 2019, was recorded with the same technique as their first sessions, playing all at once in the same room, recorded to analog tape. This was done at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, formerly Wally Heider Studios, where the group made some of its first recordings.

With the onset of the Covid epidemic in 2020, The Rubinoos' live performing schedule was put on hold for a couple of years. In June 2021, Yep Roc Records released a live to two track recording of The Rubinoos done in 1976 at CBS Folsom Street Studios in San Francisco, entitled The CBS Tapes. The album includes 3 never released original songs and eight rare covers. This was followed by a re-issue of the groups eponymous first LP, The Rubinoos which was a Record Store Day selection. In September 2021 the group scored a placement of their hit version of "I Think We're Alone Now" on the Season Three premier of the Netflix hit comedy Sex Education.

In 2022, the band had their cult classic "Rock and Roll is Dead" used as end title music for the first episode of the HBO hit Irma Vep. In July, The Rubinoos resumed live performing, starting with a bang up show at the Oakland California Punk/Pop festival Mosswood Meltdown. The surge of Covid at the end of 2022 slowed live performing for a bit longer.

In 2023, Yep Roc Records re-issued the groups second LP Back to the Drawing Board which was also a featured pick at Record Store Day. In October The Rubinoos set out for Europe to headline the Caravaca Power Pop Festival and tour of Spain.

in 2024 the Rubinoos are scheduled to return to Europe for a multi country tour and a summer tour of the east coast of the United States.

Members

Current lineup
  • Jon Rubin – vocals, guitar (1970–present)
  • Tommy Dunbar – guitar, vocals (1970–present)
  • Donn "Donno" Spindt – drums, vocals (1971–present)
  • Al Chan – bass, vocals (1980–present)
Former touring musicians
  • Susie Davis – keyboards, vocals (2002–2009)
  • David Rokeach – drums (2007–2009)
  • Nick D'Virgilio – drums, vocals (2002–2006)
Former members
  • Greg 'Curly' Keranen – bass, vocals (1970–1971, 1973–1975)
  • Alex Carlin – organ (1970–1971)
  • Ralph Granich – drums (1970–1971)
  • Danny Woods – saxophone (1970–1971)
  • Tom Carpender – bass, vocals (1971–1973)
  • Royse Ader – bass, vocals (1975–1980)
  • Michael Boyd – keyboards, vocals (1981–1982)

Discography

Studio albums

  • The Rubinoos (1977)
  • Back to the Drawing Board (1979)
  • Party of Two EP (1983)
  • Basement Tapes (recorded 1980) (1993)
  • Paleophonic (1998)
  • Crimes Against Music (2003)
  • Twist Pop Sin (2006)
  • Biff-Boff-Boing (children's CD) (2010)
  • Automatic Toaster (2010)
  • 45 (2015)
  • From Home (2019)
  • CBS Tapes (recorded November 3, 1976) (2021)

Compilations

  • Bezerk Times (1978)
  • Spitballs (Beserkley, 1978; multi-artist compilation)[7]
  • Garage Sale (1994)
  • The Basement Tapes Plus (1999)
  • Anthology (2002)
  • Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Rubinoos (2007) (3-CD box set)
  • One Two That's It (2008)
  • HodgePodge (2009)
  • The Best of The Rubinoos (2014?)

Live albums

  • Live in Japan (2004)
  • A Night Of All Covers – Live At Koenji High, Tokyo (2018)

References

  1. ^ a b John M. Borack (2007). Shake some action: the ultimate power pop guide. Not Lame Recordings. pp. 17, 64. ISBN 978-0-9797714-0-8.
  2. ^ "Jojoblog backstage : Interview #15 : Greg "Curly" Keranen". Jojofiles2.blogspot.com. 2007-04-12. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  3. ^ a b Montgomery, James (July 9, 2007). "Avril Lavigne Responds to Lawsuit, Says She's Been 'Falsely Accused'". MTV. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  4. ^ "Avril Lavigne responds to plagiarism claims". NME. July 9, 2007. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  5. ^ "Settlement reached in Avril Lavigne lawsuit". NME. January 10, 2008. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  6. ^ "Songwriters 'Completely Exonerate' Avril Lavigne". People. January 15, 2008. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  7. ^ Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: S". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved March 13, 2019 – via robertchristgau.com.
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