Lesser-Known Bands with Enduring Mystique
Some bands light up the sky for a moment, then slip into the shadows, their songs tucked into the corners of old radio playlists and dusty vinyl collections. They’re the ones you hum without thinking, the ones that stop you mid-thought with, “Who was that?” Below is a journey through six lesser-known bands—Head East, Sniff ’n’ the Tears, Jo Jo Gunne, Badfinger, The Raspberries, and Spirit—whose music carries a lingering magic, a mystique that feels like a half-remembered dream.
Head East
Notable Songs: “Never Been Any Reason,” “Love Me Tonight”
The Story: From Champaign, Illinois, Head East embodied heartland rock with a gritty, soulful edge. Their 1975 hit “Never Been Any Reason” is a fist-pumping anthem, its synth-laced drive and soaring chorus begging for a singalong on a late-night drive. “Love Me Tonight” follows with the same raw energy, blending blue-collar swagger with a hint of romance. They toured tirelessly, sharing stages with Jethro Tull and Heart, but their earnest, unpolished sound never quite fit the glitzy ’70s rock scene. Their mystique lies in their underdog spirit—local heroes who played like they could’ve owned the world, if only the world had listened.
Where Are They Now?: Keyboardist Roger Boyd keeps Head East alive with a rotating lineup, gigging at festivals and small venues. “Never Been Any Reason” still pops up on classic rock stations, a bittersweet reminder of their brush with stardom.
Sniff ’n’ the Tears
Notable Songs: “Driver’s Seat,” “New Lines on Love”
The Story: London’s Sniff ’n’ the Tears, fronted by singer-songwriter Paul Roberts, crafted a sound that was sleek yet soulful, caught between new wave and rock. Their 1978 masterpiece “Driver’s Seat” pulses with a restless rhythm and breakup-fueled lyrics, evoking a cinematic road movie. “New Lines on Love” carries a similar introspective edge, its jangly guitars framing Roberts’ wistful vocals. Despite a brief chart run, lineup changes and label troubles buried their momentum. Their mystique comes from that one perfect hit—a song that feels both timeless and tied to a fleeting, unplaceable moment.
Where Are They Now?: Roberts revived the band in the 1990s, recording and touring sporadically. “Driver’s Seat” enjoys occasional radio play, film placements, and a viral resurgence online, keeping their cult status alive.
Jo Jo Gunne
Notable Songs: “Run Run Run,” “Shake That Fat”
The Story: Named after a Chuck Berry song about a mischievous monkey, Jo Jo Gunne was born when Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes broke from the psychedelic band Spirit. Their sound was pure, unfiltered rock ’n’ roll—boogie riffs and barroom bravado. “Run Run Run” from 1972 is a rollicking hit, its infectious energy demanding you crank the volume and hit the gas. “Shake That Fat” leans into their gritty side, a groove that feels like a Friday night bender. A string of albums followed, but internal shifts and no follow-up hits sent them into obscurity. Their mystique is their raw, no-frills attitude—a band that played with heart, even if the spotlight passed them by.
Where Are They Now?: Jo Jo Gunne disbanded in the mid-1970s but reunited briefly in the 1990s and 2000s, releasing Big Chain. Ferguson found solo success with “Thunder Island,” while Andes joined Heart. Their debut album still spins on niche rock stations, cherished by diehard fans.
Badfinger
Notable Songs: “No Matter What,” “Baby Blue”
The Story: Welsh power-pop band Badfinger was once dubbed the “next Beatles,” signed to the Fab Four’s Apple label. Their songs were polished yet heartfelt, with hooks that lodged in your brain. “No Matter What” is a crunchy, upbeat anthem radiating joy, while “Baby Blue” is a bittersweet ballad that found new life in a TV show finale. Early success gave way to tragedy—mismanagement, financial ruin, and the suicides of Pete Ham and Tom Evans cast a dark shadow. Their mystique lies in their unfulfilled promise, a band whose brilliance was eclipsed by a cursed fate.
Where Are They Now?: Joey Molland carried the torch as Joey Molland’s Badfinger, playing small venues and Beatles tribute shows until his death on March 1, 2025, at 77, from diabetes and pneumonia. “Baby Blue” and “No Matter What” endure on classic rock and oldies stations, their legacy both beautiful and heartbreaking.
The Raspberries
Notable Songs: “Go All the Way,” “I Wanna Be with You”
The Story: Cleveland’s The Raspberries were power-pop trailblazers, blending Beatles-esque melodies with a tougher edge. Their 1972 hit “Go All the Way” is a lusty, guitar-driven classic, banned by some stations for its suggestive lyrics but a radio staple nonetheless. “I Wanna Be with You” is equally catchy, its jangling chords and lovesick vibe pure pop bliss. Led by Eric Carmen, they had the looks and talent but were often dismissed as too poppy in a hard-rock era. Their mystique is their defiance—writing shamelessly romantic songs when the world craved grit.
Where Are They Now?: The Raspberries split in the 1970s, with Carmen scoring solo hits like “All by Myself.” A 2000s reunion brought live shows but no new music. Their songs remain radio and streaming favorites, influencing countless pop-rock bands.
Spirit
Notable Songs: “I Got a Line on You,” “Nature’s Way”
The Story: Los Angeles’ Spirit defied categorization, weaving rock, jazz, and psychedelia into a mesmerizing blend. “I Got a Line on You” is a tight, riff-heavy hit that crackles with urgency, while “Nature’s Way” is a haunting acoustic gem with an environmental soul. Led by guitarist Randy Wolfe (aka Randy California), they were a musician’s band, admired by peers but never fully embraced by the masses. Their mystique lies in their eclectic brilliance—creating music that felt both timeless and just beyond the mainstream’s grasp.
Where Are They Now?: Tragedy struck when Randy California drowned in 1997, saving his son from a riptide. Surviving members and new players have occasionally performed as Spirit. “I Got a Line on You” and “Nature’s Way” live on in retro playlists and covers by acts like The Black Keys.
Why They Endure
These bands—Head East, Sniff ’n’ the Tears, Jo Jo Gunne, Badfinger, The Raspberries, and Spirit—share a gift for songs that feel personal yet universal, capturing fleeting moments of joy, heartbreak, or rebellion with raw honesty. Their mystique stems from their authenticity and the quiet devotion of fans who keep their records spinning. Whether it’s the anthemic punch of “Never Been Any Reason,” the cinematic ache of “Driver’s Seat,” or the tragic beauty of “Baby Blue,” these forgotten gems still shine brightly for those who seek them out.