The Earwigs: Unearthing a Musical Treasure from Orange County
Michael Ubaldini, a musician from Orange County, was surprised to discover that old records from his band, the Earwigs, were selling for hundreds of dollars each. Initially unaware of the collector's value of the band's original 45s, Ubaldini sold some to young fans for $20 each, thinking he had scored a good deal. However, he later found out that these records were being sold for over $300 online.
Following this revelation, Ubaldini decided to sell more of the records himself and successfully sold one for $350. The rare bootleg copies of the 45 record containing the popular single "She's So Naive" fetched up to $500 on Discogs, further fueling the interest in the band's music.
The newfound interest in the Earwigs prompted Ubaldini and the original band members to organize a long-delayed album release party for "The Earwigs—Orange County 1981: The Lost Debut Album." The limited edition vinyl pressing of the album sold out in just five days via pre-order, with each pressing of 100 copies available in different colors.
The Earwigs, formed in 1978, were part of the early Orange County music scene but stood out with their mod-influenced sound that blended elements of power pop and rockabilly. Despite not fitting the punk mold of other bands at the time, the Earwigs gained a cult following through radio airplay and underground cassette recordings of their songs.
The band's album, recorded in 1981, never saw an official release due to the folding of the record label. The original lineup disbanded in 1982, but the recent revival has reignited interest in their music, leading Ubaldini to remaster the unreleased tracks and independently press the album for fans.
Ubaldini attributes the enduring appeal of the Earwigs' music to its timeless rock 'n' roll sound that has avoided dating with synthesizers. The band's unexpected resurgence and the mystery surrounding their unfulfilled potential have kept fans curious and engaged with their music, creating a unique underground legacy that continues to captivate listeners.