Teachers Pet

Spastic late ’70s pop punk before pop punk was even a genre, Teachers Pet is a disgustingly catchy bout of hyperactive beats, an overdose of synthesisers and rambling vocals. It’s almost as if these guys were new wave before new wave understood itself. Taking the ’50 bubblegum pop of the Ramones and infusing it with elements of what could best be described as pre-School House Rock hooks set to a double-time pace, there’s no end to the goofiness and infectious nature of this one-off effort. Bolstered by video — although don’t forget the ’70s styles/moustaches were in vogue at the time — and a few live takes, this sadly underrated band may finally receive some of their due.