Shaggs Own Thing

“Shaggs’ Own Thing” is an intriguing compilation album by the American band the Shaggs, encompassing unreleased recordings spanning from 1969 to 1975. In 1988, this album, along with the Shaggs’ first album, “Philosophy of the World,” was remastered and reissued as the compilation “The Shaggs” by Rounder Records.

The Shaggs originated as an American rock band formed in Fremont, New Hampshire, in 1965, under the firm insistence of their father, Austin Wiggin. Austin had an unwavering belief that his mother had prophesied their ascension to fame. In 1969, he funded the Shaggs’ recording of their debut album, “Philosophy of the World,” at Fleetwood Studios in Revere, Massachusetts. This album initially garnered no attention upon its release. However, during the 1970s, it gradually gained a cult following, mainly due to its peculiar lack of technical proficiency and its unconventional melodies and rhythms.

In 1975, Austin took the Shaggs back to Fleetwood Studios for another recording session. Despite their increased proficiency achieved through countless hours of practice, the studio engineer was disillusioned. He even expressed pity for the family, wondering why they were paying $60 an hour for studio time to create this music. Regrettably, these recordings remained unreleased. Tragically, shortly after this recording, Austin suffered a heart attack, leading to the dissolution of the Shaggs.

In 1980, Terry Adams and Tom Ardolino from the American band NRBQ persuaded the Shaggs sisters to reissue “Philosophy of the World” under their Rounder Records label. “Shaggs’ Own Thing,” featuring material recorded in the 1975 session, was meticulously curated by Adams and Ardolino, eventually released in 1982. The year 1988 witnessed the remastering and re-release of “Philosophy of the World” and “Shaggs’ Own Thing” by Rounder Records, consolidating them into the compilation “The Shaggs.”

“Shaggs’ Own Thing” comprises previously unreleased recordings dating back to the period between 1969 and 1975. The album features contributions from the Shaggs’ father, Austin Jr., their younger sister Rachel, and their brother Robert. Alongside these, it includes several covers of popular songs from the early 1970s, along with fresh original compositions. It also encompasses a re-recording of “My Pal Foot Foot” from “Philosophy of the World.”

“Shaggs’ Own Thing” attracted attention for its broader stylistic range and elevated musical proficiency when compared to “Philosophy of the World.” The title track, a duet between Austin and his eldest son, Robert, garnered particular interest. In a review, Pitchfork described it as “particularly disturbing” and inadvertently Oedipal, highlighting the theme of Austin catching another man, his son, “doin’ it” with “his girl.”