My Girlfriend Is A Rock

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the punk classic "My Girlfriend Is a Rock" by Nervebreakers from their anthology album Hijack the Radio!, delighting their Zoo Freaks audience. This track, a standout from the Dallas punk scene, became a surprise hit in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Boston after its release on the 1978 Politics EP. Its quirky, comedic take on loving an inanimate object resonated with fans, leading to covers by bands like the Angry Samoans and Wool. In 2003, the song inspired a teenage punk band, Spector 45, to record a version called "My Girlfriend’s in Iraq," tying the song’s theme to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, showcasing its lasting cultural impact.

Another tidbit about "My Girlfriend Is a Rock" comes from its origins within the Nervebreakers’ eclectic repertoire. Drummer Carl Giesecke is credited with penning this iconic track, which blends the band’s garage rock roots with a playful punk edge. The song’s raw energy caught the attention of college radio stations, helping it gain traction far beyond Texas. Fans on platforms like Reddit have praised its "wacky punk" vibe, comparing it to the silly, rebellious spirit of bands like the Bouncing Souls. The track’s inclusion on the Bloodstains Across Texas compilation further cemented its status as a cult classic among punk enthusiasts.

Nervebreakers formed in 1973 in Dallas, Texas, starting as a high school garage band playing 1960s covers. Their early influences included the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, and the Kinks, which shaped their melodic yet gritty sound. By the mid-1970s, inspired by the emerging punk wave led by the Ramones and Sex Pistols, they shifted to original material, blending punk’s raw energy with psychedelic and country elements. Their big break came in 1977 when they opened for the Ramones at Dallas’ Electric Ballroom, followed by a historic performance opening for the Sex Pistols in 1978 at the Longhorn Ballroom. A photo of guitarist Barry Kooda with a fish in his mouth from that show made it into Rolling Stone, boosting their notoriety. The band’s early gigs, including backing Texas psych legend Roky Erickson, helped them build a formidable presence in the Dallas punk scene.

The band’s core lineup—vocalist Thom "Tex" Edwards, guitarists Mike Haskins and Barry "Kooda" Huebner, bassist Bob "Wildman" Childress, and drummer Carl Giesecke—honed their craft through relentless performances. Their 1978 Politics EP, released on Wild Child Records, marked their DIY ethos, with "My Girlfriend Is a Rock" becoming their signature song. Despite recording their debut album We Want Everything in 1980, it wasn’t released until 1994 by Existential Vacuum, later picked up by Get Hip Records. The Nervebreakers reunited in 2009, recording new material and performing live, proving their enduring appeal. Their official website, www.nervebreakers.com, offers updates and merch, while their Facebook page keeps fans engaged with show announcements and nostalgia.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with fellow Nervebreakers fans, social media is the place to be. The band’s Instagram showcases vintage photos and recent gigs, while their X account shares quick updates and interacts with followers. Fans can also join the Nervebreakers Fan Group on Facebook to discuss the band’s legacy and share rare recordings. For deeper dives, the fan-run site Cheap Rewards Record Blog features detailed posts about the band’s discography, including "My Girlfriend Is a Rock," offering a treasure trove for punk historians. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, the Nervebreakers’ punk spirit continues to rock.