Human Switchboard

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Human Switchboard was a new wave band from Kent, Ohio. The band consisted of Robert “Bob” Pfeifer (vocals, guitar), Myrna Marcarian (Farfisa organ, vocals), Ron Metz (drums), Steve Calabaria (bass) and later Dave Schramm (bass). The Human Switchboard released their first record in 1977 a four song EP which was produced by David Thomas of Pere Ubu. Bob Pfeifer was the lead singer of the band and he wrote most of the band’s songs except for a handful of songs which he shared the writing credits with the organist and other vocalist in the band, Myrna Marcarian with whom he was romantically involved at that time.

The music that the Human Switchboard played was an edgy mix of punk rock and 1960s style garage rock that revolved around the musical and lyrical interplay of Pfeifer and Marcarian. The band’s lyrics mostly concerned themselves with unsentimental examinations of romantic relationships.

The band also owned and operated a used record store in Kent, OH, the Kent Record Exchange, during the late 1970s.

Human Switchboard broke up in 1984. Pfeifer released one solo album in 1987 called "After Words". After his career on stage ended, Pfeifer went on to become an A&R man at Epic Records and later the president of Hollywood Records. During his three years at Hollywood Records, Pfeifer was accused of sexual harassment by a female employee which lead to Pfeifer hiring private investigator Anthony Pellicano to tap a woman's phone. This and other episodes contributed to the conviction of Anthony Pellicano for racketeering in a much publicized trial in 2008. Pfeifer was also found guilty of perjury and conspiracy. He is currently awaiting sentencing.

Myrna Marcarian released one record after the break up of the band called “Human Touch” in 1989. She later formed the band Ruby on the Vine. Dave Schramm went on to play in Yo La Tengo and in then formed the band the Schramms with former Human Switchboard drummer Ron Metz. Metz also plays drums with Ruby on the Vine.

[edit] Discography

EPs and Singles:

(1977) Human Switchboard - a four song EP that contains the songs 'Fly-In", "Distemper", "Shake It Boys" and "San Francisco Nights"
(1977) I Gotta Know / No!
(1978) In My Room / Prime of My Life
(1982) Who's Landing In My Hangar / Saturday's Girl (Trouser Press, issue 75, July 1982 Flexi disc #7 )

Albums:

Songs on Compilations:

(1979) "You're Much Madder Than Me" appears on Waves An Anthology Of New Music Volume 1"
(1985) "When Your Train Starts Slowing Down" appears on Hard To Be Cool In An Uncool World"