Formed in McKeesport, PA, a small town near Pittsburgh, the Swamp Rats released a handful of garage rock singles in 1966-1967 that got some local airplay and sales, but never broke out into national visibility.
At their most scorching, those singles were in some ways a little ahead of their time, linking the fury of mid-'60s garage rock with the heavier, fuzzier, more over the top and crazed pre-metal rock of late-'60s bands like the MC5 and the Stooges. (read more)
Swamp Rat : the mammal
Swamp Rat (Rattus lutreolus) Swamp Rats are native rodents that occur predominantly in heath and sedge habitats. Swamp Rats may be nocturnal or diurnal. They are known to construct burrows and extensive tunnels through the understorey. Swamp Rats have dark grey to brown coloured fur with a pale cream to brown underside.
Diet: grasses, sedges, fruits, seeds, arthropods, fungi Reproduction: spring and autumn Size: 178 - 354 mm (head to tail) Weight: 56 - 156 g
Swamp Rats : the painting
One of Australia's most important living conceptual artists, Robert MacPherson's work explores sophisticated philosophical propositions such as what constitutes a work of art. His works often incorporate familiar imagery and everyday materials such as road signs, paint brushes, shovels and blankets. Mayfair: (Swamp rats) Ninety-seven signs for C.P., J.P., B.W., G.W. & R.W. consists of 97 masonite panels painted in the manner of homemade roadside advertisements. It acknowledges the richness, humour and interest of ordinary life and is dedicated to a group of fishermen, or swamp rats identified in the title by their initials who live around the marshy zone near the mouth of the Brisbane River.
Swamp Rats : the rugby league team
The Bomaderry Swamp Rats are a Under 18 Rugby League Club from the south coast of New South Wales. They are one of numerous clubs/teams around Australia that have embraced the Swamp Rat.
Seaham Cricket Club (Newcastle) 'Go the Swampies' Canberra 'Swamp Rats' Basketball Club Gore Hill 'Swamp Rats' Frisbee Club - affliated to the NSW Flying Disc Association
