I Spy

ByLets Go Punk
Explore the history and discography of I Spy

I Spy was a Canadian hardcore punk band formed in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1991. The band relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1994 and disbanded in 1996. Known for their unique blend of childish humor and politically charged lyrics, the group gained a following in the Canadian punk scene with several releases on Recess Records and international touring. Todd Kowalski, the band’s frontman, later joined the well-known punk band Propagandhi.

History

Career

Originally called Clump (alternately Klump), the band consisted of lead singer and guitarist Todd Kowalski (also known as “Todd the Rod”), lead guitarist Jeromy Van Dusen (“Rary”), bass guitarist Juan David Guerrero (“Guido” or “Olive”), and drummer James Ash (“Jimmy Juice Pig”). Their music was characterized by a mix of playful humor and serious, radical left-wing political themes, which helped them build a strong following in the Canadian punk scene.

In 1994, I Spy released a split 10″ record titled I’d Rather Be Flag-Burning with fellow Winnipeg band Propagandhi. The two bands toured together across western Canada that year. Later in 1994, I Spy embarked on an independent tour throughout the Midwestern United States. The following year, they toured the western United States, western Canada, and Europe. After the band’s European tour in 1995, Van Dusen left the group, reducing them to a three-piece in their later days. Bass guitarist Sean Talarico replaced Guerrero, who returned to Regina.

Post-breakup

In 1998, G7 Welcoming Committee Records released the band’s complete discography on a single CD titled Perversity Is Spreading… It’s About Time! The compilation included all of their released material along with bonus tracks, featuring cover versions of songs by Diana Ross and Youth of Today. After I Spy disbanded, Todd Kowalski joined Propagandhi in 1997, following the departure of bass guitarist John K. Samson, who went on to form The Weakerthans. Propagandhi’s 2001 album Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes includes a version of an unreleased I Spy song titled “Fuck the Border.” Kowalski also played in the grindcore band Swallowing Shit.

In 2002, the original four members of I Spy reunited in Propagandhi singer Chris Hannah’s basement studio to re-record their version of Diana Ross’s “When We Grow Up” for the Somebody Needs a Timeout compilation album, released by Campfire Records.

Band Members

  • Todd Kowalski – vocals, guitar (1991–1996)
  • James Ash – drums, vocals (1991–1996)
  • Juan David Guerrero – bass guitar (1991–1995)
  • Jeromy Van Dusen – guitar (1991–1995)
  • Sean Talarico – bass guitar (1995–1996)

Discography

  • Four-song demo cassette (1993: self-released)
  • I’d Rather Be Flag-Burning (1994: split 10″/CD with Propagandhi, Recess Records)
  • Revenge of the Little Shits (1995: 10″/CD, Recess Records)
  • Split 7″ with …But Alive (1995: 7″)
  • Perversity Is Spreading… It’s About Time! (1998: complete discography, CD/LP, G7 Welcoming Committee Records)

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