Artist profile · 05/07/2026
The Cramps
- 18
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 1.1M
- Last.fm listeners
- 22M
- Last.fm plays
About
The Cramps, New York psychobilly pioneers merging rockabilly and punk energy.
The Cramps emerged from New York's mid-70s punk scene, led by the duo Lux Interior and Poison Ivy. They self-defined as a rock and roll band with a distinct psychobilly sound, combining elements of 50s rockabilly, 60s punk, psychedelic rock, and horror motifs. Their early lineup changes and DIY ethos added to their underground credibility. Over time, their catalog included 22 vinyl releases, many recorded with labels like I.R.S. Records and Epitaph, and highlighted by collaborations in Memphis studios and influential live performances.
They gained recognition through landmark albums such as 1980's 'Songs The Lord Taught Us,' produced with Alex Chilton, and expanded stylistically across the 80s and 90s with records like 'Psychedelic Jungle' (1981), 'Big Beat From Badsville' (1997)…
Discography
The Cramps discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Fiends of Dope Island
The Cramps
- Vinyl 3
- CD 1
- Cassette
Live
The Cramps
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live at Club 57, Irving Plaza. New York, 18th August 1979, FM Broadcast
The Cramps
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Hog Wild (live San Francisco ’80)
The Cramps
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live At The BBC, The Peel Sessions, 1979-1980
The Cramps
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette
From$22.40
at eBay
Do The Clam 1986 (Radio Broadcast Recording)
The Cramps
- Vinyl 1
- CD
- Cassette
Hot Pearl Radio Broadcast
The Cramps
- Vinyl 1
- CD
- Cassette
From$24.99
at eBay
Hanky Panky (Radio Broadcast Recording)
The Cramps
- Vinyl 1
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
Goo Goo MuckPsychedelic Jungle · 1981 - 02
Human Fly - 03I Can't Hardly Stand It
- 04Garbageman
- 05The Way I Walk
- 06Green FuzPsychedelic Jungle · 1981
- 07Fever
- 08Strychnine
Essentials
3 The Cramps albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1980Their debut album, produced in Memphis with Alex Chilton, presents a raw psychobilly sound combining original songs and rockabilly covers.
11 tracksI.R.S. Records label1980 release
#2 · 1986Recorded as a trio, this album showcases the band's evolving psychobilly style with tracks like 'How Far Can Too Far Go?'.
11 tracksBig Beat Records1986 release
#3 · 1997A late 90s album mixing garage rock and psychobilly, known for tracks such as 'Cramp Stomp' and 'God Monster'.
14 tracksEpitaph label1997 release
Go further
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Artists who share part of The Cramps's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of The Cramps
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Formation and first concert at CBGB
The Cramps were formed in New York in 1976 by Lux Interior and Poison Ivy, with their debut concert on November 1, 1976, at CBGB opening for The Dead Boys.
Recording of debut album with Alex Chilton
In 1980, The Cramps recorded 'Songs The Lord Taught Us' in Memphis, produced by Alex Chilton, blending psychobilly with rockabilly and punk influences.
'Psychedelic Jungle' and Kid Congo Powers joining
After moving to Los Angeles, The Cramps replaced Bryan Gregory with Kid Congo Powers and released 'Psychedelic Jungle' in 1981, broadening their sound.
"Our music is rock and roll, in sound and spirit."— Lux Interior
Live recording 'Smell of Female'
The 1983 live album 'Smell of Female,' recorded at New York's Peppermint Lounge, marked the departure of Kid Congo Powers and features raw psychobilly performances.
Disbandment after Lux Interior's death
The Cramps disbanded in 2009 following the death of lead singer Lux Interior, marking the end of their influential psychobilly legacy.
The Cramps vinyl discography
See allPre-order New New Rockinnreelininauklandnewzealandxxx
The Cramps
Punk / HardcoreAlternatif
2026-07-31ACE RECORDSFrom$28.35
2 offersSMELL OF FEMALE
The Cramps
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / PsychobillyRock
2026-06-05ACE RECORDSFrom$24.95
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The Cramps
Rock indépendantAlternatif
2026-05-08UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$28.00
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The Cramps
Pop rétro internationalePop
2026-05-08UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$27.99
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The Cramps
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / PsychobillyRock
2025-07-04ACE RECORDSFrom$26.99
1 offerA DATE WITH ELVIS
The Cramps
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / PsychobillyRock
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1 offerSMELL OF FEMALE-LIVE !
The Cramps
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / PsychobillyRock
2025-07-04ACE RECORDSFrom$18.00
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The Cramps
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / PsychobillyRock
2025-07-04ACE RECORDSFrom$26.93
2 offersRockinnReelininAucklandNewZealandXXX
The Cramps
Rock indépendantAlternatif
2025-06-27VengeanceFrom$48.01
1 offerDo The Clam 1986 (Radio Broadcast Recording)
The Cramps
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / PsychobillyRock
2024-06-21THE BAUHAUS LABEL
The Cramps CDs
See allNew Off the bone
The Cramps
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / PsychobillyRock
2013-08-05CENTURY MEDIA RECORDSFrom$13.49
1 offer
Recommended accessories
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When and where was The Cramps formed?
The Cramps were formed in New York in 1976, emerging from the punk and rockabilly scenes.
What genre of music do The Cramps play?
The Cramps are known for psychobilly, a blend of rockabilly, punk rock, and garage rock.
What are the most essential vinyl albums by The Cramps?
Key albums include 'Songs The Lord Taught Us' (1980), 'A Date With Elvis' (1986), and 'Big Beat From Badsville' (1997).
Are there rare or valuable pressings of The Cramps' vinyl?
Rare pressings exist for albums like 'Big Beat From Badsville' on Epitaph and originals from the 1980s in the US and Europe.
Where can vinyl collectors find The Cramps live recordings on vinyl?
Live recordings such as 'Smell of Female' and 'New York Live 1979' are available on vinyl, capturing their stage energy.
Which labels released The Cramps' vinyl albums?
Main labels include I.R.S. Records, Big Beat Records, Epitaph, and Vengeance Records.
Is there a significant release from The Cramps originating from France?
Yes, some pressings of 'A Date With Elvis' were released in France on New Rose Records.
What should I listen for in The Cramps' vinyl records?
Listen for a mix of raw psychobilly energy, vintage rockabilly tones, punk rhythms, and theatrical vocals.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.