"If you're a DJ or vinyl collector of any kind, odds are you've got a copy of "Rumors" or at least seen it floating around in dollar bins. The record, with a distinctive air-brushed cover of a woman whispering into another's ear, reached No. 1 on the Hot Black Singles chart in 1986 and is said to have sold over one million copies domestically."
"Stylistically it sits in a sweet spot between boogie, R&B and new jack swing, with an infectious sing-along hook, punchy drum machine rhythms and syrupy harmonies. But the aftermath of its creation is far from sweet. The story of Timex Social Club is a classic story of the sour side of the record industry, complete with disregarded handshake deals, an acrimonious band breakup, and a dueling group designed to piggyback off Timex's 15 minutes of fame -"
Timex Social Club's "Rumors" began at a Bay Area high school and became a widely circulated single with a distinctive air-brushed cover. The record reached No. 1 on the Hot Black Singles chart in 1986 and reportedly sold over one million copies domestically. The song blends boogie, R&B and new jack swing with a sing-along hook, drum-machine rhythms and layered harmonies, and remains popular with DJs and collectors. The band's ascent was followed by disregarded handshake deals, an acrimonious breakup, and the formation of rival group Club Nouveau that copied Timex's aesthetic. The group's rise included touring with Run DMC and the Beastie Boys.
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