The Motels

[Swede]

&start_radio=1

&list=RDd

[chicoescuela]

1. Formerly known as Seafood Momma if I remember my early 80s correctly

but currently blanking on the lead singer’s name

[Swede]

2. Martha Davis.

Never heard their original name before.

[chicoescuela]

3. Thank you. Martha I remembered. The local fm radio station would tell you from time to time I former name of the grou.

I remember because it seemed goofy.
I thought they were from the northwest but actually from the city of my birth, beautiful Berkeley CA

[Celerity]

5. See post 4. Seafood Mama became Quarterflash, The Motels were originally The Warfield Foxes

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1034164779#post4

[Celerity]

4. Seafood Mama turned into Quarterflash (Portland, OR)

As for the Motels:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Motels

snip

The first incarnation of The Motels formed in Berkeley, California in 1971. Lisa Brenneis (bass) persuaded Dean Chamberlain (lead guitar), Chuck Wada (rhythm guitar) and Martha Davis (vocals, guitar) to form a band (then called The Warfield Foxes).

Hoping for better exposure and seeking a recording contract, the Warfield Foxes moved to Los Angeles in 1975. While in Los Angeles, Lisa Brenneis left and the band first changed its name to Angels of Mercy, then to The Motels.