|
Home || Sugarbush Records Label || Rare Vinyl LPs, EPs, & Singles || Records Bought || About || Contact
|
| The 271 (!) rarest 60's Garage 45s...
"G45 Legends used with kind permission of G45central 2006. Copyright 1994 Mark Taylor and Mike Markesich"
1 - Denise And Company - Boy, What'll You Do Then / Unknown (Wee, number unknown) S4/R5/L3 |
| 1965 disc with a tuff chick vocal snarl. The group backing vocalist Denise Kaufman is The Answer of "I'll Be In" immortality (this info gleaned from Cream Puff War magazine with thanks) This record has never been seen or heard by any active garage 45's collector, because the one only known copy has been kept under lock and key since it was comp'ed on "Girls In The Garage Vol. 1" in the mid-1980's. Kaufman confirmed that this pressing exists, but has been unable to find a copy herself. She may have to stand in line in the unlikely event that the one known copy is ever offered up for sale. According to Joey D., the record itself is credited only to "Denise". |
| 2 - Sonics Inc - Diddy Wah Diddy / Nobody To Love (Sonics Music Ltd. SP0003) S4/R5/L3 |
| one known copy, and it's pretty hammered! Surely the rarest record on the entire Back From The Grave series. However the search for copies of this 45 has been over a much shorter period than for the above. Hear "Diddy Wah Diddy" on BFTG8, "Nobody To Love" on "Teenage Shutdown TS-6605" |
| 3 - Sloths - Makin' Love / You Mean Everything To Me (Impression 104 p s) S5/R5/L4 |
| One known copy. Of course there are others known with no picture sleeve, but those are rare as hell anyway. One of the rawest 45's on the Back From The Grave series. Plus the picture sleeve kills, showing the band members slouching around like real live Sloths! The band had the rare distinction of seeing their song covered by another band (The Dirty Shames) on the same label. Hear "Makin' Love" on BFTG4 LP, very good b-side pop/jangler "You Mean Everything To Me" remains uncompiled |
| 4 - Outspoken Blues - Not Right Now / Misty You're A Better Man Than I (Orlyn 66821) S4/R5/L3 |
| one known copy in the hands of anyone other than an ex-bandmember (if you count that one which is not for sale at any price there are 2. Others are claimed without any authentification, we don't believe it). It's a nice vg+. European collectors in particular seem mesmerized by this exotic Orlyn piece. As you probably know, Orlyn records were pressed in tiny quantities, and have a very high standard overall. Hear "Not Right Now" on BFTG8, B-side "Misty, You're A Better Man Than I" (that's the way it's spelled!) remains uncompiled. |
| 5 - John English Iii & The Heathens - I Need You Near / Unknown Title (Sabra) S5/R5/L4 |
| last compiled on Boulders Vol. 7, and never seen or heard of since. Two copies are now known, which is strange considering it's a label which also yielded the relatively common Emperors "I Want My Woman". An impressive feat for quite a small label! This message in from Tim Warren : Mark C beat me by $2 (!!!) on this on a Dave Gibson (Boulders compiler) auction in mid-80s - and his winning bid??? I remember it at around $24!!!!!! But when I asked Mark in 1999, who was 5 minutes by foot from the house we rented in Inverness, if I could record it for Shutdown #14, he couldn't find it. |
| 6 - Greg Barr & The Barr Association - Dance Girl Dance / Another Boy (Cinema 006) S5/R5/L3 |
| Two known copies, one of them whereabouts unknown, making this one of the Three Kings of Texas Royalty (with The Four More and By Fives?). You want fuzz monster...You got fuzz monster. Also three, count 'em, three spinechilling screams. Plus it's one of those garage 45's that kills both as raw punk and accomplished pop. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6613. The flip is a tame moody ballad with a nice tune and strong vocals, marred by the unwelcome intrusion of hot valve men. |
| 7 - Four More - Problem Child / Don't Give Up Hope (Fairchild F 1001) S5/R5/L5 |
| A truly awesome Texas collector's piece. Only 3 copies are now confirmed to exist and one of those is cracked, another a nice vg+, with a fourth and fifth claimed but unconfirmed. This 45 is unlikely to ever be found in quantity. However Doug Hanners confirms that a nice copy was unearthed just this year at the Austin Record Fair. It's now in the possession of a non-garage collector, who likes it for its pretty label. Hear it on Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol. 11. Cool b-side "Don't Give Up Hope" remains uncompiled. |
| 8 - Vikings - Need Your Loving / Such A Love (Wam) S5/R5/L2 |
| We've only heard this on tape, but this is one of the greatest 5-star garage monsters that we've ever heard. It has everything, RAW!! great singing, riffs, melodies, harmonies, wild break, wild screams, extended arrangement...on and on...A MONSTER! The Wam label out of Ohio is like a baby Orlyn, very rare, collectable and great. Others on the label are the Counts, Fortels, Next Of Kin, Karetakers, Pied Pipers and there are others (Johnny and the Uncalled For?). Two known copies, Ohio collectors may know better. One is cracked in 2 places, and in the hands of an ex-bandmember. Uncompiled, we can only hope this situation is remedied in the near future. |
| 9 - Chosen Few From St. Michaels - Get In On Life / JTB (Takeover 8621184-1"51) S4/R5/L4 |
| 2 copies suspected one of them is in vg- condition. Never comp'ed, despite the frantic efforts of Italian bootleggers. The dense and chaotic reveberation can't mask the blood-curdling screams which elevate this disc to cult status. An interesting case of wol on one of the copies reveals that the group itself was not satisfied with the sound of the 45, and may have trashed the pressing. It says "Not Promotional" and "Do Not Play In Public". First "Not Promo" we've seen. Talk about hiding your light under a bushell. Cool also uncomp'ed b-side is called "JTB" |
| 10 - Young Men - Go Away Girl / A Thought For You (Maltese 108) S4/R5/L4 |
| for decades it was thought that only one copy of this 45 existed. However, due to our research for this list, we can confirm there are 2 copies in the collectors' loop, at least one is in nice vg shape. This has it all, killer track, legendary status, rarity, reportedly has changed hands for enormous sums in secret deals, excellent unknown b-side. Hear it on Sixties Archives 5 - Louisiana Punk Groups From the 60's. Very good b-side "A Thought For You" remains uncompiled |
| 11 - Graveyard Five - The Marble Orchard / Graveyard Five Theme (Stanco 102) S5/R5/L5 |
| 4 copies known, but let's play safe and say there may be 5 "out there". High on this list because of legendary status, rarity, value, greatness etc. A "marble orchard" is of course a graveyard full of tombstones. At least 2 of the copies are pretty rough condition. Both a-side and the super-cool instro b-side "Graveyard Five Theme" can be heard on Pebbles 16 |
| 12 - Mystic - I Get So Disgusted / Weekend People (Frantic, # unknown) S4/R5/L4 |
| a tape of this track has circulated among collectors since it was discovered in California, and then traded to the current owner. Presumably it's sitting in the same box in a lock-up with Denise And Company, John English III, Prophets on Ikon, one of the Graveyard V copies and who knows what else. It's a killer 2-sider, with the a-side being the best. Legend value is hard to pick, because it's unknown, yet among collectors who have heard it (on cassette), a huge legend. We're pleased to report that there's every chance you will be hearing this soon, as part of a planned Frantic/Vardan issue on Joey D's Frantic label. Another copy which is in near mint condition has now been confirmed to exist, making a total of 2. |
| 13 - Aztex - I Said Move / Little Streets In My Town (Staff BP 194) S4/R5/L5 |
| Still one of the rarest and most sought-after garage 45s. Only 2 (confirmed, not 5 or 6 as was thought!) copies were found a few years ago. Before that, it was virtually unknown except for the one near mint copy owned at the time by Tim Warren, and a vg held by a dealer in New England. One more vg copy has recently surfaced, making a total of 5 copies known. Like The Keggs, The Alarm Clocks and The Chob, this has been widely bootlegged and it's hard to distinguish the copies from the real thing. Unless you ever get a chance to play the real thing, that is. Bootleg copies have BP.194 A plus a squiggle in the deadwax, whereas the original has BP-194-A (note the dashes), and another .BP. initial. Remember, this is the deadwax, not the label. Hear "I Said Move" on BFTG4 LP, and the flip on BFTG5 LP |
| 14 - By Fives - I Saw You Walking / That's How Strong My Love Is (Tomi T 106) S4/R5/L4 |
| blue-chip Texas investment piece for the hardcore trophy hunter. A killer track with great gravelly vocals and strong harmonies, chilling scream and a tune that sticks in the brain. For a very long time it's been said there are 3 copies, but we now have reason to suspect it may be more like 5 or 6, with one mint copy reported. Two of the copies are rough vg-, yet another is a nice vg+. Hear it on Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol 11. The flip is a strong version of the Otis Redding classic. |
| 15 - Keggs - To Find Out / Girl (Orbit - no number) S5/R5/L5 |
| not particularly rare. We mean, there may be 8 to 10 copies in collections. However, it is known that only 75 copies were pressed, so our estimate may be on the high side, if anything. The band members and relatives have already been contacted, so forget about it! One collector had 2 copies, the same guy who had 2 Botumles Pits and 2 Green Fuz. Nice going, eh? However, in terms of pure legend, put it up at number ONE. No mint copy is known, the best being a strong vg+/++. Most are hammered and a cracked copy is also known. Bootleg copies of this 45 exist in vast quantities, they have "ORBIT-A" and "ORBIT-B" scratched in the deadwax area. The real thing just has a serial number. The bootlegs have none of the volume, power and ambiance of the original. Wha'dya expect? A repro is rarely if ever equivalent to an original pressing, since the art of loud vinyl 45 mastering seems to have been lost completely. Not to mention that it's a vinyl transfer. Hear "To Find Out" on BFTG5, and "Girl" on BFTG6 |
| 16 - Just Too Much - She Gives Me Time / Come Back (M Gee 002) S4/R5/L3 |
| pop-ish but high-energy garage nugget reminiscent of the Tasmanians "Baby". This is proving to be a very difficult disc to find, we've almost given up on it. We know of one confirmed copy in poor condition, surely that can't be the lot? Two others are claimed but so far not one iota of substantiating evidence has emerged. A label scan would be nice, guys...Another Grave 8 mega-rarity. |
| 17 - Randy Alvey & The Green Fuz - Green Fuz / There Is A Land (Big Tex 445) S4/R5/L5 |
| traditionally quoted as the pinnacle of Texas garage 45 collecting, but we know of one collector who recently managed to acquire 2 copies. How rare can it be? Very, very rare. Since we know of a certain 4 copies, our best estimate comes in around 6 or 7, worldwide. Hear it on Pebbles 2. Interesting flip "There Is A Land" remains uncompiled. |
| 18 - Worlocks - I Love You / Stay By Her Side (Big Rock 512) S5/R5/L3 |
| a no-holds-barred monster which is one of the best tracks on the entire Back From The Grave series. With a live feel, the sound is ambient and spacious, revealing a band in its prime delivering an awesome performance. Some have suggested 3 copies, if so the condition of those 3 copies is : g+, vg+ and m-. It's the kind of piece that could easily show up in small quantity to prove our estimate wrong. Hear it on BFTG7 LP. Uncompiled b-side "Stay By Her Side" is good too. |
| 19 - Next Step - I Said No / Rivers Of Hate (MCC 101067) S3/R5/L2 |
| from "I Said No" :"Everywhere I go they say get out of our town, everywhere I go they're going to put me down, but can't they see I don't want their sympathy, oh yeah, can't they see I will never go on my knees, oh no". And from the flip "the blood red sun cremates my brain"...It's the doom-laden lyrics which distinguish both sides of this unheard teen jangler (with touches of psych). One of the hardest CA 45's to find, we only know of two copies, there's a chance this will be confirmed or denied in the near future. Uncompiled. |
| 20 - Beer - Some Kind Of Rich Girl / Anymore (Sgt. Golden 13169) S4/R5/L3 |
| 2 copies known, one of them sold in Boulders compiler Dave Gibson's late 80's record auction. True 2-chord wonder with genius lyric as follows : "I ride in your car in the alley behind your house, I ride in your car with the chauffeur - let's go!. I met your mother, I met your dad, your mother she was crying and your father was loading his gun-alright! I went to your house and talked to your mother when she's crying, I went to your house and your father got down his gun - they don't like me rich girl! Well the next time we're gonna meet we're gonna be at the church, then I know that you love me and I know you'll love me too-alright! I walked down the aisle and the preacher he looked at me, will you take this girl for a wife, and I said I do, you do, lets go! Now we're married girl and your mother she visits us, brings me a casserole and your father bought me a car..we got it made on the other side of the tracks!". (thanks malthursday) Hear it on Boulders LP4. |
| 21 - Bacardis - Don't Sell Yourself / This Time (Midgard 203) S4/R5/L4 |
| right up in the top drawer resides this unique monster from somewhere between Southern Wisconsin and Northeren Illinois, which really does have it all. 4 copies known, (one is vg++, another g+ with nice sound and the most recently reported copy is nice overall but cracked), superior songwriting, great vocals and harmonies, fantastic lead break, wyld scream, b-side cool folk garage. Plus both sides are growers. Hear "This Time" on Quagmire Vol.2. The killer "Don't Sell Yourself" remains uncompiled. |
| 22 - Madd Inc. - I'll Be The One / Sooperspy (Ikon 508) S4/R5/L2 |
| 3 copies suspected, (two vg-ish, one vg+) plus one which is apparently hidden inside a grand piano, but nobody knows where the piano is. One of the rarest California garage 45's, and a great track, it's a solid garage mover with a clean guitar and a super spinechilling break. Both sides Uncompiled. |
| 23 - Bees - Voices Green And Purple / Trip To New Orleans (Liverpool 62225) S4/R5/L5 |
| Not just an awesome 60's acid punk workout, this track has great playing and a sense of humor. And it's a genuine 2-sider, with a bezerk, shuffling blues mover on the b-side. Uninformed rumors(unlike the G45 which only deals with informed rumors) once suggested there were only 2 copies of this 45 with the sleeve. However, we know of 5 copies, and there's undoubtedly others out there. That still counts as pretty rare! Hear "Voices Green And Purple" on Pebbles 3, and the flip on Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol. 2 |
| 24 - Botumles Pit/suedes - 13 Stories High / My Girl (Psychadelic 113) S4/R5/L5 |
| 3 copies confirmed, another 2 or 3 suspected to exist. However, only one copy is known to still have the unpeeled "Botumles Pit" sticker, all others have been peeled to reveal "The Suedes" as the band name. Described by one collector as "extinct", however he managed to secure 2 copies in the late 90's, the one with the sticker and one without. He would have held onto both "different" copies but for an offer he couldn't refuse. Information has just been received that one pioneering European collector found 3 mint copies for 10c each, in a junkstore in a small Texas village, on a garage safari in the mid-70's. Guess those copies are still around, but from what we've seen, they ain't mint anymore. Hear it on BFTG4. The uncompiled flip is a soft and sweet reading of the Temptations classic. |
| 25 - Knightsmen - Daddy Was A Rolling Stone / Fever (Ikon IER 514) S4/R5/L2 |
| Primitive or moody, moody or primitive...dunno, it's both. But 'coz it's RAW it's gotta be classified PRIMITIVE and because it's deadly RARE it's gotta be classified G100 material. This 45 was not known to exist until Joey D and Alec Palao began research on the Ikon Story CD/LP. In a box of mastertapes they found the master, and an invoice for a 100 press of the insane Knightsmen chiller. But, no copies were known. Then eBay yielded one of its greatest mysteries - a single copy scooped up for 4 bucks from the "folk" section by the sharpest hawkeye known to the net, the infamous nwbuckeye of Washington state. Word got out, and the record now resides in Sydney, Australia. So far it's the only confirmed copy, vg and plays nice, but man those high frequencies pierce into the brain! We assume the pressing to be faulty via incorrectly set RIAA curve. |
| 26 - Hush Puppies - Hey, Stop Messing Around / Look For Another Love (Playboy XL 910) S5/R5/L3 |
| only 2 copies of this 45 are confirmed. Relying on a trusted source for this, but in time we may find out more. We can tell you that one of the copies is cracked, but still plays like a mint record. And this tale of woe from Tim Warren : "HUSH PUPPIES - you've got 1 & I've got 1 AND (i could KILL the guy if he wasn't already dead for this) i won the listed as MINT copy Dave auctioned off in 1987 and HELD UP releasing Grave 7 for 2 months waiting for him to send it, after i'd sent him a money order AND a pre-addressed 45 box with TONS of padding plus a filled-out express-mail form and the extra $14 to return it via EXPRESS. So I wait and wait and it shows up via UPS 2 months later in a used LP mailer with no padding, snapped in HALF - and it was in LESSER SHAPE than my vg copy, so I wasted $ AND 2 months for the jerk to send it!!! I threw the cracked one out and didn't even bother trying to get insurance settled for it w/ups..." Under-rated monster from BFTG7. Und...The flipside scorches also! |
| 27 - Moxies - I'm Gonna Stay / Drinkin' Wine (Century 26070) S4/R5/L3 |
| 3 copies were found, and a fourth appeared on eBay Feb 2005. A theory as to why this item is so rare : the rear side of the picture sleeve (which is a duplicate of the front) is quite blurry and out of focus. This printing error may have led to the cancellation of the sleeve. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6613. Flip is a pleasant folk/pop jangler. |
| 28 - Half Pint & The Fifths - Orphan Boy / Loving On Borrowed Time (Orlyn 666242) S5/R5/L5 |
| even though we know of only 4 copies of this 45, we would feel uncomfortable estimating less than 8 copies. At least 2 of those are completely whipped! A former collecting identity confirms that he once owned 2 copies, and didn't even live in Illinois at the time. Chicago is a big city and there must be a few tucked away there. Musical greatness however elevates this into the stratosphere. Dig the whiplash which cracks just before the music starts - it's tuff being an orphan boy...Hear it on BFTG7. The primitive pop/punk nugget "Loving On Borrowed Time" is the flipside winner. Hear it on Tougher Than Stains (LP) |
| 29 - Sands - Open Your Eyes / Can't Find A Way (Capri 522) S3/R5/L3 |
| the closest thing to the Seeds you could ever hear, legally. This track is so close to "Pushin Too Hard" by the Seeds, that it's become legendary for its unoriginality. The flip is a nice gentle folk number with pretty 12-string guitar and ethereal one-finger organ fills. It's also as rare as can be, with consistent reports that only one copy has ever been sighted. However, Andrew Brown knows better, citing 2 copies. One of them was used to make the Eva 60's Archives Vol 5 cd compiliation. |
| 30 - Vectors - What In The World / It's Been A Day Or Two (St. Lawrence 1003 p s) S4/R5/L4 |
| this is the fine version which appears on BFTG4 LP. It's the second of two versions released by the band and supposedly "toned down" because of the perceived excess of wyld screaming to be found on the original Analysis version. However, there's much to be said for this version, like the upgraded harmonica playing and a more forward mix for the guitar. Not to mention the ungodly rare picture sleeve, and the cheezy band photos which adorn the label. How many sleeves exist? 3 exactly. And perhaps a dozen copies sans sleeve. The flip combines Buddy Holly style vocals with folk and Mersey influences in a neat original tune. |
| 31 - Better Half Dozen - I'm Gonna Leave You / I Could Have Loved Her (U Doe 105) S5/R5/L4 |
| A supreme 2-sided masterpiece which has everything. The a-side is a monster punker with frantic organ, basic pounding drums and a ridiculously effective stuttering guitar solo. The b-side combines a memorable haunting chorus with upbeat popsensibilities, and more frantic organ and killer guitar. An estimated quantity would be a bit dangerous here. It's incredibly rare, but also incredibly great and it's likely there may be a few copies tucked away that no-one knows about. We know of 6 copies, only one is near mint. Hear both killer tracks on Sixties Archives 5 - Louisiana Punk Groups from the 60's |
| 32 - Expressions - Return To Innocence / One More Night (Tennalaga) S5/R5/L1 |
| crude fuzz mayhem, a pounding verse offset by a haunting chorus, complete with tortured yelp and primitive fuzz solo. One of 3 ultra-obscure killers on the Tennalaga label out of Chattanooga, Tennessee (the others being The Kids and The Peabody Hermitage). Uncompiled. |
| 33 - Mogen David & The Grapes Of Wrath - Little Girl Gone / Don't Want Ya No More (Cha Cha C 757) S5/R5/L4 |
| there's 2 monster records on Cha-Cha, and don't ya know it, they're the 2 rarest ones! This is one of them, and it's a 2 sider, raw, jerkin' twistin' garage grind that defies classification. Estimated quantity on planet Earth, 5 or 6 copies (we think that may be over-generous). "Don't Want Ya No More" appears on the recent Quagmire Vol. 1 but "Little Girl Gone" remains uncompiled. |
| 34 - Thunderbirds - Hey Little Girl / These Days Are Gone (Libra 1047) S4/R5/L3 |
| This track is a real mover...with a stinging guitar whiplash. Allegedly three known copies which were hidden for some time, however the whereabouts of two of them are now known. At least one of the copies plays nicely, so will undoubtedly be used to yield a superior vinyl dub in the near future. Last compilation appearance was in atrocious sound on a Moxie Punk Sampler E.P. and a later Quagmire Vol 1 release draws from this same source. The flip is a moody ballad, featuring a piercing organ melody. |
| 35 - Monteras - You're A Tease / Cry Myself To Sleep (Orlyn 7721) S3/R5/L3 |
| the rarest Orlyn, perhaps. There's only 2 known copies, quite confident of that. The Outspoken Blues Orlyn 45 is not as rare, because several ex-band members are thought to have copies of that 45 (but only one is confirmed). One of the Monteras is a nice vg+. It's a great garage 45, but not the kind of monster that would elevate it to the top of the list. But try to find a copy...Hear it on Quagmire Vol 1. The flip is a moody weeper, well above average for its breed. |
| 36 - Cirkit - Yesterday We Laughed / I Was Wrong (Unicorn 34941p s) S5/R5/L2 |
| thought until recently to be one of the rarest 45's of all, this has now been refuted. We believe there may be a population of at least 4 copies with sleeves, worldwide. The record also exists as an acetate, with different, an earlier and more garage-y versions of "Yesterday We Laughed", and a different song on the flip (a pretty ordinary ballad). We'd also love to hear the other 34,940 45's released on the apparently prolific Unicorn label. Hear it on Quagmire Vol 2 |
| 37 - Shepherd's Heard - I Know / But That's Life (Starlite 6052) S4/R5/L2 |
| "I don't mean to cause you any disgrace, no bad feelin's, but honey, you've got an ugly face"...destined for the top of the charts in 1966...not. Like the Tasmanians, this was thought to exist in a quantity of less than 5 copies, but then more appeared. We suggest there may be 6 or 7 copies "out there". 3 copies are supposedly mint, one is vg-ish. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6610. Primitive, moody flip is less aggressive but similarly original. |
| 38 - Tremors - Wondering Why / What Have I Done (Catalina 19469) S5/R5/L3 |
| placed here both for its rarity (6 copies are now known, at least 2 near mint copies discovered recently) and almost unsurpassed energy quotient. What's also great about this track is the riffs and chord sequence are totally original, reminiscent of no other. One of the most sought-after garage 45's, near the top of any serious collector's wantlist (except for those lucky souls who snared a copy before the legend broke). Hear it on "Garage Punk Unknowns" CD1 |
| 39 - Dr. Spec's Optical Illusion - Tryin' To Mess My Mind / She's The One (Flambeau 103) S5/R5/L5 |
| these guys must have had a hell of a time trying to pick the a-side for this 2-sided monster, genre-defining cauldron of crunch. We estimate up to 10 copies may exist, but it's power and quality ensure that it's next to impossible to extract from any collection, without inflicting grievous bodily harm. Hear both sides on Sixties Archives 5 - Louisiana Punk Groups From The 60's |
| 40 - Alarm Clocks - No Reason To Complain / Yeah (Awake 107) S5/R5/L5 |
| with the Keggs and Spades, unbeatable for pure legendary status. And deserved, because both sides of this 45 ooze raw power with naked garage ambiance to spare. Which is why you really gotta have the original copy, because the reissue (pressed with the approval of the Alarm Clocks) loses some of the power and ambiance. It's easy to spot an original, because the label has a large concentric raised section, whereas the label on the reissue is flat. The original deadwax has numbers (lots of 'em) plus AWAKE scratched into the wax, the bootleg just has numbers and a squiggle. Hear both sides on BFTG1 |
| 41 - Barracudas - Baby Get Lost / Honest I Do (Zundak 101) S4/R5/L4 |
| Louisiana garage merits the "punk" tag. Was virtually unheard of until a small handful of 3 or 4 copies was unearthed a few years back, at least 2 of them mint, another hammered. Each of these sold for a small fortune. This track is ludicrously sped up in the mastering, but hey, it sounds better that way! Hear it on BFTG6 LP. Flip is a decent if pedestrian version of the Jimmy Reed classic. |
| 42 - Esquires - Judgement Day / These Are The Tender Years (Glenvalley 105 ps) S5/R5/L4 |
| Seminal Texan band The Esquires produced a total of five 45 releases in 1965 and 1966. Some clarification is necessary since there was some overlap in picture sleeves, songs and label numbers. The killer "Come On Come On" came first on Texan 103, followed by the exact same release on the Glenvalley label, this time with a picture sleeve and the same record number 103. A relatively subdued followup "Time Don't Mean So Much" came next on Glenvalley 104, and issued with the same picture sleeve. Then the monster rarity #105 Judgement Day, again in the same sleeve but issued as the b-side of "These Are The Tender Years". A final re-release of Glenvalley 105 dropped the b-side masterpiece in favour of a watered-down version of "Come On Come On". Get it? Even if you don't get it, you can hear it with it's deadly deranged scream on Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol. 11. Copies in existence consensus sits at 5 maximum. |
| 43 - Piece Kor - All I Want Is My Baby Back / Words Of The Raven (Laray RI 2556) S5/R5/L3 |
| when the fuzztone kicks in on this bo-diddley beat monster, you suddenly know you're in the presence of greatness. Incredibly rare, we don't know how many are out there, but we can confirm 3 copies, one is quite badly scratched. The b-side is a winner too, but to our ears has a slight touch of early JA. Hear it on BFTG8 |
| 44 - Amberjacks - Hey Eriq! / Blue Jaunte (Migliore CR727661) S5/R5/L4 |
| there's a reason why the rarest records are on BFTG volumes 7 and 8. It's because no-one, or hardly anyone, had ever seen any copies of most of these ultra-rare 45's before they were discovered and compiled. The earlier volumes tend to contain the more common discs. This Grave 8 monster is one of the rarest, missing from the vault of many an otherwise swank collector. The flip Blue Jaunte is a moody jangler with an edge, cool melody and rhythm changes. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6606. The label has a certain handmade quality, possibly glued to the record after pressing. Maybe 6 or 7 out there. |
| 45 - Village Outcast - The Girl I Used To Love / Under The Thumb (Echo 711 2) S4/R5/L3 |
| You have to admire a song which rhymes "love" with "giving me the shove". As well as those pounding drums whipped along by a frenzy of stinging guitar. Really, really rare, and never mentioned by anyone. Because no-one has it. Typical for a BFTG 8 nugget. We don't know how many exist, so for now please accept our free gift to you of our best guess - 3 or 4 copies? The one we've seen is a nice vg+, and it's the same one used to make BFTG-8. The flip is a janglin' folk/punk version of the Stones classic. A great version! Far better than the original. |
| 46 - Grodes - Cry A Little Longer / She's Got What It Takes (Tri M 1002) S4/R5/L4 |
| One of the most memorable tunes in the entire garage pantheon, hear this band from Tucson, Arizona literally pounding out a monster pop masterpiece with power and finesse. Unlike their other 45's, this one released in 1966 is hideously rare. We have heard from a most trusted source that only 4 copies are known. This after 2 copies have appeared on eBay in the last few years.It seems likely that more will surface. Hear it on the Pebbles Box. Flip is a cool original Manny Freiser R&B raver. |
| 47 - Blue Condition - coming home / Lost Love (Tersa 102/101) S5/R5/L2 |
| MONSTER Illinois record. Kinks-type riff, detached-style vocal, pounding drums and the lead stinging guitar is buried in the mix, noticeable on the break. A single-chord-frenzy buildup at the end. One known copy has recently changed hands. Not to be confused with a later and vastly inferior release by the Blue Condition on Ampex. That seems to have been a different group altogether. Recently compiled on Teen Blast USA Vol. 2 |
| 48 - Lloyd, Adrian - Lorna / Got A Little Woman (Charger CRG-112) S5/R5/L4 |
| Adrian Lloyd was the drummer of surf-instrumental band "The Rumblers" who had an album on the Boss label. He Then quit to form Adrian and The Sunsets, and cut a great 45 with that band. All pale into insignificance in the shadow of this howler...one of the greatest intense screaming tracks ever cut to wax. The driving, rhythmic band obviously has surfin' roots, we wonder if Adrian himself may have played the drums here (which kick ASS!)? Great stinging, moody flip too. 300 copies were pressed, but we've only been able to locate 3. May be copies held by instrumental collectors also. Hear "Lorna" on BFTG8, and the flip on Sixties Rebellion Vol. 3 |
| 49 - Al's Untouchables - Come On Baby / Stick Around (Hunt 1410) S5/R5/L5 |
| put this one on loud and feel the earth shake. Raw energy that may never be equalled, but you could try the new Sonics "Psycho-Sonic" CD from Big Beat or the Cobras "I Wanna Be Your Love" (on a different Big Beat) for contenders. We know of 8 copies, 3 of them near mint, and the others in various stages of decay. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6604. The flip is an original composition, blues/soul crossover with an intense break. |
| 50 - Modds - Leave My House / All The Time In The World (ANR American National Records 3041) S4/R5/L5 |
| at first listen you'd swear there's just an electric guitar and vocal, but no, there's an entire band there somewhere in the mix. Famous mostly because of the atrocious mix, the song is actually great, and would have been a killer track (in a different way) if all the instruments could be heard. We think this may exist in a quantity no greater than 5 copies, but that's mere speculation. One copy is vg++ . Legend status continues to grow, this track has massive appeal. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6613. Guess what the flip is like? A moody folk-styled ballad? No kidding? |
| 51 - Spades - You're Gonna Miss Me / We Sell Soul (Zero C-10002) S5/R4/L5 |
| if any 45 can out-legend the Keggs, then this is it. Everyone knows this is pre-13th Floor Elevators Roky Erickson, but did you know it's a bootleg (call it a re-issue) unless it has a silver label? 'spose you did. The silver label originals are scarce as hens teeth, and eagerly grabbed up by psych and rock collectors as well as denizens of the garage. For this reason, it's almost impossible to obtain one, even though our advice suggests there may be 15 or more copies wedged firmly into collections worldwide (knowing of 7 ourselves). Hear "You're Gonna Miss Me" on Mayhem & Psychosis 2, and "We Sell Soul" on Highs In The Mid Sixties 17 |
| 52 - Beethoven Four - I'm Leaving Today / Oh Pretty Baby (Don Lee 0003) S3/R5/L3 |
| we know it's pure-coincidence, but the chord progression and melody of this track bears a passing resemblance to the British freakbeat track "Father's Name Is Dad" by Fire, although stylistically the two tracks can't be compared. That's about all we can say really, about this disc which we've never seen and can't locate either of the two reported copies. Except that you can hear it on the Quagmire Vol. 2 compilation. |
| 53 - Hatfields - Yes I Do / When She Returns (Cha Cha C-754) S4/R5/L4 |
| this is the other monster Cha Cha 45, just as rare as Mogen David. However, great as it is, it's doesn't quite compare with the former 2-sided masterpiece. Hence the slightly lesser ranking. One mint copy has been reported, but others are hideously scratched, cracked, stained and deformed, making the probable count of "decent" copies somewhere around 5. Hear it on BFTG2 LP. The flip is yet another moody folk-styled ballad. De rigeur. |
| 54 - Fugitives - No Tease / Lonely Girl (no label name 6606213) S4/R5/L2 |
| as far as we know, no copies at all of this 45 "existed" until a small handful were found a few years ago. Not quite sure how many it was, but we're pretty sure it was less than 5 copies. The label says "The Fugitives - A Teen Age Group". Sure enough, it's Teen Age music. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6612. The ballad flip veers dangerously close to MOR. |
| 55 - Dovers - She's Gone / What Am I Gonna Do (Miramar 118) S5/R5/L5 |
| 4 Dovers records appeared in quick succession on the Miramar label. If you try hard enough, or spend money enough, you WILL be able to get the other 3 for your collection. But for some reason, this baby is "extinct", to borrow a phrase. Exactly how this happens when the record received airplay and was reportedly a minor hit in the Los Angeles area, late 1965, we have no idea. We'll take a stab and estimate 7 or 8 copies, 2 of them near mint but most other in poor condition, survive. This, because of some of the people who should, but don't, have it. Unless YOU have it of course. Hear it on the Dovers 10" mini LP (Misty Lane) |
| 56 - Riots - I Can Go On / You're My Baby (no label number 171456) S4/R5/L2 |
| kinda low on legend status, this is nevertheless one of the rarest of all garage 45's, and it's a great 2-sider to boot. Two confirmed vg+ copies, another one suspected in lesser condition. Compiled only recently on Garage Punk Unknowns 8 confirming the rarity of this platter. The b-side was compiled in Europe on Digging For Gold 7 (from the one confirmed vinyl copy) |
| 57 - Few - Escape / Why Oh Why (Maestro M93028) S5/R5/L3 |
| before the discovery of 8-10 (not 7 as previously thought) copies a few years ago, there were less than a "few" known copies of this monster BFTG gem. In fact there was only one, the copy used for BFTG vol. 5. However, it's now considerably more "common" with a total of perhaps 11 known copies. |
| 58 - Human Expression - Optical Sound / Calm Me Down (Accent 1226) S5/R4/L5 |
| We're including 2 different versions in this entry. The first is the regular black & red label release, an unequalled 2-sided acid psych masterpiece which is very rare, but not compared to the others in the G100. It gets up here because it's so incredibly great that it's never offered for sale. The white label promo is rarer but not as good musically (though still an unqualified monster), and estimated to exist in a quantity of less than 10 copies. Hear it on the Collectables CD reissue |
| 59 - Nomads - Time Remains / I Want You Back (J&S 1002) S4/R5/L2 |
| one of the rarest garage 45's, with only 3 copies known. One of them is mint, and it's possible the others may be also. Described by an admirer as "brilliant crude folk punk", this is apt, there's also a distinct touch of early Rolling Stones to the sound. The b-side "I Want You Back" is almost as good. Once again, rare enough to be listed much higher, but it's restrained by its own restraint. Hear "Time Remains" on Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol 22. The flip remains uncompiled. |
| 60 - Headstones - 24 Hours / FP (OS) S0/R4/L5 |
| one of 2 records released by the Headstones on Pharaoh. We bet you've got the other one, Bad Day Blues, right? Yeah, a one hundred dollar record in mint, and a great one. But you'd have to cough up over 25 copies of Bad Day Blues for one of these babies in mint condition. We don't know the reason for this, but it's insanely rare, with probably 10 or less copies out there. We only know of 7, but Texas is a mighty big place. Andrew Brown informs us that a box of 50-100 mint copies of Bad Day Blues was found many years ago, otherwise it would be as rare as "24 Hours". Hear it on Collectables CD "24 Hours Everyday". In no way disappointing is the swingin' pop flipside with a cool melody and injections of filthy fuzzed bass. |
| 61 - Fifth Row Bac - Please Don't Go / Destination Train (Graves GRS 1100) S4/R5/L4 |
| 3 confirmed copies, and one rumored. This 45 has been on every serious collector's wantlist for the past decade. During these years, no copies were known, since one of the known copies had been in the hands of a collector in Washington state who had died of an overdose and the entire incredible collection was kept in lock-up storage for years, then auctioned off for a couple of hundred bucks. Suddenly, garage 45's of impossible rarity began to appear on eBay. But in the wrong genre section. The other copy was discovered in the USA just last week (Oct 2003), that's all we can say. Uncompiled to this day, both copies are near mint. |
| 62 - Savoys - Can It Be / Now She's Left Me (Summit 403) S5/R5/L3 |
| what makes crude monsters such as this from the state of Illinois so hard to find? The fact that the killer b-side remained uncomp'ed until this year proves that the 45 is not dispersed in abundance. For anyone insane enough to attempt to collect all the records from the BFTG series, this may be one of the last few you'll stumble across. Hear "Can It Be" on BFTG6 LP, and the flip on Quagmire Vol 1 |
| 63 - Wanderers - Higher Education / I Feel So Blue (Texas Record Company TRC 2067) S4/R5/L2 |
| you haven't lived until you've heard this crude monster lurch out of your hi-fidelity machine in all its original sonic splendour. A room-shaking experience, as only primitive 60's 2-channel valve recording technology can deliver. Ultra rare, although not quite as much in demand as some of the more "visible" Texas killers. It doesn't quite have the same impact on Texas Flashbacks Vol. 5, compared to the 45. We know of 4 copies in "the loop", but assume more exist in Texas basements. Flipside is a moody folk-styled ballad (surprise!). More listenable than most. |
| 64 - Thursday's Children - Dominoes / Air Conditioned Man (International Artists 110) S3/R5/L5 |
| intensely sought after not just because of it's appeal as one of the rarest Texas garage 45's. It's also easily the rarest 45 on the highly collectable International Artists label, home of the 13th Floor Elevators, and many other Texas psychedelic garage outfits. Thursdays' Children's 45 on Paradise (also one known copy on the Kidd label!) is also bubbling under the G100, and their other IA release, "Help, Murder, Police" ain't exactly flooding the flea markets either. Hear "Air Conditioned Man" on the Pebbles Box. The superior "Dominoes" remains uncompiled, but neither side compares with the Paradise/Kidd 45. |
| 65 - Vectors - What In The World / It's Been A Day Or Two (Analysis S-4323) S4/R4/L4 |
| a completely different version of the same track which is to be found on the St. Lawrence label. It's the St. Lawrence version which is compiled on Back From The Grave 4 LP. The Analysis version is great also, with a little more swagger, and a lot more wild screaming. However, we do not subscribe to the prevailing wisdom that the Analysis version whips the St. Lawrence version. Both are great. We estimate around a dozen copies exist of the Analysis version, and we know some of them are badly needleworn, and several (but not all) have biro scribbles on the labels. This version remains uncompiled. The flip is a superior version to the St. Lawrence release. |
| 66 - Sounds Unlimited - Cool One / To Be In Love (Swal 7-7877) S4/R5/L2 |
| gritty grind from North Carolina, this innocuous-looking slab of wax with stabs of sax (or more likely trumpet) is believed to exist in a quantity of one copy. Legend quota remains low, probably purely as a result of the inclusion of the sometimes unjustly dreaded horn. Hear it on the Tougher Than Stains compilation LP. |
| 67 - Spiders - Don't Blow Your Mind / No Price Tag (Santa Cruz) S4/R4/L5 |
| brimming with legend appeal, here's one of the world's rarest records according to Goldmine magazine. Then how come everybody seems to have a copy? It's because Goldmine doesn't concern itself with 60's garage records in general, having little or no expert advice on the subject. Not exactly cheap to obtain, there nevertheless must be at least 25 copies in the hands of collectors worldwide, making it dirt common, really. Hear both sides on BFTG7 |
| 68 - Weeds - It's Your Time / Little Girl (Teenbeat Club TB-1006) S5/R5/L5 |
| as far as we know, most of the existing known copies of this killer legend came from the one small discovery of copies, around 10 years ago. One of the wildest and most unrestrained vocals to be heard on any garage 45, it has become a classic over the years. We now know that only 3 or 4 copies were found. Only one was near mint, another a strong vg+. Hear it on Pebbles Vol. 1 CD |
| 69 - Elite Ufo - Now Who's Good Enough / Tarantula (MAI 1014) S4/R5/L3 |
| another ULTRA rare record which could score higher but for a certain lack of originality in the musical department. The lyrics and vocals are genius. The tune is pure "Louie Go Home" with no attempt to embelish or disguise the ripoff. Who cares, it's great anyway, and builds at the end to a crushing final put-down. 5 copies in collections, and it may be as low as two! Hear it on BFTG8. The flip is a scorchin' guitar instro rocker with hoops 'n hollers aplenty |
| 70 - Murphy & The Mob - Born Loser / Because You Love Me (Talisman 1923) S5/R5/L5 |
| unsurpassed legend status for this crude ode to paranoid megalomania. Mainly due to the deadbeat lyrics, combined with the direct and primal instrumentation which can only be described as punk, 60's style. A hidden surprise is the so-far uncompiled b-side, a lurching amalgam of pop melodics with savage jackhammer guitar attack. We know of two mint examples, and several others, hinting at a population of around 10 copies. However Andrew Brown has reported that "Murphy" from the band had 8 or 10 mint copies of the 45 hidden away. Another source claims he only had 2 or 3. Who's right, Andrew? And, do these "exist"? Hard to decide...they are "known", however they are certainly not "in the loop", and are they even "released"? Hear "Born Loser" on BFTG3 LP. The flip begs to be compiled but can be heard at http://www.beyondthebeatgeneration.com |
| 71 - Page Boys - All I Want / Sweet Love (Ruff 1020) S5/R5/L1 |
| Here's Andrew Brown to tell you 'bout this ultra-xtreem exploration of the outer limits of fuzzdom : "Awesome lead/rhythm guitar/drum interplay providing cacaphonous background to smooth Byrds-like harmonies. Criminally unknown, never on a comp and must be very rare (yer durn tootin' Andy-ed). Ruff and Sully records were from Amarillo, Tx., but they signed bands from all over the midwest, so no telling where the Page Boys were based." We all agree that there could be no more than 3 or 4 copies tops of this 45 in collections, since no-one actually knows of more than two. Probably deserves a substantially higher placing, we shall see... |
| 72 - Remaining Few - Painted Air / In The Morning (Askel AK-112) S4/R5/L4 |
| label-mates the Outcasts and The Chevelle V produced monster rarities on this label, but not as mysteriously unobtainable as this demented, psychotic masterpiece. Strangely, those copies which do appear, often seem to be in mint condition, suggesting a possible small quantity find in an earlier era. We know of 4 copies, but there will certainly be more. Hear it on Highs In The Mid Sixties 12 . Moody flipside combines folk/pop melodics with hypnotic organ drone to satisfying effect. |
| 73 - Fly-bi-nites - Found Love / Come On Up (Tiffany RRC-564) S5/R5/L2 |
| we've been chastised for suggesting this 45 has a psych'y touch, and listening to it now, find ourselves in agreement with our tormentor. It's amazing, melodic yet pounding and slashing garage, first and foremost. As well as that, it's one of the rarest garage 45's on the planet, with 5 or 6 copies being a confident maximum estimate. Hear it on Highs In The Mid Sixties 8 or Psychedelic States Georgia. The flip is a fuzz-crunchy version of the Young Rascals hit, replete with wyld scream and tasty break |
| 74 - Cave Men - It's Trash / The Pillow Bit (Chelle PH-148) S4/R5/L3 |
| one of the rarest and greatest Florida 45's, a cacophonous cauldron of reverberated fuzz dementia. we've never seen a copy offered for sale in the last 5 years. That applies to most of these 45's of course. So we only count the ones we know about, in this case, perhaps 6 or 7 copies? Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6604 (among many other compilation appearances). The flip is a painful ballad with sparse production and woeful backing vocals. Just to cover all bases. |
| 75 - Scorpio Tube - Yellow Listen / White Birches (Vita V-001) S3/R5/L3 |
| monster sums have been paid for this very, very rare CA psych platter. Its appeal lies in the completely outrageous combination of freaked out, tinny fuzz guitar, and wild, trippy lyrics. Such as "Yellow Listen, a strange kind of wisdom taken from flowers". Right. It's pretty funny though, but perhaps not to the tune of several thousand bucks. 5 copies? 3 are known. Hear it on the Psychedelic Disaster Whirl compilation LP. The flip is standard late-60's flower pop with weird guitar effects. |
| 76 - Timetakers - Don't Turn Away / Love Me Like You Did Before (Jowar JW-104) S5/R5/L1 |
| this 45 is completely unknown, yet is one of the most atmospheric, haunting and melodic garage tracks you'll ever likely hear. 45 releases by labelmates the Naturals and the Royale Coachmen are both mundane and easy to obtain, neither of which applies to the Timetakers. We've located two copies over the years, but the comparative abundance of the other 45's on this label does suggest that more copies are due to show up "real soon now". But don't be holding your breath. Remains uncompiled, a travesty. |
| 77 - Chentelles - Be My Queen / Time (Fenton 2132) S4/R5/L4 |
| from the relatively "common" Fenton label, an inexplicable monster rarity. Those who have it won't sell it, so what are you going to do? You'll just have to wait until someone releases the entire output of the Fenton label in killer-fi, with colour label scans, liners, and band photos in the not too distant future, I guess. Meanwhile, there's probably 8-10 copies of this 45 out there, so "Try And Find", baby! Hear it on BFTG LP3. The hypnotic flipside ballad is more than a little soporific. |
| 78 - Runaways - 18th Floor Girl / Your Foolish Ways (Alamo Audio 105) S4/R5/L4 |
| 4 near mint copies surfaced on eBay 2004/5. Previously this had been an extremely rare disc, and most known copies were in poor condition. Like all Alamo Audio, we estimate under 15 copies, at least half vg- or worse. AB reports that an ex-bandmember told him most of the copies were blown to smithereens in a skeet-shooting contest. Hear it on Texas Flashbacks Vol. 2. Flip is a typical b-side ballad beloved of many a scorching snotty 60s punk band. This one has a neat chorus, though. |
| 79 - Pulsating Heartbeats - Talkin 'Bout You / Anne (Pace Setters Internat. 07) S3/R5/L3 |
| although there are now 6 copies known, only three of them can be counted. Because the other 3 copies are owned by one of the Alaskan band members, and he won't part with any, preferring to hand them down as heirlooms to his kids. So your chances of owning this platter are better than our previous estimate of 1 known copy. Since the publication of the G45 the second and third copies surfaced, but we haven't actually seen them. As well as the BFTG8 a-side bonecruncher, there's the excellent melodic organ-driven folk garage b-side, to be heard on Grains Of Time (CD) |
| 80 - Chancellors - On Tour / Route 66 (D&C 22) S5/R5/L3 |
| a completely unknown 45, until a dealer/collector from New England uncoverd a small cache of copies several years ago, along with copies of 45's by label-mates The Oscar Five and The Continentals. 3 copies of the Chancellors were found, in varying conditions, one of which found its way onto BFTG8. Before that find, only one or two copies existed in collections and none have been found "in the wild" to the best of our knowlegde. The flip Route 66 is likewise a killer, and fits nicely with the "On Tour" idea, making this possibly one of the first 60s garage concept 45s... |
| 81 - Hustlers - If You Try / My Mind's Made Up (Chelle 145) S3/R5/L2 |
| The rarest record on the ultrarare Chelle label, and one of the rarest of all Florida 45s, we've only been able to locate 2 copies. Hear it on Psychedelic Crown Jewels and the flip on Psychedelic States Vol. 2 - Florida. |
| 82 - Nomads - Be Nice / Empty Heart (Spotlight 5019 p-s) S4/R5/L4 |
| mighty tonsil-tearing teen mayhem from Fort Worth, Texas. The second scream just before the break is one to curl toes and impress the neighbours. It's been said that the 45 itself is comparatively abundant, but the sleeved version is the one we're talking about here. Perhaps dangerous to estimate a quantity, but our guess is around 10-12 copies, with sleeve. Hear it on BFTG4 LP. Flip is a raw blastin' version of the Jagger/Richards classic. |
| 83 - Abandoned - Come On Mary / Around And Around (The Abandoned 4867) S4/R4/L3 |
| if you've heard this Chigago, IL killer on Grave 6, and you're now moved to go out a-searchin' for the real original platter, we have some words for you. We have NEVER heard a copy of this 45 that sounds anything like the one on BFTG. For some reason, they're all badly needleworn! We're not even sure if a regular pressing was used to make Grave 6, or if the music was "electronically enhanced". If so, nice job - it sounds like a different (vastly superior) pressing to any we've heard. If you count the bad pressings, there may be around a dozen out there. But has anyone got a nice-playing copy? (One has now been confirmed, and it was vg++ when last seen, but whereabouts currently unknown). This message in from Tim Warren : "Whenever we could, Erik would record a 45 out of the better of the left/right channels, chopping out the distortion or hiss". The flip is a primitive and decent version of the Chuck Berry classic. |
| 84 - Inferno - The Inferno / Girl, Girl (Plastic A 15383) S3/R5/L2 |
| two known copies. High on the list because it's incredible "garage/psych", possibly the second most desirable 45 in that entire collecting category, the best being maybe The Es'Shades, however that one has recently turned up in (still closely guarded) quantity. Now appearing on Teen Blast USA Vol. 1. The flip is a moody folk-styled ballad. Soft-psych? (well how would I know?) |
| 85 - Sound Extraction - I Feel Like Crying (J-Three 509) S4/R5/L2 |
| take Louie Louie and render it even more rhythmically basic, add sneering vocals with a bored attitude, a clean echoing guitar break and a harmonica solo....wait, is that actually a harmonica or is it someone singing "wah wah waaaah" into cupped hands to SOUND like a harmonica? We submit the latter. It's extinct at only 4 copies known. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6602 |
| 86 - Liv'in End - She's A Teaser / The Orange Rooftop Of My Baby's Mind (Rickin 007) S3/R5/L2 |
| another ultra-rare 45 which was originally compiled on Boulders (Vol. 11), and promptly vanished from the face of the earth. One copy has now been located, and we have little doubt there may be others. But not more than two or three, we think. The a-side is a fuzz-laced teen garage mover, full of flashy, high-energy lead guitar. The flip offers further lashings of fuzz, embedded in a riff-laden re-make of the Kinks "Till The End Of The Day" |
| 87 - Benders - Can't Tame Me / Got Me Down (Big Sound 3006 p-s) S5/R5/L5 |
| there's a case for nominating this 45 released in 1966 by Wisconsin's Benders for "greatest fuzz-punker of all time". It's useless for us to describe this track - just hear it, and feel it (on BFTG 8). The best and rarest on Big Sound, it does show up now and again, nowhere near as frequently as labelmates the Spacemen. We'll take a stab at estimating 20 copies worldwide, just an educated guess. However the picture sleeve is ultra-rare and we estimate only 5 or 6 of the copies include the sleeve, most of them originating from one quantity find of 4 copies with sleeves, years ago. The grade 5 rarity awarded is for copies with picture sleeve only. Paul Barry's ambition as stated on the reverse of the sleeve, was for "kids to dig the Bender Sound". It didn't happen in 1966, but we know quite a few older kids who dig it nearly 40 years on. The flip is a decent moody ballad with some neat reverberated guitar. |
| 88 - Savages - The World Ain't Round, It's Square / You're On My Mind (Duane 1054) S5/R5/L3 |
| for many years this track was assumed to exist only as an LP cut (Savages, "Live 'N Wild" certainly wild but not live), until 2 copies were uncovered proving the existence of this monster 45. Recently 2 more copies have surfaced. None of the 4 known copies are anywhere near mint, but the music cuts through loud and clear. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6610 The flip is "You're On My Mind". The flip veers toward MOR, but manages to avoid the precipice. |
| 89 - Roks - Hey Joe / Transparent Day (Mark VII 1012) S3/R5/L3 |
| this is a great version of Hey Joe. Maybe not the greatest EVER version, but certainly the rarest ever. Rarer than Hey Joe by the Euphoria's Id on Eadit. Rarer than Hey Joe by The Heywoods on Queen Bea, or Hey Joe by The Hazards on Groove. Rarer even than Hey Joe by the Outer Mongolian Herd on Daisy. Mark VII is one of those Texas labels that's just plain rare and consistently great, like Alamo Audio. Hear it on Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol. 17 or Texas Flashback 4 |
| 90 - Mustangs - That's For Sure / Nova Blues (Nero 1002) S4/R5/L3 |
| Mick Jagger, hang your head. you've been trounced on a level playingfield. This is surely the best Rolling Stones track ever released, even tho' it has nothing to do with said band. We may be wrong, but this should be incredibly rare, judging by the amount of times our record-breaking offers for copies were refused. It's a pure guess, but we're gonna say "6 or 7" for now. Hear it on BFTG7. Horn n' Hammond instro flip veers towards funk. |
| 91 - It's Us - Don't Want Your Lovin' / I Can Find My Way (Arab 9001) S5/R3/L3 |
| one of the rarest records on the BFTG series, and containing an equally nice folk-ish b-side which is so far un-compiled. This is rather too folky to hit the top 50 on this list, but we estimate 5 or 6 copies only exist, one known to be vg+, another vg- with stained labels. Hear it on BFTG7. Hear the moody folk jangler flipside on Teen Blast USA Vol. 1 |
| 92 - Our Gang - Careless Love / Heartbeat (Warrior TS-21166) S4/R4/L3 |
| room-shakin', harp-wailin', rhythm poundin' reverberations from Los Angeles. A recent spare copy floatin' around proves that heavy-hitting collectors probably already had it, so it points to around 10 copies in the loop. This is an estimate, as always, because we only know the whereabouts of three. Hear it on Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol. 18 LP . The flip is a decent but redundant version of the Buddy Holly/Bob Montgomery classic. |
| 93 - Y'alls - Please Come Back / Please Come Back (Ruff 1016) S4/R5/L3 |
| Details Not Found |
| 94 - Human Expression - Love At Psychedelic Velocity / Every Night (Every Night) S5/R4/L5 |
| the other reason (besides the Optical Sound 45) that the Human Expression are the hottest property in the 60's garage/psych crossover category. This blitzing assault on the senses shows the band as a first rate, focused garage outfit, demonstrating versatility, originality and awesome energy. It's been re-released legitimately on CD from the mastertapes, but a good dub from mint vinyl blows these away any day of the week. Excellent moody flipside is further proof that this was an extraordinary garage band. |
| 95 - Blue Boys - I Know / Hey Ho (Feature 113) S4/R5/L1 |
| Like The Sonics Inc., this newly discovered killer 45 is a two sider, with the topside sporting a catchy anthemic pop shouter masquerading as a primitive garage punker. LOUD fuzz, machinegun snare with rimshots aplenty, and crude instrumentation are a feature of this side, with plenty of twists, stops and starts to keep things interesting. Also like Sonics Inc. there's only one copy known, but with a non-existent legend due to its current unavailability on compilation. The flip is almost as good, crude and catchy as hell. The one known copy is in mint condition. |
| 96 - Merlynn Tree - Look In Your Mirror / How To Win Friends (Dixietone 6794) S5/R5/L3 |
| demonstrating a complete mastery of the fuzzbox, the Tree deliver an unsurpassed amalgam of guitar crunch and snotnosed (whatever that means) punk vocal attitude. It IS one of the greatest Texas garage 45's. And there are very few copies around. Try 8? We know where 5 of 'em live, so mebbe there's more. Hear it on BFTG8 |
| 97 - Retreds - Black Mona Lisa / Johnny B. Goode (R&T RP-6601) S4/R5/L3 |
| a subdued but extraordinary blues mover, it's not clear what's so special about this ultra-rare platter until the lyrical content is examined. "She's got long black hair, a motorcycle, she rides", "She will work on you til your head is filled with dreams", "She's been studying her judo, so watch it you're gonna get tossed" - the whole song is filled with killer lines. When three copies (now confirmed, one of them badly warped, the other two near mint with very slight warps) surfaced a few years ago, many resisted the (then) breathtaking asking price, for a "blues" record. However in retrospect, this disc is a legend and the price was a bargain. Hear it on BFTG7, and the flip "Johnny Be Good" on Teenage Shutdown TS-6611 |
| 98 - Reasons Why - Don't Be That Way / Melinda (Sound Track ST-2000) S5/R4/L5 |
| Texas garage monster leaps around 50 places on the G45 for greatness alone. It's still ultra-rare, but somehow copies seem to be available, sporadically and at a price! For who would part with this pounding platter of scorching punk mayhem, unless compensated by a couple of small fortunes? We figure a worldwide population of 12-15 copies sounds not unreasonable. Hear it on Texas Flashbacks Vol. 1. The flip's a bit disgraceful, really. BTTG contender. |
| 99 - Ascendors - I Won't Be Home / My Friend (Lee 105) S4/R5/L3 |
| was known in a quantity of a mere 2 copies until a local collector recently unearthed more copies. This dedicated scout worked on nothing more than an autograph which appeared on one of the original 2 copies. A studious follow up revealed the address of a group member who yielded up his stash of 4 mint copies. Latest word is another 3 copies surfaced from the same source, making to total of 9 known. A great garage disc elevated by a wild lead break. Hear it on BFTG8 or Psychedelic States NY Vol. 1. Flip is a clean bluesy instro, nothing special. |
| 100 - Intruders - Total Raunch / Ruins (Cinema 6901 p-s) S4/R5/L1 |
| no reference at all to be found for this 45 on the internet. We'd say it's uncommon. Uncommonly great, with a sound that would be right at home on the Teen Jangler Blowout volume of Teenage Shutdown. This Cinema label appears to be altogether different from other ultra-rare Cinema labels (Greg Barr and The Id to name a couple). The band is from St. Louis, MO, but the the label sports a "fake" address (San Diego CA) concocted by a local empressario who recorded the group to make it seem like they were a big deal. It's the same group who recorded the killer and obtainable "I'll Go On" on Marlo. We estimate no more than 3 copies of this 45 exist with sleeve. Uncompiled.
101 - Cliques - So Hard / Ballad Of A Destitute Man (Custom P1020) S4/R4/L3
"Your face baby, leaves me cold". Judging by the style of the label, this Urbana, Illinois pressing was made at the same plant as The Few - "Escape". Probably as rare as the Few, say around 8-10 copies in the (collector's) loop, and we think that may be overestimating if anything. It's been confirmed by a bandmember that 100 copies were pressed. Mike Markesich reveals that the band sold a few then proceeded to spray-paint the rest with gold paint. These "gold records" were handed out free at live shows. A great track, immortalized on BFTG7. The flip is a primitive blues/folk ballad with a raw vocal, quite listenable.
102 - Things To Come - Sweetgina / Speak Of The Devil (Starfire 103) S5/R4/L5
huge legend, this has been a hot item for collectors since before we can remember. Unlike their later releases, which are both common and mundane, this is a monster 2-sider, with obvious "Gloria" references. We're placing this high because it's "wanted" rather than ultra-rare, we think 12-15 copies "in the loop" would be a fair guess. Drummer Russ Kunkel, not to be intimidated by having helped create a 60's garage classic, went on to record with Carly Simon, Stevie Nicks and Dolly Parton. Hear both sides on Chosen Few Vol. 1
103 - Creations - I Want You / Little Black Egg (Hull 1067) S5/R5/L2
A Bremerton, Ohio band who cut this moody monster in 1966 at the Mus-I-Col recording studio in Columbus. On the flip is a cover of "Little Black Egg". Extremely tuff record to find, we know of only 3 copies, one is in g+ condition. It's likely or possible that up to 10 copies may be out there in collections. Rumored to be included on a CD compilation focusing on the Mus-I-Col recording studio and its subsidiary labels, this track has been recently compiled on the Essential Pebbles Collection (Vol 1 Bonus Tracks).
104 - Marauders - Warning / Just Times Between Us (Heads TS-9519) S3/R5/L2
A fab primitive punk basher from Southwestern Illinois, the tune seems a trifle short in the lyric department, with the singer opting to sit out the entire chorus repeatedly. When he does sing, things seem a little confused - "Without your love I can't exist, but I'll be around even when you're missed". Hmmm, a worthy sentiment. In any case, it's as rare as can be, with 5 copies or less existing being our best estimate for this one. Hear it on Garage Punk Unknowns Vol. 8 LP. The flip is pretty good primitive melodic pop
105 - Jolly Beggars - Last Step Of Doom / Dont Walk Out On Me (Pamela Rose PR-1) S4/R5/L3
sharing the same chord progression as the Sonics take on Louie Louie, this is a hard driving punk track, building to a wild climax, finishing with a rousing chorus and deadly scream. Supposedly also known as "The Rogues Of Roxbury", this 45 was only ever released as the Jolly Beggars. The other name was made up by an old-time dealer/collector to throw fellow collectors off the scent. From upstate N.Y. Hear it on Pebbles Vol. 21 LP
1
06 - Frank Ventura & The Crescents - Pain / Terrys Tune (Amber AR-3942) S4/R4/L3
besides containing some of the wildest most uninhibited wailing and screaming on any record, this 45 is notable for some inspired lingo-twisting, which is most musical to the ear! "Alls-joo-gives-me-is-uh-pain-nah!" So cool! The Amber label out of CA is one of that state's most consistently rare labels. The other records are great too, but this is the king pin. Most Amber releases probably clock in at under 10 copies known. Several of the copies are known to be in mint condition, all from one source. First and only compilation appearance on the excellent "Hang It Out To Dry" compilation LP or CD. The flip is a cool funk instrumental.
107 - Purple Virus - The Law Of The Jungle / A World Of Dreams (D&C 2007-8) S3/R5/L1
here's a record so rare that not only is there just one copy in circulation (the other firmly locked away in the closet of original band leader Mike Dwyer), but nobody apart from the previous and current owners and their friends has heard it or even seen it. That's because the condition of sale was that it was to be locked away in secret until a planned CD featuring the track was released. That's was about four years ago and still no CD! This California D&C label is unrelated to the New York based D&C which released 45s by the Chancellors, Continentals and Oscar Five. 2.5-to-3 star disc, keeping it way down here on the G200. The flip has many elements of the topside, including touches of the same melody.
108 - Rooks - A Girl Like You / Empty Heart (Mercury 72644) S4/R5/L2
yep, your eyes are not deceiving you, this 45 was released on a major label, yet still hits in the G100. There are 3 copies known, it's only the reason for this that's unknown. Driving rhythm, bouncing bass and an insanely catchy fuzz-covered chorus deliver immortality. It's a hint to the rarity of a 45 when you hear cassette tape dropouts on a track, on an otherwise finely mastered CD (Pebbles CD10). Stingin' version of the Stones classic is on the flip
109 - Hotbeats - Listen / Injun (Rychard 61666) S4/R5/L1
ok, the song is really nothing more than a recycled Kinks riff (not a bad thing), but get a load of these lyrics..."you don't think like me, you don't think like me, you want to settle down, I want to run around. Come on listen you, you and me are through...one girl's not enough, even if she's tough...don't try to tie me down...waaaaaughggh! you are in the past, our love didn't last...now you know that I, like to see girls cry". The b-side "Injun" is a great primal instro thumper. No more than 3 copies have ever been found, though it seems hopeful another one or two may turn up. Both sides are uncompiled.
110 - Loose Ends - A World Outside / Mister Youre A Better Man Than I (DB 41667) S3/R5/L2
this doom-laden reverbed punker from York, PA is one of the rarest from that state. It's a heavier garage/psych track with clanging guitar and thrashing drums, and a biting lead break. We can't tell you much more. Ultra rare with only two confirmed copies, one of them obviously pretty hammered. Hear it on Crude PA vol 2 and a recent bootleg 45 with poor sound quality
111 - Stereo Shoestring - On The Road South / Tell Her No (English 1302) S3/R4/L4
English be the label, and English be the sound, more or less an adaptation of the Pretty Things' freakbeat classic "Defecting Grey". Mammoth fuzz, searing leads and general psychedelic mayhem distinguish this Texan/Anglo crossover from 1968. "Drowning in blackness, one by one, a thousand ideas perish..." well, whatever turns you on. We know of several mint copies, and estimate a population of around 12 in collections. Hear it on Texas Flashbacks Vol. 3, among many other comps. The flip is a decent but redundant version of the Zombies classic.
112 - Explorers - Blue Flavored Lollipop / Jennifer Ann (San Dees 4507) S3/R5/L3
We only know three copies of this and all are G+..one is G+ but plays VG minus, lots of small scratches.. made a comp appearance on 'Tougher Than Stains'. *** got a G+ copy from *** for peanuts in the late 80's, dunno if he still has it or not. (more info needed obviously)
113 - Ron-de-voos - The Maid / Pipeline (Cycle J01211651-2) S2/R5/L2
the closest thing to filler (2-star) we've encountered on a volume of the consistently incredible Back From The Grave compilation series, this track elevates above standard 12-bar rock only briefly for a spirited "All right let's give it to 'em right now" vocal snarl. But... the rarity of this disc could curl your toes. For many years we were unable to locate even the copy that was used for the Grave 7 comp - until now. It's right where you'd never think of looking for it (Tim's collection). And a second copy is now known to exist in California. Languishes down here on the G45 because, there are wylder tracks above. Hear it on BFTG 7
114 - Nite Walkers - High Class / Youve Got Me (Russell RRC 43107) S4/R5/L2
the second and easily the better of two 45's on Russell by this band presumed to be from Downey, California. The basis for the song is obviously Gloria, but the sound, arrangement, treatment and lyrics are individual and original. Great raw singing too, fitting the theme, which is similar to Danny & The Counts "You Need Love" ie "high class girl rejects regular guy, and she's gonna be sorry". Great theme. We know of 3 copies, one is near mint. One of the rarest California 45's, population hard to estimate, but certainly less than 8. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6606. The primitive folk ballad flip is a blatant re-write of the Beatles' "What You're Doin'". It's good, though.
115 - Chevrons V - I Lost You Today / Niat Pac Lavram (Nook 2010) S3/R5/L2
Details Not Found
116 - Burgundy Runn - Stop! / How Far Up Is Down (Lavette LA-5014) S5/R4/L5
think of it as tuff folk garage, or proto-powerpop, it's certainly a unique and inspiring track, comparable perhaps to the best of the Knickerbockers, with a strong commercial tilt, excellent harmonies and instrumental strength. Released on Lindy Blaskey's Lavette label, alongside other classics from New Mexico, the Chob and the Viscount V, it's probably the strongest 2-sider on the label. Always highly sought-after and a monster legend, Lavette records are scarce, but not unobtainable. Certainly more than a dozen copies exist, several mint copies have been noted. Hear "Stop!" on Teenage Shutdown TS-6609. The interesting, melodic flip remains uncompiled.
117 - Centrees - Shes Good For Me / Why (Wildwood 19045-19046 also 19045/18046) S4/R5/L4
don't be deceived by the relatively low G500 placement for this BFTG biggie - it's ultra rare, in both versions. It's just that with two different versions available, there's twice as many copies going around (does that make sense?). The regular release (heard on BFTG 5LP) is 19045/19046, and is a raw garage mover. The alternate version 19045/18046 is slower, and has more prominent harmonies, almost in an Everly Brothers-style, but still firmly a killer. Both a and b sides are different on the two versions. Labels are identical except for that one tiny serial number. The flip is a decent melodic pop ballad with equal parts mersey and folk influence.
118 - Us Too Group - Ill Leave You Crying / The Only Thing To Do (Jinx 17818) S4/R5/L1
the original version from 1966 is fast tempo, with organ and a killer clean surfy lead guitar break. These Fairfield, Ohio guys slowed the tune down and made a more psychedelic version on their own label in '67, which was picked up for national release on the Hi label. At least one mint copy of the original Jinx version is known, and it may be the only one. Intensely sought-after by Ohio collectors especially (mostly because they're the only guys who know it exists). Uncompiled
119 - Bryds - Your Lies / Why Did You Break My Heart (Raynard RS-10038) S5/R5/L4
the only Illinois outfit on the Wisconsin-based Raynard label, which released 45's by the Mustard Men, Deverons, Sultans Five and Vibratones among others. Few would argue that this is the best and rarest Raynard release. The vocals in particular are noteworthy as perhaps the most whiny and whingeing in all of 60's garage music. At times almost crying the lyrics, Frankie Laurie establishes a new standard in the important vocal sub-genre of the snivelling sneer. 500 copies are said to have been pressed, but remarkably few survive, even less in good condition. After further advice we now like the number 10 as a possible worldwide population. Hear it on BFTG LP6, and the flip on Shutdown 66
120 - Skeptics - Apple Candy / Ride Child (Kampus K-813 p/s) S4/R5/L3
hands-down prize for 60's group with the most utlrarare picture sleeve 45's goes to Oklahoma's Skeptics, with a total of 3 ULTRA rare picture sleeves, each known in a quantity of less than 10 copies. Much less. This one, "Apple Candy", is probably the second-rarest, with around 5 copies known. The hands-down rarest is their release on Thrush, with only one copy with picture sleeve having ever been found. However the existence of a fourth sleeve, "Bit O' Honey" (Scratch) is now in doubt. Although listed in many discographies, no-one has ever actually seen it. We doubt it exists. Hear "Apple Candy" on Monsters Of The Midwest Vol. 2 LP, and "Ride Child" on Psychedelic Unknowns Vol. 4
121 - Paradox - Theres A Flower Shop / With Someone To Love (Fuljac FR-6803) S4/R5/L3
"chymin'" guitars fully describes this melodic teen nugget (should'a been on Nuggets, but they probably didn't know it exists). Full of melody, it's one of the 4 rarest folk-punkers unknown to man, the others being The Kandells on Bear, the Paragons on Bobbi, and It's US on Arab. Plus all those others we forgot to mention. We know of only 5 copies, but we know nuthin'. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6605. Yet Another folk ballad flip gaaahhh!!!
122 - War Lords - Real Fine Lady / Ive Got It Bad (Thor 810T-0759) S4/R4/L4
not the Warlords, but the War Lords, as you can see. This 45 is one of the many reasons why the state of Illinois ranks so high with 60's garage fans and collectors as a source for some of the best releases of the decade. "Real Fine Lady" is well-known via its appearance on BFTG LP5, but the equally (yeah, equally) killer flip has yet to be compiled. We feel sure this omission will soon be addressed. Probably in the 10 copies or less category, population-wise, it's very tuff to get hold of this disc. Another release on Thor, The Fourgathering "You're Mean To Me" is a killer, but plays second fiddle to this monster 2-sider.
123 - Mondels - I Got A Feeling / Youll Never Come Back To Stay (Gaye 3032) S4/R4/L2
a 2-sided scorcher on the Gaye label of Atlanta Georgia, which boasted a roster including Red Beard & The Pirates, Penetrations and Little Phil & The Nightshadows. Both sides are fuzz blastin' movers which have a superior edge, great melody and originality. This release seems to be rarer than the other Gaye 45's, all scarce but not extinct. Both monster sides can be heard on Teenage Shutdown TS-6613
124 - Starfires - I Never Loved Her / Linda (GI-4001) S5/R3/L5
a spine-chilling screamer with amazing hooks, it's easy to fall in love with this 45 at first listen. Like several others on this list, it's been bootlegged, but there's no problem recognising the original. For a start, the original has a luxurious gold label with red writing, whereas the bootleg is plain white with red writing. As for the originals, up to 25 may exist
125 - Delirium - Never Comin Home / I Need Your Lovin (Vibra L-136-2) S3/R5/L1
a quick internet search yields one only mention of this ultrarare disc (good ol' Borderline Books). Comp'ed on Diggin' For Gold Vol. 7, the one copy we know of was also used to make that comp, and thereby the source for Borderline's info. Conclusion regarding copies in existence? You draw yours, we'll draw ours. The flip is a ragged, primitive 2.5 star thrasher, with handclaps and sax thrusts buried in the rhythmic chaos.
126 - Electras - Action Woman / Pregnant Pig (Scotty 6720) S4/R5/L4
of the "several" records released by this band on the Scotty and Date labels, this one is the mega-rarity. Most of the others are quite easy to pick up on eBay or in the odd private auction. This one is never offered, and it's also a killer track, so be prepared for a nasty shock price-wise if ever you compete for this one. We estimate 10 copies may exist in collections, several known to be badly mauled. Hear it on the Scotty Story CD, or Get Hip's 45rm vinyl re-issue
127 - Stoics - Hate / Enough Of What I Need (Brams BM-101) S5/R4/L5
Although only 150 copies were pressed, this is one of the least rare records on the G100. A "small quantity found" situation. Which is just as well, otherwise this beast would be sitting right up around the top of the list. Not to say that it sounds great, quite the opposite, all copies sound like they're playing with permanent dirt on the needle, it's just the way they are. But the song quality is so high, and the performances so incredible, that it's a very rare event indeed that a copy is sold. In fact, they are never sold. So if you have to have one, get out the golden crowbar... Take heart, between 20 and 25 copies exist (quantity now confirmed), and most of them are mint. These copies all came from the same source, an ex-bandmember. Hear it on Acid Visions CD1
128 - Georgy & The Velvet Illusions - Mini Shimmy / Hippy Town (Metro-Video 311) S3/R5/L1
now this is what real discotheque music should sound like. After a slow start, the drums start a-poundin' and the fuzztone a-fuzzin', and pretty soon the whole room's a-shakin' while Mini shimmy-shakes those hips. A tortured scream rounds out a breathtaking and almost completely unknown recording. We now know of 3 copies of this 45. Topside is compiled on the recently released "Total Raunch" CD.
129 - Kempy & The Guardians - Love For A Price / Never (Romunda P 1-2) S5/R4/L4
hear it once, and you won't soon forget the experience. Besides a scorching fuzz riff that's catchy as hell, this classic from Dallas, Texas sports a blistering solo that can't fail to thrill and impress. It's very rare and in-demand, but we know of at least a dozen copies, several of them near mint. It's important to remember that this second version of "Love For A Price" is the only one with the solo pyrotechnics, so beware confusing this with their first, crude punk version, on Lucky Sounds. Not that you'd be too disappointed with that version. Hear the Romunda cut on Texas Flashbacks Vol. 6 LP. MOR ballad flip is a MUST for BTTG.
130 - Continentals - Im Gone / Blue Moments (Gaylo BM-124) S5/R4/L3
"Ridin' around in my car all night, have no pretty baby by my side..." three chords, cars and girl trouble - all that's needed for the makings of a monster Texas punker. Throw in guitar and tambourine(!) solos, and reverberated two-note harmonies, and you're floatin' in 60's garage heaven for 2 mins 45 seconds. Tragedy struck recently when a copy bought on eBay was delivered broken clean in two by the postal service. Besides those two halves, we know of 9 intact copies, and suspect a population of around 15 may exist. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6604. The sultry ballad flip with its spoken word feature, harks back to an earlier era.
131 - Barons - Now Youre Mine / Time And Time Again (SRO 122427) S5/R4/L2
From Washington, D.C., these elusive Barons would be almost completely unknown had a small handful of copies of the 45 not been unearthed in the 90's. We're unsure how many were found, but it was barely enough to go round the heavy hitting collectors, who had to pay good for a copy. We're sure it was less than 10 copies, perhaps the truth can be discovered. Hear the stunning Kinks influenced monster a-side on Lost Generation 1 or Mayhem & Psychosis CD1. The flip is moody with folk elements, and is also great, begging to be compiled on a future Teen Jangler set.
132 - Gonn - Blackout Of Gretely / Pain In My Heart (Emir SS-9217-01) S4/R3/L5
rockets up the list on the strength of legend. Neophytes have long been impressed with the oft-mentioned rarity of this handsome and awesome nugget from Iowa. However, it's not one of the world's rarest pieces, not by a long shot. Just watch eBay and you will see, from time to time, copies will appear. Perhaps gouged and warped, but they're out there. We don't need to tell you how great this is, but we can confidently say, 20-30 copies may exist in collections worldwide. The unreleased "Doin' Me In" by the same band is one of the supreme pinnacles of 60s garage mayhem. Hear the 45 on Pebbles Vol 1 CD, or both tracks on Gonn's own Frenzology CD retrospective.
133 - Fe-fi-four Plus 2 - I Wanna Come Back From The World Of LSD / Double Crossin Girl (Lance 101) S4/R4/L5
with such a crazed sound and wigged-out band name, you may expect a real psychudelic label design for this 45. But no, Lance 101 looks very conservative, plain and simple, no fancy flourishes. It's still a beautiful record to hold in your hands...and to behold with your ears. We could guess at a worldwide pop. of around 15, but this was recently reduced by one copy (leaving 14 obviously), when one copy sent in the post to Sweden was attacked with a pick-axe by an angry postman, rendering it asunder. Many wept, some smirked. Some copies have reversed labels. Hear it on Pebbles 5 CD
134 - Cavaliers - Seven Days Of Cryin / Checkmate (Crisis BB-101) S5/R4/L3
long live the glockenspiel, instrument of chaotic garage anarchy. Combined with clean, stinging leads, bold rhythms and suitably restrained vocals with harmonies, a unique and original sound is delivered, one which could easily have shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts if they had not been fully occupied at the time by "Winchester Cathedral", "Strangers In The Night" and "The Sounds Of Silence". Merely super-rare, rather than ultra-rare. Which means somewhere between 12 and 20 copies in collections at a rough guess. Hear it on BFTG LP7, and the cool flip on Teen Blast USA Vol. 2
135 - Nomads - Thoughts Of A Madman / From Zero Down (Tornado T-159) S5/R3/L5
unleash the "Waaagh!", that ultimate expression of garagemanic delight reserved for the chosen few balltearing masterpieces of the genre. In a ragged mix where every potent element is supremely distorted yet strangely clear and focused, the demented vocal performance steals the show. Possibly one of the least rare records in the g200, it's nonetheless extremely difficult to obtain because it's widely recognised as one of the best garage 45's ever waxed, and rarely traded. Tim Warren adds : "The band gave me a XEROX of the PICTURE SLEEVE. (it's on the back sleeve of the Nomads lp i put out). Has anyone ever turned up the actual sleeve?" Hear "Thoughts" on Vile Vinyl CD, and the flip on Teenage Shutdown TS-6610
136 - Tasmanians - Baby / Love, Love Love (Conda 101) S5/R4/L4
until around 2001, this monster waxing was known (to us) only in grades of vg- or less, at least outside the band's homestate of Florida. A nice copy popped up and was used for Teenage Shutdown TS-6614. Since then, several mint copies have been methodically injected into a market eager to snap them up. A small quantity find, no doubt, and causing this platter to drop right out of the G100 where it would have been sitting pretty a mere 24 months ago. Most spectacular drop-out however, goes to Just Us (Dave Starkey Five) on Shazam, which plummeted from maybe G20 to G1000+ when a stack of at least 50 copies was discovered a couple of years ago, and were handed out at record fairs like candy. The flip has a Pebbles feel, if y'know what I mean.
137 - Atilla & The Huns - Mojo Cools / My Names Big Daddy (Beaux Art Sound 4005) S3/R5/L2
with a known worldwide population of 4 copies, this could be residing nearer the top of the G100. However, desipite boss gravelly vocals and a first rate rockin' band, the unmistakable similarity to a certain well-known Sonics track results in a downgrading for lack of originality. We guess this may have been a local Pacific Northwest jock milking The Witch craze, and the track may be a DJ novelty number in the style of the Higher Elevation. Beaux Art Sound however does have a North California connection.. "Mojo Cools" appears on The Big Itch Vol. 6
138 - Tropics - You Better Move / Its You I Miss (Laurie 3330) S5/R5/L2
after The Rooks, perhaps the rarest major label garage 45 release with only 5 known, and a total maximum of 6 or 7 copies suspected. It's also the wyldest Tropics release, obviously (we guess) considered "too wyld for release" into the civilized world, by the whigs at Laurie. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6614. The flipside is a folk ballad, nothin' special.
139 - Grains Of Sand - Goin Away, Baby / Golden Apples Of The Sun (Genesis G-101) S4/R4/L5
Produced in LA by Michael Lloyd (West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band etc.) with involvement by Kim Fowley, the full, and never quoted title of this 45 is "Goin' Away, Baby (Original Version)". We've never heard of any other "version", but no matter, coz the original version sounds just fine, including a frantic, cheezy organ solo and several manic sustained screams. Very in-demand, very hard-to-find, it's nonetheless been offered and traded several times in the past decade, pointing to a slightly larger population than most in the G200. We like the sound of 15 copies worldwide, but that doesn't include your copy. Hear it on Pebbles Vol. 1 CD. Psychedelic freakout flipside veers dangerously close to a novelty rating.
140 - Sound Barrier - My Babys Gone / Hey, Hey (Zounds GQP 1004) S5/R4/L5
So many great things about this record. For a start it's incredible garage on both sides, great songs, singing, sounds and playing. Great harmonies too. The cymbals punctuate the chorus with teeth-clenching intensity. What kind of a fuzz-box is that? It's the best! Even the tambourine on the flip sounds bigger than life. No wonder this record is so hard to find, since it's ultra-rare as well as ultra-great. There's a copy or two floating around from time to time, it's gotta be one of those 12-to-20 category monsters. We know of one mint copy at least. And several beaters...Hear the a-side on Pebbles CD5, the flip on Teenage Shutdown TS-6610
141 - Brother L. Congregation - Bringing Me Down / Shes Gonna Lose That Boy (Kumquat #1) S3/R5/L2
Was there ever a Kumquat No.2? Just searched the internet and discovered there indeed was a No.2 and a No.3 (thanks Don Julio). No matter, Kumquat No. 1 captured the Texan Congregation at the peak of their powers, desperately wrenching vocals and meandering psychotic fuzztone set to a mesmerizing 4/4, pausing for an extended free-form middle 8, then back into fuzz mayhem. Don Julio claims to have a copy, must be one of the very, very few! Also one of the very few turn-of-the decade 45's on this list. The flip is a mersey-influenced pop ballad with sweet harmonies
142 - Rouges - Next Guy / Faces On The Wall (Waverley 108-03) S5/R4/L3
"The next guy is worse than the one before"...a record collector's lament? No, a killer moody folk jangler from Massachusetts with real BITE, that could justifiably be said to epitomize the New England garage sound of the 60's. We do not consider the b-side "Faces On The Wall" to be the side most worthy of comment here. Not when you're staring at a 4.5 star killer on the a-side. Not hopelssly unobtainable, nevertheless extremely rare and sought-after. Hear both sides on the New England Teen Scene CD. Primnitive ballad flip has touches of folk and blues.
143 - Mystic Five - It Doesnt Matter / Walkn The Nose (Mystic MR 1) S4/R5/L2
Not the same band who released the absolutely un-routine and creative monster "Are You For Real Girl" on the cute Go-Go label (BFTG 7), this Mystic Five from Rhode Island channeled via a more subtle but equally mind-expanding medium, gentle melodic folk garage. Always mentioned as one of the top ten New England mega-rarities, the worldwide population is probably countable on the fingers of both hands. Hear it on the New England Teen Scene CD. Flip is a conventional surfin' instro, with plenty of energy.
144 - Paul Bearer & The Hearsemen - Ive Been Thinking / Route 66 (Riverton 105) S5/R4/L3
this could be higher on the G200, or even in the G100, except we become a little suspicious of the supposed rarity of a disc when we have owned two copies at the same time. This was a bit of a freak occurrence but is true. Someone who should know estimates 6 copies or less, perhaps a safer bet would be 10 or less. You've seen the insane band photo on Teenage Shutdown 10 (The World Ain't Round, It's Square), and heard the crazed, typically frantic sound of this Pacific Northwest combo. Now go out and buy the original! (joke). The flip is a great rockin' version of the Troop/Morris classic Chuck Berry tune.
145 - Niteriders - With Friends Like You, Who Needs Friends / Just Call On Me (Star-Bright 3055) S4/R5/L3
Portland, Oregon was home to the Niteriders who released two great 45s on the Star-Bright label in the mid-60's. Later picked up for release on the Modern label when the group name was changed to the Composers. Unlike that release, the original 45 is ultra-rare, even by Star-Bright standards. Without a doubt, in the less-than-a-dozen copies category. Hear it on BFTG8, or on the excellent Scarey Business (Big Beat) CD. The flip sounds like a garage punk take on Herman's Hermits, but it has a cool biting guitar break.
146 - Shades Of Night - Fluctuation / Such A Long Time (Alamo Audio 111) S5/R4/L5
this is a unique record, really something. Plenty of info about the band is available on the essential Norton reissue, and we won't repeat it here. The band in the cover shot does not look anything like you'd think they should look, after hearing this. The original record label looks more in tune with what to expect - dark, brooding, stylish simplicity. It also looks rare, and it is - once again we say 12-to-20 in collections. Flipside ballad, though dreary, has its moments.
147 - Beep Beep & The Roadrunners - True Love Knows / Shifting Gears (Vincent 222) S4/R4/L3
simple, crude and basic is a great recipe for a garage 45. These Massachusetts teens cooked up a tasty stew with this, their first 45 released in 1966. Ingredients, two chords, with a third thrown in at the chorus for spice. There's a few copies kicking around, and by this we mean they're pretty scuffed. Only one is known to be in mint condition, another in vg++. A particularly stressed copy was used for the compilation appearance on BFTG 7 LP. Tim sez : "Argh - I've got 2 cracked copies and one vg..." . The flip is a 12 bar guitar instro rocker, beloved of collectors of that genre.
148 - Primates - Dont Press Your Luck / Cathy (Marko 924) S3/R5/L2
two 45's by the same band on the same label, looking similar and both containing killer teen beat/pop tunes. Those are the similarities. Now for the difference : the first 45 "Knock On My Door" b/w "She" (the better record overall) is relatively abundant, but "Don't Press Your Luck" seems to have been pressed in a minuscule amount, resulting in ultra-rarity, and only 4 copies known. For those who must know, the grades of the 4 are m-, vg+, vg, and m- cracked in 2 places. From New York, at the dawn of 1966. Hear it on Garage Punk Unknowns LP1 . The flipside harks back to an earlier Everly Brothers sound.
149 - Thursdays Children - Youll Never Be My Girl / Try Girl (Paradise 1022) S4/R4/L4
a brilliant, pacy pop-infused 2-sider. The a-side is tops, but the flip ain't no slouch either. We've seen 3 mint copies sold in the last 5 years, and that suggests a 12-to-20 worldwide population, since most serious (for want of a better word) collectors we know seem to have a copy. This message just in (with thanks to Andrew Brown) : "Hey Mark, the rarest Thursday's Children is You'll Never Be My Girl on the Kidd label, original pressing/same masters as Paradise, apparently unknown until I dug up a copy around '96...even the band members had forgotten about it!" Interesting...what to do? Does this Kidd 45, one known copy, but the same 2 tracks released on Paradise, deserve to be proclaimed one of the rarest US garage 45s? What do you think? Hear the a-side on Pebbles Vol 5, and the flip on Acid Visions 1 (3 CD set)
150 - Caretakers Of Deception - Cuttin Grass / X+Y=13 (Sanctus SS-11) S4/R4/L5
"...If you think I'm really bad, take a look into my melted plastic brain, and run your fingers down my nerves, until you meet my soul..." sung softly, with menace, over pulsating drums and an eerie farfisa. This is raw psych dementia without equal, and a monster-size legend to boot. The band was based in Los Angeles and probably created this masterpiece in 1967. We instinctively place it in the 12-to-20 copies category, knowing that it's abominably rare and gruesomely expensive, but does show up for trade very occasionally. Hear it on The Psychedelic Disaster Whirl LP. The flip is strong 12-string folk/garage with touches of pop and moody organ.
151 - Paragons - Abba / Better Man Than I (Bobbi 7-7352) S4/R4/L4
for unknown reasons, certain 45's if they're ever found at all, usually show up in pulverized condition. This is one of those, and another is "Jennie Lee" by The Tree Stumps. Still currently recording with his band the Spongetones, Pat Walters played guitar on this fine teen-pop / folk jangler crossover. We think there may be roughly 6 or 7 trashed copies and 2 or 3 nice ones, outside of band members and families. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6605. The flip is a cool
moody version of the classic Mike Hugg composition, with clean jangle a-plenty
152 - Kenny & The Kasuals - Dont Let Your Baby Go / The Best Thing Around (Mark 1002) S3/R5/L3
Much has been written about this seminal Texas band, so much so that we'll skip the history lesson and get right to the meat of the matter : most of the 7 Mark label releases by this band are great. Most of them are scarce but not rare. This one is mega-rare, for no apparent reason. We are confident that Mark 1002 could fit neatly into the "less than 5 known copies" category, which is remarkable for this group. We actually don't know of another mint copy apart from the one in the scan above, but that don't mean there ain't any out there. Hear it on the Eva compilation "Nothing Better To Do". The boss flip has a touch of James Brown in the twistin', jerkin' beat.
153 - Grapes Of Wrath - Cause It Was Her / For Every Year (Vita V-006) S4/R4/L3
what a snarly vocal! The whole band in fact sounds demented as they take what could have been a conventional beat/pop ditty and maul it with savage energy. One of three ultra-rare releases on the Vita label of California, it's less rare than the Scorpio Tube and 50th Anniversary Zoo by a mere handful of copies. We rate it as probably in the less-than-a-dozen category, since it's been offered for sale twice in the last 5 years. Hear it on the Garage Punk Unknowns CD. Flipside sounds like a shot at re-inventing the National Anthem. BTTG contender.
154 - Chob - Were Pretty Quick / Aint Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore (Lavette LA-5016) S5/R4/L5
the most important thing to know about this 45 is how to spot the phoney. It has "5016" and a squiggle in the deadwax area, on the a-side. The real thing has "LAVETTE LA 5016" and "SJW - 9190". As well as the neat extra numbers, you get double the volume and clarity when you shell out your megabucks for an original copy. Otherwise, the ring-in is almost indistinguishable from the real thing. The appearance of a flood of bootleg copies did little to affect the value of the original (and therefore the position on the G45). More damaging (or thrilling if you got one of them) was the discovery of a small cache of mint copies 2 years ago which we think may have come from Lindy Blaskey's personal stock. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6604, plus a host of other compilations (M&P1, CF1, SA4, etc.) The flip is a killer version of the Young Rascals classic.
155 - Infinitives - Heidi / Thousand Tears (Ka-Hill 135K-6060) S4/R5/L1
a touch of Louie Louie, a touch of Merseybeat, and a whole bunch of garage crunch permeate both sides of this insanely rare Illinois disc. There are 4 copies in the collectors' loop (ie "known"), 2 near m- with some black texta wol on the b-side, and 2 beaters. We're wondering if anyone else is gonna own up to stashing a copy? Languishing down here on the G500 because it's completely devoid of legend, having never been comped, plus it's appeal will be limited to afficionados of crude and dirty, one-take prime garage grynde. Like us.
156 - Royal Flairs - Suicide / One Pink Box (Marina 103) S4/R4/L4
one of two killers on the Marina label (the other being the Dirty Wurds "Why"), this one is by far the rarer of the two. It's a clean sound, but tons of energy and a wild reverberant guitar break. And a catchy pulsing riff which does not let up. Marina had distribution of sorts, and the 45 was supplied to local radio stations, making it slightly more likely to show up than some in the G200. Still, we have seen only 2 or 3 copies sold in 7 years. 12-to-20 in our estimation, with several mint copies known. Hear it on BFTG LP3. Billy Miller says the record is equally sought after for the instrumental flip "One Pink Box" (One Pine Box, label mis-print). Those clazy instrumental correctors!
157 - Tamrons - Wild Man / Stop, Look, Listen (Pyramid 7-7381) S4/R4/L5
"there is a man who lives next door, he has a girl that I adore, I asked him for his daughter's hand, he said no sir mister, you're a wild-man!". Together with verse-stuffers such as "oom-blup-blup-blup oom-blup-blup-blah-blah mow-mow-mow" this makes for a lyrical legend of prehistoric proportions. As well as the great words, we have thundering toms, pulsing bass and hypnotic Twilight Zone guitar lines. One of at least 9 great releases on Pyramid (Londons, Huns & King Bees being noteworthy examples), the band and label were based in North Carolina. Hear "Wild Man" on BFTG4 LP, but the cool flip remains uncompiled
158 - Electric Prunes - Shadows |