"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
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
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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 / Blank Flip (Reprise PRO 287) S3/R5/L3
this 45 is a one-sided promo originally pressed to promote the Fanfare film "The Name Of The Game Is Kill", but it seems unlikely that it was ever used for that purpose, since all of the 4 known copies of this 45 originated from a raid on the Warner Brothers vault around a decade back. It's firmly a garage track, with some psych trappings but it's concise and full of savage energy, melody and fuzz attack. We very much approve. Hear it on the Lost Dreams CD/LP Prunes compilation
159 - Cave Dwellers - Run Around / You Know Why (Jim-Ko 41085) S5/R4/L3
this 45, like many others from the series, sounds like it was custom-made with Back From The Grave in mind. Basic instrumentation of organ, drums, bass and guitar, manic vocals with a couple of crazed screams (in the right places) and our favourite lyrical theme -getting even with cheatin' girls. It's almost perfect in every way. We've now had a little extra help regarding the rarity of this, and we adjust our estimate downwards to 7-10 known/suspected copies. From Chicago, Hear it on BFTG8. The flip is an unfortunate commercial pop outing with an overblown production including prominent horns and painful fuzz guitar in equal measure.
160 - Visions - Shes The Girl For Me / Take Her (Vimco VIM-20) S4/R5/L2
their 3 essential releases on Vimco are all you need to know about this Texas band who later released 3 or 4 more 45's which are best avoided. This is their first release, and dare we say their best. Leaving aside the somewhat muffled mix, this track is pure garage pop energy all the way. All the Vimco 45s are nearly impossible to obtain, and we place them all in the category of 10-or-less known copies. "She's The Girl For Me" seems to have been dealt a double blow by fate, first being dumped as the b-side of Vimco 20 in favor of "Route 66", then being overlooked by every Texas compiler since. The flip is a decent pop ballad with Invasion influences.
161 - Cicadelics - Were Gonna Love This Way / What Can I Do? (Psychidelic Sound 1001) S4/R4/L4
how many ways can the spelling of a word be twisted? let us count the ways...cicadelic, psychadelic, psychidelic, psychodelic ...any more? For our money the Cicadelics dealt the deadliest damage to the newly coined word, trashing it twice on the one record. And yet, the record in question isn't really psychidelic at all. It's beautiful floating pop, infused with a gentle touch of fuzz mixed tantalizingly low. We've seen it offered 3 times in 7 years, and it's missing from the odd mega-collection. We like the sound of "one dozen" to guess-timate an unknown quantity. Hear it on Flashback Vol. 1 LP. The flipside ballad is a sweet folk jangler with nice guitar and organ.
162 - Ralph Nielsen & The Chancellors - Scream / Little Demon (Surf S301/2) S4/R5/L3
If it's true (and we doubt not) that this was released in 1962, then it's the grand-daddy of garage and ahead of its time by at least two years. There again, one could choose to think of it as a rockabilly 45, in which case it missed the boat by around 5 years. In any case, it's wyld and great, and extremely rare. Perhaps regarded as desirable by more than one collecting genre, copies are thin on the ground in the garage loop, where we estimate less than 10 reside. Hear it on BFTG LP2
163 - Jack And The Beanstalks - So Many Times / Dont Bug Me (LeRon 3601) S4/R4/L3
in a category which we think of as sophisticated, pop-oriented garage, this is an unusual sounding record and one which is hard to pidgeon-hole stylistically. Some elements of folk, a moody spoken middle-8, Beatlesque handclaps and harmonica, yet it somehow retains a raw edge. We've seen a few copies change hands over the years, always expensive, and therefore assume 12-to-20 copies in the loop . The flip is a superior original R&B raver with snappy drumming and wailing harmonica
164 - Skeptics - For My Own / I Told Her Goodbye (Thrush 1002 p/s) S3/R5/L2
even though this is easily the rarest of the 4 ultra-rare Skeptics picture sleeves, and is one of their best records, the record itself is not particularly rare. It's the sleeve that's responsible for the record hitting the G200 list. Because before 2002, when one copy only appeared for sale, its existence was completely unknown. This fact can be seen in any discography of the Skeptics you may care to look at. Both sides of the record are great folktinged melodic garage, the a-side is the standout. Hear "For My Own" on Shutdown 66, and the flip on Tymes Gone By LP
165 - Pseudos - Its A Long Way To Nowhere / Back Door Man Bites The Dust (Fink S1-122) S4/R5/L3
from Michigan 1966 an angry teen lament about rejection by the adult establishment. The lyrics and rap-style delivery are supercool and work with the bluesy thrust of the band to create a monster garage mover. We've seen just 2 copies, both pretty hacked, but we know there must be more, especially in hometown Detroit. Almost never seen for sale, we have to assume a less-than-10 count for this worldwide. Hear it on BFTG8. The flip's a pretty good blues/garage mover with a Stones'y feel
166 - P.b. & The Staunchmen - Mean Willy / Lost Generation (Lee 100) S4/R4/L2
from the same Lee records outta Hornell, N.Y. who released the Ascendors killer, comes this short but sweet rant concerning one Mean Willy, who goes around pickin' up girls and tellin' 'em lies. Lotsa dynamics lift this track, especially the frantic break, and the subdued verse which follows and builds to the screaming finale. We suppose this 45 is as rare or even rarer than the Ascendors 45, which assumes a less-than-10 count for copies in the loop. The flip is a protest-style folk ballad. Hear it on Garage Punk Unknowns Vol. 8
167 - Kandells Kan Dells - I Want You To Know / Do You Know (Bear 1971) S5/R5/L2
only 4 copies of this promo 45 from Minneapolis are confirmed. It's beautiful shimmering garage/folk-rock. More could easily be tucked away in the hands of Minnesota collectors. One G45 contributor also has a yellow stock label copy! This adds a twist - how could a 45 be released both as a promo, and a stock copy, and yet be virtually non-existant in either format? Hear it on the 45 reissue (Magnitude MA-1001) . The flip is a dreamy folk jangler with nice melody and vocal harmonies.
168 - Twelfth Night - Grim Reaper / I Dont Believe You (Whiteholme WH-1984) S4/R4/L3
From Orlando, Florida (like it says on the label), overall the sound has a Stones-y feel, crisp drumming, fuzz guitar throughout with a frantic solo at breakneck speed, following 3 crazed yelps. We know of 5 copies, and as usual we assume this may be approximately half the worldwide total. Hear it on The Chosen Few CD. The flip is also excellent, combining chymin' guitar and organ with snappy drumming and a loud clean guitar break.
169 - Heard - Youre Gonna Miss Me / Exit 9 (One Way 0001) S4/R4/L5
champion of the unusual vocal inflexion, (you're gonna miss me chy-yuldd!) Andy Clendenen and brother Randy were the mainstays of this band from Texas, who released just one 45, but made sure it was a killer 2-sider whose appeal would endure for the next 35 years and beyond. Aside from having the guts and good taste to cover the Elevators in 1967, they tossed up a b-side that in no way suffers by comparison. Regarded as ultra-rare Texas garage, we downsize the rarity legend to a super-rare rating, since we know most every serious collector, especially Texas-based, has a copy. The feeling is 12-20 copies. Hear both sides on Flashback 4 LP
170 - Id - I Just Dont Understand You Baby / Morning Dew (Cinema CRC108) S3/R5/L2
this is the same band as the Euphoria's Id, who later released the killer 2-sider "Deception's Ice" / "Hey Joe" on Eadit. This initial outing is in a more folky vein, but with excellent gravelly vocals with a blues bent. Caution, this 45 is not manic BFTG style garage grind. However, it has its own sound and is a grower for sure. The b-side jangler "Morning Dew" can take a hike. Beyond ultra-rare, with only 3 copies having ever shown up. Hear it on the New England Teen Scene CD
171 - Moxies - Get A Move On / Please Dont Go (Monza 1126) S4/R5/L3
the killer third 45 released by this band on the Monza label after two others (one of them on Monza) which only hinted at the band's potential, fully realized with their fourth Release "I'm Gonna Stay" on Century. "Get A Move On" is a powerful beat/garage mover, with anthemic melodic qualities. It's also ultra-rare and we estimate no more than 6 copies exist in collections, as we know of only 3 (vg+,vg+ and vg). Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6605
172 - Why Four - Hard Life / Not Fade Away (Rampro R118) S4/R5/L2
before cutting this killer 45 for Wisconsin's Rampro label, guitarist Gerry Cain had been a member of the Benders who released "Can't Tame Me" in 1966, one of the greatest fuzzpunk 45's ever. Only sightly more restrained, this one features more of Cain's wicked fuzz lashings, and a middle 8 which really lifts off. The uncompiled b-side is a decent Stonesy take on Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away". We estimate no more than 10 copies of this 45 exist in collections today. Known among hardcore collectors since the 80's, this was not compiled until recently. Hear "Hard Life" on The Essential Pebbles Collection Vol. 2 CD. The flip is an excellent punk version of the Buddy Holly classic.
173 - Blue Chips - Where / Keep Looking For Love (Roaring 804) S4/R5/L2
a great high-energy pounder with catchy riff, gravelly vocals and boomin' bass, yelps and screams rounding out the appeal of an awesome disc from Brooklyn, NY. Only 2 copies were known at the time of publication of this list. However, we now know of 3 other copies making a total of 5. Hear it on Sixties Rebellion CD 7 or Psychedelic States NY Vol. 1. The uncompiled flip has a few unwelcome horn intrusions, but still burns for our money!
174 - Ty Wagner With The Scotchmen - Im A No-Count / Walking Down Lonely Street (Chattahoochie 699) S3/R5/L5
one of two great and well-known loser anthems by Los Angeles based Ty Wagner. This one is tops lyrically, just a little pedestrian in the chord sequence department, but a killer nonetheless with a biting lead break. The Chattahoochee label released a slew of garage-related 45s in the mid-sixties, and the rarity and quality of these varies from one extreme to the other. Here is one extreme - ultra rare and great. We estimate no more than 8 copies exist in collections. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6604. The flip is a bo-diddley style mover with a neat break and is credited to "Ty Wagner with The One's"
175 - Peter Wheat & The Breadmen - Baby Whats New / All The Time (Amber AR-6657) S4/R5/L3
Like Texans The Excels and Floyd Dakil, California combo Peter Wheat & The Breadmen drew from folk and bluegrass as well as rockabilly sounds to answer the British beat/pop challenge. The Breadmen didn't stay with the traditional 12-bar formula, instead devising a mutant strain with chord structures that hold up as fresh and original today as they must have sounded when released in 1966. Like all Amber releases, ultra-rare and less than 10 copies known. Together with Frank Ventura & The Crescents, this is also the most sought-after Amber release. Hear it on Pebbles 10 LP. The simplistic janglin' flip features harmony vocals and an organ break.
176 - Great Society - Im The One For You / And I Know (USA 856) S4/R5/L2
by far, the rarest USA label 45 and only 2 known copies...a major collector of the USA label thought #856 was an unissued number, til a copy surfaced a few years ago. Killer fuzz garage. Lack of legend status is the only thing holding this one back from a higher G45 rating. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6613
177 - Choab - Why Am I Alone / Im Not Your Steppin Stone (QQ 7Q224) S4/R5/L3
the classic example of a track elevated by a killer lead break with scream. Until the break, it's a fine but standard garage mover, nothing too special. When the break hits, the energy level peaks, and stays high for the rest of the track. This is the second 45 by the band, who released an even better (but not as rare) 45 on the Lavette label as the Chob. The second 45 shows how the guys wanted their name to be pronounced. From Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6603. The flip is one of the best versions of the Boyce & Hart classic.
178 - Fumin Humins - Relative Distance / Queen (The Angry Music Co. FH-1-67) S3/R5/L3
we don't like heavy psych on this list, and here's one that veers dangerously close. But interesting tempo changes and dynamics together with low production values and a melodic bent, save this later 60's straggler from inclusion with the oncoming onslaught of drug-addled hippy dirges. Ultra-rare, oft cited as one of the rarest New England 45's. However we know of 4 copies, and estimate a minimum population of double that number. Hear it on An Overdose Of Heavy Psych CD. The earnest soft psych ballad flip fails to live up to the advertised standard of The Angry Music Co.
179 - Knaves - Your Stuff / Inside Outside (Dunwich 164) S3/R5/L2
this Chicago band's first 45 "Leave Me Alone" was released on both Glen and Dunwich, and is reasonably easy to find on either. However this, their 2nd 45 was thought to have been recorded but never released, until two copies were recently discovered. It's a fine inventive garage/pop 2-sider, and can be heard on the Oh Yeah! Dunwich CD
180 - Other Half - The Girl With The Long Black Hair / Third Of January (Orlyn 503) S4/R5/L3
demonstrating with their sound the clear link between the surf and garage genres, this Illinois band had no connection with other groups using the same name, notably Randy Holden's outfit from California. Having the foresight to secure their immortality by releasing their sole 45 on the now legendary Orlyn label, the band promptly disappeared, leaving no trace of their history or whereabouts other than the scant facts included with the Teenage Shutdown TS-6603 reissue. Like all Orlyns, pressed in minute quantities and consequently ultra-rare. We estimate less than 8 copies exist in collections today. This in from Tim Warren : The guy had around 6 copies on the wall of his recording studio (when i met him and the bass-player in 1985) - ALL spraypainted GOLD on BOTH SIDES!!!! Argh!!!! So I guess you can't really add THOSE to the copies in existence file.... The flip is a dreamy, but dreary Ventures style instro.
181 - Edges Of Wisdom - The Past / That Lonely Road (Redd Robb RR-2021) S4/R5/L2
this is a superior 2-sider with a lot to give, requiring repeated listens to absorb the genius. "The Past" is a bouncy number but also a serious work of art, try writing in this style if you disagree. The flip is a dark moody masterpiece, proving these guys could not only write great songs, but had the musical ability to pull off work of enduring quality. We know of 6 copies, 4 of them in the hands of Chicago collectors. It therefore seems reasonable to guess at a worldwide count of around 10 or a dozen copies. Hear both sides on Sixties Rebellion Vol. 1
182 - Rock Shop - Is That Your Halo / State Of Your Mind (Rowena RR-45-853) S3/R5/L2
whether this is the same Rock Shop who released an LP on Lee-Mo is unclear, but it seems more than likely that this band was from California, one way or the other. It's driven by a strong percussive rhythm, taking off in the break via a twin attack of searing fuzz and wailing harmonica. The flip is good also, though betraying the influence of the coming generation of music-destroying guitar heroes. One nice vg++ copy is known, the other 3 suffer from the usual curse of the styrene pressing, to varying degrees. Hear both sides on Tony The Tyger's Fuzz Flaykes and Shakes Vol 4 LP/CD.
183 - Sweet Cherry - Eight Day Blues / Funny Things Floating (Stop S-101) S4/R4/L3
from Michigan comes a two-sided monster with a dirty guitar sound that goes way beyond mere fuzz...Guitarist Ray Souci (info thanks to Vernon Joynson and Steve Geer) manages to cream most fuzz-pedal sounds even when he switches it off. And lyrically, from "Funny Things Floating"..."telephone booths don't grow no blueberries". This was earlier thought to be a mega-rarity in the class of The Keggs, but now several additional copies have popped up, leading us to estimate as many as 15 copies in collections worldwide. Hear both sides on Michigan Mayhem Vol. 1 CD
184 - Plague - Go Away / Money (Epidemic R-2164) S5/R4/L5
Lyrically complex ("Go away coz I hate you, Go away I won't date you") and musically sophisticated (check out the longest single-note-bending frenzy ever captured on wax), this killer has been favoured by connoisseurs of, well, trash since the late seventies when it first appeared on Pebbles Vol 5. The degenerate, uncompiled b-side "Money" is also a thriller, and a great party record with its sneering refrain, "gimmeh monneh" belted out over a primitive backbeat. Seven years ago there was a spare copy floatin' around, but none since then.
185 - Remaining Few - Wait A While / Boogie Blues (Projection 1788) S4/R4/L2
not the San Angelo, TX group of the same name who released the Askel 45, this Remaining Few were from Houston, Texas. Belonging to a select group of 13th Floor Elevator imitation electric jug advocates (others include Chaz & The Classics...), this is one of the best of the genre. Great organ playing throughout including an extended solo, clean lead and rhythm guitars, and wyld scream. It's a winner, and a mega-rarity which has yet to be compiled. We know of 3 copies, and would be surprised if more than 6 were in existence. The flip sounds much like the title, offering the organ player 2:25 to strut his stuff at our expense.
186 - One Of Hours - Feel The Pain / Psychedelic Illusion (Chetwyd CW45005) S4/R5/L2
this is the flip of a soft-psych side called "Psychedelic Illusion", released by this band from Kentucky in 1967, which has been compiled on Psychedelic Experience Vol. 3. We're amazed how anyone could hold this 45 in their hands, opting to comp that side while leaving the outstanding flip with its killer break unavailable to humankind. The comatose shall inherit the Earth. It's up to you to demand justice be done. Estimating around 5 copies may exist in collections. The flip is pretty janglin' pop, the only psych tinge being the title, really.
187 - Classics - Mean Woman / Pink Cats/I Dont Wanna Be Around/Bo Diddley (Ram 66037) S5/R5/L3
this track should theoretically not be listed here, since it's not a 45 but an EP. However rules were made to be broken, and the omission of this EP would be a crime, considering its greatness and rarity. The four songs cover a lot of ground stylistically from the cute pop-fantasy (not psych) of "Pink Cats" through sweet harmony pop ("I Don't Wanna Be Around"), and a restrained, double-speed rendition of the "Bo Diddley" classic. However, it's "Mean Woman" that we're here to talk about...a chunky, chugging riff-driven garage mover further propelled by clean stuttering electric lead lines, rumbling toms and call-and-answer vocals. A stunning release, rare as hen's teeth. "Mean Woman" is compiled on Quagmire Vol. 1 or Let's Dig 'Em Up CD or LP3
188 - Boy Blues - Coming Down To You / Living Child (Frantic 2131-2 p/s) S3/R5/L2
recently brought to our attention is the picture sleeve for this 45, which is rare enough without the sleeve. A repro of the sleeve can be viewed on the Psychedelic Disaster Whirl compilation, where the music can also be found. One of at least 4 killer rarities on the California based Frantic label (including Psycho, Styx and the ungodly rare Mystic), we think it's the only one which came with a picture sleeve. Monster fuzz guitar throughout. Hear it on the recent Yes, Yes, Yes CD. The flip is a cool and unconventional pop fuzz nugget, compiled on the Storm In The Garage box.
189 - Mikes Messengers - Gone And Left Me / Cause Of All Mankind (El-Ez-De 122580) S4/R4/L3
"wooh yeah!" a monster vocal performance, with tasty lyrics "my love life is empty, but my pocketbook is full" and a scream to die for. Flip it over and a classic jangler shimmers forth, the perfect antidote for Helen Reddy. What a great 2-sider, and nothing whatsoever to do with El-Ez-De. We think it's likely to exist in a less than 10 quantity, hopefully more opinion will hit this desk in the near future. Hear "Gone And Left Me" on BFTG7 LP, and the flip on Teenage Shutdown TS-6605
190 - Answers - Fool Turn Around / Please Go Away (Blue Boy 21002) S4/R5/L4
for the history of this Californian band we refer you to the liner notes of Teenage Shutdown TS-6605, where the music from both sides of this 45 can also be heard. All that remains for us to tell you is that it's as legendary for its rarity as for its sound, perhaps more so. However we do know of at least 4 copies in nice condition. Because of this, we think 8-10 copies in collections worldwide is as good a guess as anyone could make
191 - Avantes - Baby Go / Beginnings End (Avant 2713) S5/R4/L2
a superb 2-sider. "Baby Go" is a deceptively simple and beautiful pop/beat amalgam which somehow manages to find chord sequences and melodies that no other song ever touched upon. There is magic in this world. The flipside "Beginning's End" is haunting, melodic polished pop, unmistakably belonging to the garage genre, with its rolling toms and chiming clean guitars. A beautiful song that begs to be reissued. Several copies are known, definitely less than 10. We need more information. Hear "Baby Go" on the great Shutdown 66 LP compilation
192 - Bends - If Its All The Same To You / The Four Seasons Of Love (Rebel HF-103) S4/R5/L3
the rarest 60's garage 45 from the state of Connecticut, this bonecrushing, ragged thrasher will evoke the Velvet Underground for some, with its waves of sustained, distorted and tinny electric organ. To others this will be blasphemy. The flip is atrocious MOR, credited to a different artist, but sounding very much like the same group with a different lead singer. There are a handful of copies which have surfaced over the last 10 years, mostly in lesser condition, and only one of them is known to be near mint. Hear it on BFTG 7
193 - Mystery Men - I Got A Feeling / Pier X instrumental (Ceva 1020) S3/R5/L2
A real tuffie to find in any shape. 3 copies known : M-, VG/VG+ and a M- cracked nearly in half copy that was traded off to a hungry collector. Topside is a minor key teen jangler which is more moody than folk, and which is neatly enhanced by a well-placed "Move it baby!" after the break. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6602, while the ultra-demented flipside can be enjoyed on the cool and under-rated Crypt label comp "Ho-Dad Hootenanny"
194 - Drones - Im Down Today / Why Must The World (Mod K-49) S4/R4/L3
this 45 is by The Drones from Valley Centre, California and is not the same band as The Drones from Montgomery, Alabama who released two 45's on the Drone label. How do we know these esoteric details? C'mon, you know who told us. Simple, lyrically depressing and moody, it's nonetheless uplifting unlike that champion of downer garage, the Specters "Depression". We know of 3 mint copies, and therefore guess the total population could be less than 10. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6606. The flip is a ballad and a little dreary.
195 - Thee Sixpence - In The Building / Hey Joe (All-American 333) S4/R4/L4
the rarest and best of 6 45s released in the mid-sixties by this Los Angeles band who later changed their name to The Strawberry Alarm Clock, and hit the bigtime with "Incense And Peppermints". It's fuzz-drenched, raw and primitive, avoiding the dreaded heavy psych tag which permeates much of their later work. There are a few copies around (8 that we know of or suspect), and we think maybe a dozen would be a safe be for an estimated worldwide population. Hear it on the Psychedelic Disaster Whirl LP, or the more recent Akarma compilation featuring all the band's 45s. Flip is a decent version.
196 - Secrets - Somethin Good For Me / Love (Raven 3001) S3/R5/L1
a moody, atmospheric ballad with simple chords and raw production, yet stands out from the pack and sticks in the brain. This is another ultra-rare disc, we know of only 3 copies, and we estimate 5 or less in collections worldwide. Unknown even to many hardcore collectors, it hasn't been compiled and is rarely seen. The primitive flip seems to have accordion backing and veers toward doowop territory.
197 - Shames - My World Is Upside Down / Special Ones (RFT-1001) S5/R4/L4
To appreciate a record like this - you have to picture the band in action, mentally project that image while you listen. Then perhaps you can see what an uncompromising, powerhouse record we're dealing with here. Not plastic music for your ears alone, this here wild 60s garage punk requires your full attention. Beneath the melodic clang and chaos is a band who sing and play with abandon, determination and passion. On both sides of the record. Tim Warren regrets : "Argh - i'd sold my no-band name copy first edition in 1998 - they had forgotten to include the band name on the label, so it's an ORANGE label with magic marker-written band name. Probably rarer than the yellow-label repressing." We estimate 12-15 existing copies, covering both orange and yellow label editions. Hear both sides on BFTG6.
198 - Shade - All Is Gone / Big Boy Pete (Twilight 2101) S4/R5/L3
Details Not Found
199 - Ascots - So Good / Who Will It Be (Frat 10790) S5/R4/L4
atonal, chaotic, unconventional, raw and loose. Make that a double, because it's hard to choose which side of this ace percussive pounder is the greater work of art. For some time a major G100 rarity, until recently when exactly 10 mint copies were released by an ex-bandmember. The 10 copies are currently available for $1000 each from a well known reputable dealer. We also know from direct contact that the bandmember had a total of 14 copies and the 4 remaining copies will not be sold. Hear "So Good" on BFTG6 LP, and the flip on Teenage Shutdown Vol. 8 or the recently released Quagmire Vol. 1.
200 - Es Shades - Anyday, Anywhere / Without My Love (United Audio 5982) S5/R4/L2
the 45 by this Lodi, Ohio band is probably the greatest psych-tinged garage 2-sider of all, duking it out with the Human Expression for the grand prize. It's hard to say which side is best (the b-side - ed.), because both are killer driving moody garage/psych tracks, with searing fuzz guitar inflicted by one Ms Cat Rood (yes, a teenage girl). Let Cat Rood tell the story of her career, visit her website which includes a photograph of the Es Shades http://www.cat-rood.com/Bio.htm. Now let us tell you a story...if the 25-plus mint copies of this 45 which have supposedly been found recently and hoarded ever hit the collectors' market, this 45 will lose it's current high dollar value and plummet down this list. At present we estimate around a dozen copies may exist in collections. We know of 6, plus one which was destroyed by a collector/dealer from Ohio who became enraged when he realised he had sold the record too cheaply on eBay. He snapped the incredible ultra-rare 45 in two and sent us the pieces just to prove his point - see scan. So much for Ohio's musical heritage. Both sides uncompiled. Hear both sides on Teen Blast USA Vol. 2
201 - Centurys - Don't Bother / Together To Stay (Renco R-116) S5/R4/L4
pressed on paper-thin vinyl, it's no wonder this 45 appears to be almost extinct. Most copies probably ended up in pieces after a couple of parties or just normal wear and tear. The a-side is a fantastic tuff beat/pop song, perhaps lacking only a break or a scream. The flip is moody, but builds via a monster scream into a rousing anthem, and then a reverberant break, and back to the moody verse. The band released 4 killer 45s, two of them on Renco, one on Swan and another on BB. All are essential, but the Renco releases especially this one, are ultra-rare. We estimate less than 10 copies of "Don't Bother" exist. Hear both tracks on The Renco Demos EP
202 - Sands Of Time - Red Light / I Want To Thank You Girl (Sterling 1082) S3/R5/L2
a semi-psychedelic rant against the evils of traffic congestion "red lights wherever I go, they give me a pain, they drive me insane". Though obviously tackling a populist theme, the 45 must've tanked because there are no copies to be found. Only 2 or 3 copies have surfaced over the years. Not to be confused with The Sands Of Time on Stearly which is a different crew. The band had an earlier release which is even more ultra-rare at one known copy - however it's owner says it's unlistable on the G45 because it's not very good and features a kazoo break on the "good" side. "Red Light" though, is a catchy beat/pop garage mover, with touches of "mysterious" organ. Hear it on Pebbles Vol.16. The flip is a chart turkey with no place to roost.
203 - Noblemen - Short Time / Jeanie (Orlyn 66421) S5/R5/L4
In their mission to take the Kinks to the next level, the Noblemen correctly sussed that the missing ingredients were wall-of-fuzz guitar, LOUD screams and a few extra chords and key changes. They managed to deliver the goods with their new formula, and further guaranteed their legend by releasing the 45 on the ultra-obscure, but now revered Orlyn label of Chicago, Illinois. There are two pressings, one has slightly muffled sound (deadwax T5KM-6316/7). The other is clear, brilliant and brutal (deadwax TK4M-6249/50). Containing the hands down most shockingly intense scream in all of recorded music, the second pressing is rightfully regarded as a classic, and one of the top 3 releases on the Orlyn label (with Half Pint & The Fifths "Orphan Boy" and Outspoken Blues "Not Right Now"). Both pressings are ultra-rare, but considering a small (3 copies?) quantity was recently found of the first press, and the sonic superiority of the second press, we don't need to tell you which one you need2own, do we? Hear it on BFG-7. Soporific ballad flip unsuccessfully attempts to atone for the heathen topside. BTTG contender.
204 - Castaways - Ain't Gonna Cheat On Me / You Were Tellin Lies (Tornado 2003) S4/R5/L3
This is one elusive disc, and we've never seen a copy. However, we do know the whereabouts of two, and suspect that there would have to be at least 5 out there. Both songs are driving, catchy beat/pop with strong melodies, cool harmony vocals and screams, and in the case of "Ain't Gonna Cheat On Me", a neat song structure. The flip is a two chord wonder, but nonetheless fab. The group were happily possessed of a five star drummer with a preference for machine-gun snare attack and a complete disregard for the integrity of his ride cymbal. Hear both sides on Sixties Rebellion Vol. 9 LP or CD
205 - Moss & The Rocks - There She Goes / Please Come Back (Ikon 181) S3/R5/L2
The first release of the first record by the band who went on to record as Public Nuisance in the late 60s. The a-side is a strong ballad, with British influences but sounding all their own. The flip combines sweet harmonies ala the Beach Boys "Surfer Girl" with a chymin' riff perhaps inspired by the Beatles' "Ticket To Ride". It's doubtful that groups such as this ever aspired to be garage band legends. They listened to hits, and we guess wanted a hit for themselves, too. Pity it didn't happen, even with two issues of this 45, first on Ikon in 1965, reissued the following year on the Chattahoochee label out of LA (home of Ty Wagner, Chymes, Bosstweeds and a mysterious 45 called "Never Ask Again" by The End Result about which we would like to know more). Only one copy of the Ikon 45 is known to exist. The reason it isn't in the G100 is the same reason it's not on BFTG. The Chattahoochie 45 is currently available on various dealers' set sale lists. Hear both versions of both songs on the Public Nuisance "gotta Survive" CD, recently issued on Frantic.
206 - Tides In - Trip With Me / Go Away From My Door (Sanfris 18) S3/R5/L3
"Trip with me and you will see a magic world in which you'll be free, the cube is right for its little price, so come on babe, and trip with me...you'll never feel bad, you'll never feel sad..". Obviously these guys had yet to be alerted to the downside of swallowing sugar-coated hallucinogenic drugs, even when obtained at a budget price. Although we doubt the ditty was based on personal experience, the vocals and harmonies do sound just a little closer to catatonic than your average teen punk screamers. As basic as this song is, it's still incredibly catchy, and with its rarity has become legendary and very sought-after. We estimate 6-8 copies in collections. Hear it on the Chosen Few CD or LP Vol. 1. The flipside is a decent and primitive moody thrasher
207 - Barons - Don't Come Back No More / Try A Love With Me (Jafes 985) S4/R4/L2
Strongly percussive rhythm guitar combined with urgent drumming creates timing and feel reminiscent of Rod & The Satalites "She Cares", that no drum machine could ever emulate. The flip "Try A Love With Me" shows how the Buddy Holly sound quickly mutated into teen garage when exposed to the upbeat British Invasion influence. The Jafes label was actually a Fenton custom job, and the Barons could therefore be regarded as part of Michigan's incredible Fenton stable of 60s garage bands. It's earlier (1965) and much rarer than most Fentons, only one completely whipped copy has been offered in recent years. We do know of one near mint copy, and feel confident that 10 copies in collections worldwide would be an overestimate. Hear it on Quagmire 2 CD
208 - Soothsayers - Black Nor Blue / Do You Need Me (Acropolis 6612 p/s) S4/R5/L2
The Soothsayers were gods, and the Acropolis label indeed the temple of the gods. All six tracks released on this label by this band and labelmates The Young Aristocracy are teen folk or pop garage masterpieces of the highest order. This release A-6612 is the rarest of the three 45s, although they are all more or less easy to obtain. However like the Skeptics, also from the Midwest, the picture sleeves are insanely rare (with the exception of the Soothsayers first 45 picture sleeve A-6601 which is insanely common). Only one copy of the "Black Nor Blue" sleeve has ever been found. Today it lives in California. Hear "Black Nor Blue" on Teenage Shutdown TS-6608, and the flip on Monsters Of The Midwest 3 LP
209 - Herd - Things Won't Change / Sun Has Gone (Octopus 257) S4/R5/L2
If this track weren't so damn WILD, it would have been a chart hit. It has all the ingredients in spades, a memorable tune, a simple and direct theme with strong vocals and harmonies, and plenty of dynamics within the arrangement. Add lashings of fuzz guitar, pounding drums and searing lead in all the right places...well, what happened? This 45 tanked so badly, it barely exists on the face of the earth. In fact until this year (2003), there were just 3 copies known. However a further 4 copies were unearthed recently and have now found homes in top collections around the world. A copy was to have been offered on eBay, but it never had a chance, really. Hear it on Michigan Mixture vol. 2 . Flip is a very slow folk/pop ballad, with a nice tune if you can sit through it.
210 - Invasion - Do You Like What You See / The Wind Keeps On Blowing (Dynamic Sound 2009) S4/R5/L3
Another strange case (similar to the two Primates releases on Marko) of two identical looking 45s, one ultra-rare and one relatively common, by the same band on the same label. Only this time the killer track is also the rare one. The Invasion were from Milwaukee, WI and released an uptempo folk/pop ditty "I Want To Thank You" b/w a great novelty fuzz rocker "The Invasion Is Coming", before getting serious with this murderous fuzz & farfisa screamer. Somehow a quantity of the first 45 must have survived, but the second is almost extinct, having been offered for sale only once in the last several years. We estimate 5 or 6 copies to be the extent of its dispersion, worldwide. We've been advised that probably 100 or at the most 200 copies were pressed. Hear it on BFTG 7, LP or CD. The flip is a decent folk/pop jangler with earnest philosophical lyrics.
211 - Myrchents - Indefinite Inhibition / All Around You (Musicol HR 1094) S4/R4/L2
The Mus-I-Col label from Columbus, Ohio issued a handful of top notch 60s garage punk 45s, and most of them are extremely rare. This ranks #2 in the Mus-I-Col heirarchy, after the Creations on subsidiary label Hull, and narrowly beating out the Edicates 2 sider. Like the Barracudas on Zundak, this sounds ridiculously sped up in the mastering, but those who have heard the mastertape say that's the way it is. Of course it's also possible to create a sped up mastertape during the final mix. Restrained until the break, it's lifted high by an orgy of wild string-bending. And by the crude twang of the punkish teen lead vocalist. Often seen on collector's wantlists, we estimate 6-10 copies may exist in collections. Hear it on the Scum Of The Earth CD. Flipside is a low key folk jangler with nice melody and harmony vocals.
212 - Four Speeds - Why Did You Leave Me / Bedrock (Harlyn 101) S3/R4/L4
a Texas garage killer with a power-pop edge, an interesting arrangement and clean biting guitar. It's melodic and the tune is memorable, however it's so hideously rare that few may ever have the pleasure of hearing it. How many copies exist we don't know for sure, but a copy sold recently on eBay for $100. We missed it, and so did you. The tape we have reveals one of the copies to be pretty hacked, with lots of prominent scratches. The music however cuts through cleanly. This may or may not be the Texas group "The Speeds" which included Don Henley later of the Eagles. Mike Markesich says until proven, he reserves judgement. Never compiled, but you can hear it at http://www.beyondthebeatgeneration.com
213 - Devil's Own - I Just Wanna Make Love / Hey Joe (Exit CO-1907) S4/R5/L3
Details Not Found
214 - Epic Five - I Need Your Lovin' / I've Got That Feeling (Sully 1004) S4/R5/L2
The Epic Five had the Texas swagger, the same quality that Zakary Thaks deliver in the rhythm department. It's not just the drumming, but the way the rhythm instuments and vocals work together to propel the track. If you like driving fuzz guitar and plenty of heavy farfisa, then this one's for you. Easily the rarest Sully release, this one rarely shows up at all, and we estimate less than 5 copies exist in collections, since we only know of 2. It's now been compiled on Let's Dig Em Up #3. The flip is very disappointing.
215 - Skip Ellis - Your Bad Faithey's Theme / Ice Cube Girl (City 100) S4/R5/L1
While this 45 is so rare and obscure that we doubt it influenced anything or anybody, it's certainly a forerunner of 70s punk/thrash and ahead of its time in that respect. Particularly the b-side "Ice Cube Girl" with a fuzz guitar sound best described as a glorious racket. The flip is an ultra-crude but original sounding folk punker, with the emphasis on punk, sounding like a distant mutant relative of "Hey Joe", but taking that chord progression places it was never designed to go. Only 3 copies are known to exist, but we can't say it's widely sought-after. Perhaps now, the legend can take hold...Both sides uncompiled.
216 - Rehabilitation Cruise - I Don't Care What They Say / Mini Skirt (Rondon 21119-20) S4/R5/L3
Details Not Found
217 - Huns - Destination Lonely / Winning Ticket (Rock n' Jazz S-4923 blue label) S5/R5/L4
From Arlington Heights Illinois, the Huns sound bears a striking resemblance to Chicago band the Shadows Of Knight, especially the vocals. Notice this entry concerns the blue label version only. This was the original pressing, and according to our advice was a vanity pressing of just 100 copies, and never issued. It's the same two tracks as appear on the more common (but still rare!) red label pressing, but mixed without the confusing doubling echo effects and b-side airplane sound effects. The blue-label original sounds much drier, tougher and better! However, only 4 copies are known to exist, and 3 of those came from a bandmember in one tiny quantity find a few years ago. The version to be found on compilations we've heard is the red label version, so we're noting an "uncompiled" status for the blue label version.
218 - Tombstones - I Want You / You'll Regret It (Grave 1001) S5/R4/L4
If you haven't heard this track by South Carolina's finest, first take a look at the band photo adorning the cover of Back From The Grave. Now that you have a mental picture of the well-groomed school-kids standing in formation in their best school suits and ties, drop the needle into the groove. What is THIS?!? Primal thrustin' R&B fuzz-laced barnstormin' punkified garage anarchy! The lead guitarist is really pushin' the known limits of the instrument, circa early '67 when this track was waxed. No Hendrix influence here, and none needed either. It's ultra-rare, not impossible but we've seen only 2 copies change hands in the last several years. Our estimate comes in at 8-12 copies in collections. Hear it on BFTG 7. The moody folk ballad flip is a cut above average
219 - Peabody Hermitage - Something So / Fear (Tennalaga 951) S4/R5/L1
One of the three out-n-out killdozers unearthed that sport the Tennalaga label name. The Fuzz is on stun on the topside, literally obliterating the rhythm section entirely. killer stingin' breaks a-plenty! The flip takes the eerie vibe way-up on the spook-o meter, with a cautious choppy temp, punctuated by a whammy-bar sting at the end of each verse to create that sinister effect. The combo has never been found, but the record bein' discovered well past the 1968 date is what's important, dig? "Fear" the flip is aces too and can be heard on the Psychedelic Experience CD! Hear "Something So" on Teenage Shutdown TS-6613.
220 - Gentrys - Wild / Moments (Kado DV-0074) S3/R5/L2
Ultra-revved rock n' roll utilizing the triple attack of searing lead guitar, raunchy sax and machine-gun snare to provide a suitable backdrop for the crazed hollerin' beloved of Burlingame, California's Gentrys. There's nothin' to the song of course, being a strict 12-bar progression, but the delivery and the energy level is awesome enough to compensate. It's speculated that 5 or less copies have ever been found, and we know where 3 of those currently reside. Hear it on BFTG 7, or the Norton 7" re-issue. The godawful flip proves that there were "Moments" when the Gentrys were not quite so "Wild".
221 - Euphoria's Id - Deception's Ice / Hey Joe (Eadit 201,365-6) S5/R4/L4
Deception's Ice was much too thin, it's broken and you've fallen in...a sophisticated song delivered with deadly precision and power. Take one guitar, organ, bass and drums, superior songwriting and a great arrangement, set up in a simple studio and hit the record button. You'd be lucky to achieve a result in the league of this monster, but at least it'd be an honest shot. For further proof of the awesome talent of this band, check the flip, a standout in a pack of heavyweight Hey Joe contenders. The same band who earlier recorded the ultra-rare "I Just Don't Understand You Baby" on Cinema. Although extremely rare, copies of the Eadit 45 do show up occasionally, and we've noted 5 change hands in the last few years. And estimate 15-20 copies may exist in collections. Hear both sides and read the full story of The Id on the recently released comprehensive CD compilation of the band's material on GoldenRetrieverRecords.com
222 - Visions - Route 66 / Take Her (Vimco 20) S3/R5/L3
Besides utilizing a distorted 12-string guitar riff reminiscent of "Hey Joe" to update the feel of the Bobby Troup classic, the Visions from Mineral Wells Texas also added a boss piano boogie lick to the mix. A coupla screams round it out and it's ready to take its place alongside "She's The Girl For Me" and "Humpty Dumpty" as a triple knockout punch for the band, all released in the space of 6 months, late 65 to early 66. Like the other two, it has never been found in any quantity and remains as ultra-rare as it is great. We haven't seen a copy yet, but know of 3 which do exist. Probably more lurk, but certainly under 10 worldwide. Hear it on Texas Flashbacks Vol. 6 LP
223 - Mourning Reign - Satisfaction Guaranteed / Our Fate (Link MR-1 p/s) S5/R3/L5
The legend surrounding these hipsters from San Jose, California is that some of the members, including the lead singer, wore Beatle wigs. We don't know if it's true, but it would certainly throw a different light on the group as depicted on the supercool sleeve of their incredible 45 on Link. No matter, the sounds are long-haired and authentic, and very original. Certainly very hard to find and highly sought-after, the 45 is however not in the ultra-rare category, and is offered from time to time, sometimes without the picture sleeve. Back in the early 80s a box of 25 copies with sleeves was found, and were sold off for $50 apiece! We estimate 30 or more copies may exist in collections, more than half of them with the picture sleeve. Hear both sides on the Sundazed picture sleeve EP
224 - Changing Tides - Don't Say Goodbye / I'm Crying (Surf EC-4661) S3/R5/L1
This Surf label appeared out of Valley Stream, New York and judging by the sound of this group, the year may well have been 1965. A very clean lead guitar chime floats above a reverberating swirl of sound, and the recording has a great atmospheric live feel. The flip is thee best version of "I'm Crying", even beating the Rising Tides ultracool acetate-only version. Both sides of the Surf 45 are uncompiled, for now. To the best of our knowledge, only one copy has ever been found.
225 - Spiders - Why Don't You Love Me / Hitch Hike (Mascot 112) S2/R5/L5
One of the rarest records in all of 45 collecting, not just the garage loop. Far rarer and more expensive than the musically superior second Spiders release on Santa Cruz, the Mascot 45 is very difficult to obtain. We've never seen a copy, and don't expect to anytime soon, since we only know of one copy among the collections we've perused. Perhaps some Alice Cooper fans have copies tucked away, which is the reason for our prudent estimate of 10 or less, worldwide. While it's no big deal among garage collectors, we wouldn't say no if a copy ever did show up! Hear both sides of the 45 on the Sundazed picture sleeve Spiders EP
226 - Christopher & The Souls - Diamonds, Rats and Gum / Broken Hearted Lady (Pharaoh P-151) S4/R4/L3
McAllen, Texas-based Pharaoh Records spewed forth a small handful of degenerate-sounding 45s by local teen combos in the mid-sixties. The Headstones, Cavaliers, Playboys Of Edinburgh and Christopher (Chris Voss) and the Souls produced 45s which have made this Texas label a legend comparable with Alamo Audio and Mark VII. This track from 1966 is bizarre and fantastic with lines like "I'll give you rats and five pieces of gum and then you'll know I'm not a bum", whimpered over a grinding slurry of fiercely demented fuzz guitar, bass and drums. One of the rarest on a rare label, second only to the mega-rare "24 Hours Everyday" by the Headstones, we estimate no more than 10 copies in collections. Hear it on Texas Punk Vol 5 LP. The sweet ballad flipside has some redeeming qualities.
227 - Steps Beyond - Go On Your Way Girl / Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying (Mark VII 1021) S3/R5/L1
Falling into the teen-garage category, meaning it's not really primitive, moody or folk. And not quite polished enough to classify as pop. However, the twin jangle of 12 string and clean guitars, powerful drumming, strong organ chords and vocal harmonies make it a winner. Add to this a double-speed rave-up to finish and hooks that prove to be pretty catchy after a couple of spins. Its extremely rare and probably exists in a microquantity of less than 10 copies. Pretty elusive it's managed to remain uncompiled for over 30 years. Somebody catch it quick!
228 - Dominions - I Need Her / Spanish Harlem (Graves GRS-1091) S5/R4/L2
from Eugene, Oregon this band was led by singer and organist Round Randy who was also a member of The Moguls (the b-side of their monster "Another Day" 45 on Tork was named after him). The supreme master of the constipated vocal, Randy's singing is unique, dynamic and really cuts through the mix. The other unexpected twist is the sax solo, which either makes or breaks the track, depending on your viewpoint. It certainly can't be ignored and after the initial shock we like it a lot. Like most Graves 45s (named after label and studio owner and Alan C. Graves), it's ultra-rare. We estimate around 10 copies survive, which is 8 more than the Fifth Row Bac on the same label. Hear it on Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol 16. The flip is a. MOR instrumental with sax melody, and BTTG contender
229 - Drusalee & The Dead - Lily / Exodus (Vardan 303) S4/R5/L3
Details Not Found
230 - Trolls - That's The Way My Love Is / Into My Arms (Ruff 45-1010) S4/R5/L2
The mid-sixties saw killer releases on 45 by 3 different Trolls from San Jose, Colorado and Illinois. This is the Colorado Trolls. This is the rarest and we have to say the best Trolls, although the other two Trolls put up a helluva fight. But fuzz guitar set to a syncopated beat is something rare and unusual, especially when the band is raw, powerful, melodic and rocks. A mega-rarity, we know of 2 mint copies and 3 others in lesser condition. Our estimate is for 10 or less in collections. Hear it on Monsters Of The Midwest Vol.3 or Texas Flashbacks Vol. 1
231 - Shadows Four - Heart Of Wood / Follow Me (Fleetwood 4553) S4/R4/L3
Among a handful of killers (Bondsmen, Levis, Little John & The Sherwoods, What Fours) on the Fleetwood label of MA, this one stands out as probably the strongest 2-sider. It's equal parts surf influenced, specifically sweet Beach Boys inspired melody, and merseybeat. The homegrown surf sound predominates, with a typical surfin combo drum style and the guitarist using the whammy bar to good effect. Like The Beach Boys, they wrote great songs with coherent themes "Why do you make me blue, what have I done to you? I can't believe this is you. When you're feelin good, I'll do the same to you, and break your Heart Of Wood". Like most Fleetwoods, it's verging on ultra-rare, and is rarely offered for sale. Sez Tim Warren : "swapped my Dovers '3rd eye' for this way back. still wondering which i'd rather have..." Well Tim, you'll probably find a Third Eye floatin' around, but hang onto your Heart Of Wood, you may never see another. Hear both sides on the New England Teen Scene CD
232 - Seeds Of Time - She's Been Travelin' 'Round The World / Gina (Morgan HV-9060) S4/R5/L2
Details Not Found
233 - Twilighters - Nothing Can Bring Me Down / I Need You (Mark VII 1023) S4/R5/L2
Here's the crossover point, pinned precisely to mid-1968. The band uses fuzz guitar and splendid farfisa, both played with savage intensity as they were in '66. The drummer pounds mercilessly at the kit, blissfully unaware of the soon-to-be obvious fact that it's missing several rack toms and a gong. However, the guitarist HAS heard Jimi Hendrix and was very, very impressed. And the singer HAS heard Cream and Vanilla Fudge, and has changed his vocal inflections to a deeper, more mature soulful tener. This is what happened in 1968, when being a teen suddenly lost its rosy glow. Vietnam the cause? We think so, among other factors. Still a monster garage nugget, and one of the best and rarest on Mark VII out of Waco, itself one of the top Texas garage labels of the mid-sixties. Hear it on Texas Flashback Vol. 2 LP or CD. The flip is (as usual) the total opposite - a slow, dreary bluesy love ballad.
234 - Mott's Men - She Is So Mean / Comin' Or Goin' (Loren 1005) S4/R5/L3
Details Not Found
235 - Trackers - You Are My World / Why Do I Cry (Landa Sounds LS-101) S4/R4/L3
The Gents on Duane is a mystery group, and it's been claimed that they came from Bermuda, not Florida. Although the disc is not triangular in shape, we reluctantly accept the assertion. With two clean guitars going flat-out for the entire performance, the energy level on this track is beyond awesome. Whipped along by surging waves of frenzied drumming, and urgent vocals with backup, the track never loses momentum, and seems complete despite the lack of a break. Another track delivering a convincing image of a band set loose, live and seemingly not intimidated by the studio surroundings. Tim Warren sez at least 5 copies surfaced in 1984, which were sold over the years at bargain prices. We think the supply has run out, and this is now rare and extremely sought-after. Maybe 15-20 copies "out there", several mint. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6604 LP or CD. The dreamy ballad flip builds to a strong middle eight reminiscent of The Animals at their finest.
236 - Circus - Bad Seed / Burn Witch Burn (Offe 101) S4/R5/L3
"I was born in a taxi, in a thunderstorm, yes I was..." Not a good start, no wonder they call him the Bad Seed, wild as a weed. Electric organ and rhythm guitar work tightly together against the busy syncopated drumming and wailing harmonica to create a disturbed, frantic backdrop for the deranged threats of the criminally insane vocalist. "you better watch youself if I ever get free, 'cause you're the first one I'm gonna do in...". The flip "Burn Witch Burn" is equally off the wall "I grabbed the old hag and threw her on the ground, made sure that she was gagged and bound...". The whereabouts of this band is a total mystery, while the record was pressed in Houston there is no proof that the band were even from Texas (although in all likelihood they were). One copy only offered for sale in recent years, it's an ultra-rarity with less than 10 copies estimated to exist in collections. Hear "Bad Seed" on it on Flashback Vol. 3, and the flip on the Texas Punk From The Sixties LP
237 - Esquires - Come On, Come On / Loneliness Is Mine (Glenvalley 103/Texan 103) S4/R4/L4
For a complete explantion of the various releases by this band see our entry for "Judgement Day" above. The picture sleeve for this release shows the band as pretty boys dressed to kill, somehow reminiscent of photos we've seen of Ohio 60s garage band the Choir. No offense to The Choir who were responsible for some monster garage pop releases, but their sound was at least to some degree reflected in their popster image. Not so the Esquires, who thrash their instruments to the brink of destruction on this release, all the while displaying superb musicianship and delivering the goods with energy and style. "Come On, Come On" was released 3 times by the Esquires, the same high energy original cut twice on Texan and Glenvalley, and a later toned-down version again on Glenvalley. Only the original version counts here, and we estimate perhaps 10 copies of each of the Texan and Glenvalley releases exist in collections. Hear it on Flashbacks Vol. 1 or Teenage Shutdown Vol. 1. The moody ballad flip is a worthwhile example of the genre.
238 - Threshold Of Sound - She's Mine / Nobody But Us (Nettie 101) S2/R5/L2
Every genre has its novelties, and this young teenage band from New Orleans were in the right place at the right time to grab a slice of history for themselves, releasing this parody of the "she's so fine" Beatlish tunes of the era. This time it turns out "that little girl's so ugly she's gotta sneak up on the glass...". Uuurrghhh! A fun tune, not a monster but a prime example of the put-down genre, and insanely rare. We don't even know how rare, having only ever heard of one copy, but we assume around 3-5 copies in collections may be a fair max guess. Hear it on Louisiana Punk From The Sixties, LP or CD. Flip is a dreary instrumental, sounding like the music a theatre might use during intermission.
239 - Id - Rotten Apple / Listen To Me (Jolly Roger 101 p/s) S3/R5/L3
A clean teen combo sound with restrained dynamics which break out in the second half. The band was from California and released two pressings of this 45, the original with a dark blue label, and the repressing with a light blue label, with additional white label promos existing. One of the pressings had a cool picture sleeve featuring a mournful looking band in a graveyard with instruments in hand, huddled around a tombstone. This is the sleeve which earns the Id an R5 rarity rating and the high position on the G45, since only one copy has ever been uncovered. The existence of this copy is now in doubt, since its owner "can't find it" (along with multiple other monster rarities). However, a photocopied version exists, despite the current owner having vigorously attempted to disallow it. Very nearly scoring an extra star, however lacking a break made up for by an interesting middle-8. Hear it on Diggin' For Gold Vol. 7. Yet another moody folk/pop ballad resides on the flip.
240 - Vandals - Your Love Will Die / Mary (D 381) S3/R5/L1
At least 5 different US garage bands released 45's in the '60s under this name. This bunch were from Atlanta GA, and released this melodic but rocket-fuelled primitive powerpop nugget on the "D" label, presumably in the pre-psychedelic garage era. The drumming is busy (yeah!) and the sound is wide open and live. And talk about obscure...only 2 or 3 copies have surfaced so far. Being such an unknown, it's possible that more will be unearthed as the 45 gains notoriety. Which it will do once you have a chance to hear it. Uncompiled
241 - Dagenites - I Don't Want To Try It Again / Now That Summer's Gone (Pixie MCR-204) S5/R4/L4
The Pixie label was based in Dayton Ohio, and produced at least 3 great records by garage bands (Bittervetch and Dave & The Stone Hearts being two others we have heard). The Dagenites from Oxon Hill, MD were the leaders of the pack, and here's live-in-the studio proof of the band's power. Not only were the band ace musicians to a man, but the song is a killer, and the lyrics are fab. "I Don't Want To Try It Again" whether intended or not, is a double-entendre which could allude to either sex or drugs (the former in this case). In any case, the experience must have been pretty devastating, to inspire such a furious outburst of negativity. We've had no advice regarding the rarity of this one, leaving us with nothing but the following formula : took years to find + was expensive + only know of 3 others + never on eBay + on BFTG8 + tiny label - not a custom label = 10-15 copies. That's if you believe our formula. Tim Warren writes : "Alec Palao found a copy of a DIFFERENT version of "I Don't Wanna Try..." on the HEIGH-HO label!!!...i've asked the band twice now and they don't remember it..." The Heigh-ho version has restrained vocals and Everly Brothers style harmonies, unfortunately. But it has a WILD and extended lead break. And you can clearly hear "Play It J.B." before the solo. (John Bardi as listed in Fuzz Acid & Flowers) . The flip is a sweet ballad that, while stretching the definition of garage, is an original and worthwhile inclusion. Likely to remain forever uncompiled.
242 - Last Knight - Shadow Of Fear / Come On Up (Orlyn 3520) S4/R4/L4
"you can't look at girls, you can't drink any beer, you gotta get your kicks in the shadow of fear". From the first tantalizing lash of fuzz guitar, you're on notice that this is a special track. An almost perfect combination of the classic elements of choice grade US 60s garage, the track combines a catchy organ/clean guitar driven riff with a tension-inducing chorus, leading to a wild fuzz break and a quick flash of pounding toms. Crude but tuneful vocals and simple backups round out the combo, ensuring that this disc takes its place as one of the top 5 Orlyns, itself one of the top garage labels from the mid-sixties USA. Like most Orlyns, no quantity find and the disc is estimated to exist in a quantity of less than a dozen copies. Hear it on Pebbles Vol. 6 CD. The flip is one of at least 8 versions of the Young Rscals "Come On Up" to be found on the flipside of various garage 45s.
243 - Bondsmen - I've Tried And Tried / You Must Believe Me (Orlyn 8843) S4/R5/L3
Very understated, very original. A beautiful moody garage punker indeed with it's legend assured by virtue of it's appearance on the super-collectable Orlyn label out of Illinois. This has clean guitar lines, graceful swooping bass runs and tuneful harmonies. As well as the essential "moody" ingredient of mysterious organ chords mixed way back. If the group wasn't called the Bondsmen, we'd swear those were female backing vocals. Obviously not, just a very young teenage band. With awesome talent. Hear it on the (sorry whoever put this out) disastrously poor sound quality compilation "Let 'Em Have It" Vol. 1. Rest assured the original pressing sounds a lot better than what you will hear on this comp. Like most Orlyns, ultra rare and probably limited to less than a dozen copies in collections. A nice copy appeared recently on eBay and went for a very reasonable price. The flip is a decent reading of the Curtis Mayfield classic.
244 - Things - My Love / Take It From Me (DJ-102) S4/R5/L3
Textbook example of the clean sound created by combos with surfin' roots adopting the percussive, melodic style of the early Britsh Invasion advance guard. Angular chords and choppy rhythms create tension, heightened by the unexpected rimshot bursts. With more enthusiasm than polish, these Things from El Paso Texas produced just one outstanding 45 and are not the same group who cut the killer "In Your Soul" to be found on the first Acid Visions box. We regard the DJ-102 release as verging on ultra-rare, and have not seen a copy offered in the last several years. One source advises that copies were available in an earlier era, but we have no way of confirming this. Hear it on Quagmire Vol. 2. The flip is a primitive folky re-design of "Hey Joe". Not bad at all.
245 - Gents - If You Don't Come Back / I'll Cry (Duane 1048) S5/R4/L3
Details Not Found
246 - Larry & The Blue Notes - In And Out / I'll Be True To You (Charay C-44) S5/R3/L5
One of the best-known killer 60s garage punkers, and beloved of many who approach the genre from the perspective of 70s punk, 80s garage or 90s grunge. It has something for everybody, namely energy to spare. Clearly adopting the rave-up style of the Yardbirds, the Blue Notes from Fort Worth Texas add super-revved fuzz and magnificent snotty punk vocals. And forget coy references to 69, this track delivers the full monty, in and out! A raving monster from start to finish, it's the band's finest moment, perhaps their rarest and certainly most sought-after release. Which really is quite strange considering it was released 5 different times, over a period of about a year in 1966/7. And each time with a different (uniformly appalling) flip. Collect them all! Or hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6610 LP or CD, Texas Flashback Vol. 5 LP
247 - Gentlemen - It's A Cry'n Shame / You Can't Be True (Vandan 8303) S5/R4/L5
Waaaugghh! One of the 10 tracks to play to anyone you need to convert to 60s garageism. That means anyone you meet in the street. Play them this a coupla times and they're either converted or brain dead. Absolute perfection in every respect, including barnstorming drumming, scorching fuzz guitar complete with ripping break, bass altenately swooping and thumping. Add to this the distinctive vocals which combine the best pop sensibilities with the classic Texas punk sneer, and simple yet effective backing vocals. Everything's just perfect. But wait...what's that all-pervasive muffled quality that seems to be inhibiting the power of the track? Though not fatally impaired, the pressing has a soft grungy quality that has been noticed by many who own the Vandan pressing, or one of the many compilations featuring this track. It was not until a single copy of the original Crimson label pressing was unearthed recently that it became clear that the Vandan release does indeed suffer from a faulty pressing. The incredible Crimson pressing remains uncompiled for now. Meanwhile, hear the Vandan pressing on Pebbles Vol. 5. Up to 20 copies may exist of the Vandan. The moody ballad flip with the pretty melody is fine for those who enjoy a syrupy string ensemble cruisin' nonchalently alongside their Farfisa and electric 12 string Rickenbacker.
248 - Chaz & The Classics - Girl Of The 13 Hour / Stardust And You (Picture 6999) S4/R4/L3
Very interesting to note how many bands from Texas in 1966/7 appropriated the Elevators' trademark electric jug embellishment. Interesting and hilarious, because obviously some of the bands had a helluva time trying to work out how the jug sound effect was produced. Chaz apparently decided that a mutated kazoo sound should suffice, but only succeeded in creating a ludicrous vocal effect reminiscent of a whimpering poodle. And mixed really loud, to maximise the impact. Having said all that, this is a killer track, very trippy, out of this world and pretty spooky with a great tune. The naive jug imitation is just that, naivete which is often charming in retrospect. The track was obviously intended to be entitled "Girl Of The 13th Hour", but the label scan shows the missing "th". Hear it on Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol. 11 LP. And hear the ridiculous lounge music "inspired" flip on Back TO The Grave Vol. 1 (collectors' in-joke)
249 - Lords - One Of These Days / Summertime (Zero 101) S4/R4/L1
From Los Angeles 1966, a teen jangler with powerful vocals and a strong tune, suggesting a Love influence but not derivative of that band. Propelled by bristling tambourine, handclaps and clean folk stlye guitar chimes, the sparse production really allows the lead and backup vocals to shine. Neat breaks from electric piano and guitar add the touches needed to confirm this track as one of the best folk punkers of all. Extremely rare, however not unobtainable (unlike the Lords on Vance, a different band which we haven't heard yet because only one copy is known. Stay tuned). We estimate 8-12 copies for the Lords on Zero. MassB8 (what kind of a dirty name is that anyway?) says it's been re-released on a Norton 45, but who'd believe anyone with a name like "MassB8"?!?
250 - Playboys Of Edinburgh - I Wish You Had A Heart / Understand Me (Pharaoh 141) S3/R5/L2
An example of the influence of the British Invasion bands, specifically The Beatles, on the home grown talent of small town Texas, 1965. Mike Markesich reveals that the band took its name not from Edingurgh, England (a common deception practised by US bands of the era who wished to adopt a British monicker to update their image) but from their hometown of Edinburg, Texas (population 48,000). This their first release sees the vocalist in full John Lennon emulation mode, to great effect. It's a superior pop song with strong vocals and harmonies, sophisticated chords evident and confident janglin' licks reinforcing the obvious Beatle influence. McAllen's Pharaoh label was also home to the Headstones and Christopher & The Souls, among others. One of the rarest and best on the label, we can only guess that around a dozen may exist. We know some top Tx collectors haven't been able to find a copy. Hear it on Texas Flashback Vol. 1. The flipside is a polished folk/pop ballad with harmony vocals.
251 - What Fours - Basement Walls / Eight Shades Of Brown (Fleetwood 4571) S5/R4/L3
Very sophisticated, powerful pop with plenty of tempo changes and interesting diversions. Beneath the polish you'll hear a band with serious musical ability playing with manic intensity. Until last year this was probably the rarest and most sought-after Fleetwood, very tuff with only 5 or 6 known copies at the time. However a small quantity was found, and sold off for megabucks into private collections around the globe. Whether the supply has now dried up is anybody's guess, but the effect of the find has been to approximately halve the previous value of the disc. Until confirmed, we estimate there are now probably around 15 copies in collections. Hear both sides on the New England Teen Scene CD.
252 - Red Beard & The Pirates - Go On Leave / Don't Be A Loser (Gaye 3043) S4/R4/L4
From Atlanta, Georgia this is one of two supreme monsters released on the Gaye label (the other is the Mondels). Red Beard & his Pirate pals sound mighty ornery as they stomp and pound their way through this smokin' fuzz-encrusted declaration of independence. It's a record very much in demand, although sufficient copies seem to be available to keep it just shy of the mega-buck category. Leading us to guess at a quantity of 20 copies worldwide. The final word is left to Red Beard, and it sounds something like "yecchh". Hear it on BFTG 4 LP. The flip's not exactly a "mover" but it's not really a ballad either, sounding like several R&B classics woven into one seamless "masterpiece"
253 - Hangmen Of Fairfield County - I Don't Want You Around / Stacey (High Castle HC-401) S4/R4/L4
Heres' a super-cool ode to a "habit-forming" gal called Stacey, name-checking all the mid-60s drugs of choice - pot, LSD, dexedrine, even coke with aspirin. Such is the novelty aspect of the the pharmaceutical shopping list, that the song itself has barely been given its due appreciation over the years. A shame, because it's original and well-executed, with plenty of energy and style. The flip is perhaps even better, a kickin' folk punker with a memorable chorus, janglin' rhythm and cool break. A few copies were unearthed and distributed several years back. With those we estimate a 12-20 population for this one. Tim Warren sez : "I got mine from the drummer's mom. One of the H.O.F.C.. is a HIGH-END orthodontist serving the tooth-conscious brats of CT - Wall-to-wall MTV screens in the practice to entertain the braces-dependent young 'uns. in 1985 I got a message from him that he'd found a box of the 7"s and started driving to CT within 5 minutes, arrived 3 hrs later, and, it turns out, the 7"s were a jogging novelty 45 he'd cut in the 70s... argh..." We'd sure like to know how you made the best of the situation, Tim. Like, did you need any dental work done?
254 - Common People - Look Around / Dawn Of My Life (Flodavieur 801) S3/R5/L1
For years a well-kept secret among those who thrive on arcane knowledge, the Common People of Baldwin Park, California issued two 45's in the late 60s. This, their first is
255 - Visions - Humpty Dumpty / You Won't See Me (Vimco Vim-21) S4/R5/L3
A degenerate nursery rhyme set to a driving beat with raw vocals and clanging metallic guitar. Moves along nicely in 2.5 star mode until the break, when the introduction of an insanely loud fuzz guitar and a deranged scream lift the track several notches, a fitting end to a run of 3 brilliant 45s for the Visions on Vimco. The flip is a straight but well-executed cover of the Beatles "You Won't See Me", and all credit to the band for assigning it to the b-side. Like all the Visions 45s, this is ultra rare and has never been found in any quantity. We estimate no more than 10 copies exist in collections today. Hear it on Texas Flashbacks Vol. 3 CD or LP
256 - Barking Spyders - I Want Your Love / Hard World (Audio Precision 4201) S3/R4/L3
i nabbed 3 mints and 1 vg from times square in 1988 - cheap - a pal working there styled me with a computer printout 2 months before the setsale list was mailed out... sweet!
257 - Treez - You Lied To Me Before / Only As Long As You Want It (Harlequin 660725) S5/R3/L4
One of the supreme monsters from Chicago, Illinois. With sufficient volume, this brain-damaging track can stand against any contender you care to name, including heavyweight Texas favourites. Great vocals and harmonies, pounding bass and drums, and that shattering, stuttering clean guitar break! An amazing track which is not widely known due to its current unavailabilty on compilation. With 2 pressings on a "major" regional label, the Treez 45 is a little more widely dispersed than many others in the G300. It's here because of greatness and legend. Hear it on Off The Wall Vol.2 LP, and the excellent Louie Louie influenced flip "Only As Long As You Want It" on Teenage Shutdown TS-6615
258 - Psycho - You Need Me / You Think You've Got Me (Frantic CR-2127/8) S4/R4/L3
Boogaloo! An example of the early influence of soul music on the garage scene, before such attempts became slavish and overbearing. The result is a raving mover which must have been perfect for go-go dancing, soul or garage style. Featuring two wild breaks which are Frantic as claimed, the tune is optimized for action. On the flip "You Think You've Got Me", a pretty slice of polished pop Sagittarius style, sounding somewhat like a Pet Sounds out-take. Psycho had plenty of talent, but the Universal City, CA Frantic label failed to score for them, a fate shared by labelmates The Mystic, Boy Blues and Styx. Fortunately surviving at least in microquantities (unlike The Mystic which almost vanished completely from the face of the earth), we estimate perhaps up to 20 copies may exist in collections. Hear it on the Destination Frantic CD or LP.
259 - Londons - Old Man / FP (BI) S0/R4/L4
High-tension ear-grabber cruisin' on fuzz-powered overload with soaring lead guitar and rasping vocals. The flip sounds like Herman's Hermits!
260 - Shilos - Cause I Love You / Lonely Town (Norfolk 201,268/9) S4/R4/L3
Details Not Found
261 - Bad Roads - Blue Girl / Too Bad (Jin 45-210) S5/R3/L5
Though not as rare as other entries in the G300, this ace 2-sider from Lake Charles, LA deserves its position here based on musical quality and legend. "Blue Girl" is a classic of the genre, like the Gentlemen on Vandan should knock you out on first listen. Then it just gets better with age, because this band of of genuine 60s punks could really play, and play hard. There were two pressings in 1966, first on Jin and then MSL, both released by the band's management. We estimate 30-40 copies may exist in collections, covering both pressings. Andrew Brown's excellent Brown Paper Sack magazine chronicles the history of the band, with amazing interviews and photos. Hear both killer sides on Louisiana Punk from the Sixties CD
262 - Bad Seeds - A Taste Of The Same / I'm A King Bee (J-Beck J-1002) S5/R4/L5
One of the very first Texas punkers to assume legendary status, and for good reason. The sound of this 45 is a kind of holy grail for 60s garage enthusiasts, simultaneously hitting multiple bullseyes with its raw punk credentials, superior songwriting and arrangement, moody edge, and rootsy blues feel. Yet it retains a polish which could have taken it high into the charts, had fate so decreed. Fate sucked, and the 45 tanked outside of their hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas. Leaving no more than a couple of handfuls of the 45 (maybe 30 copies) in collections in Texas and around the world. Hear both killer sides on Green Crystal Ties CD Vol. 1
263 - Twiliters - Everybody's Goin' To Rollerland / Shakin' All Over (EMPIRE E-4) S4/R4/L3
Details Not Found
264 - High Tensions - Poor Man / No Use Hangin' Around (Hitt 6604) S5/R4/L2
Monster 2-sider...dare we say "beyond Music Machine' energy and sophistication? We think so...from Connecticut, surely one of the best ever releases from that state. "Poor Man" has the Bonniwell touch, whether intended or coincidental, it cannot be considered derivative, rather extremely original in its structure. The flip is less evolved, however contains an awesome break and great energy throughout. An extremely rare disc, we only know of 5 copies, but reckon there may be up to twice that many in collections worldwide. Hear "Poor Man" on Hang It Out To Dry CD. The flip remains uncompiled.
265 - Destiny's Children - Fall Of The Queen / Your First Time (Ventural V-730) S4/R4/L4
Details Not Found
266 - Jay Dee & The Chasers - I Do / Gloria (Stereo Sound Services 2204) S4/R4/L3
Details Not Found
267 - Young Aristocracy - Don't Lie / Look And See! (Acropolis 6721 p/s) S3/R5/L1
Like the Soothsayers on the same label, the Young Aristocracy produced perfect pop garage records, with a 100% strike rate. In their case this amounted to a single 45 record release, leaving us "wondering why" they disappeared without leaving behind the killer LP release of which they were obviously capable. We urge you to pick this 45 up cheaply on eBay or elsewhere, it's readily available. However, don't expect it to arrive complete with the picture sleeve, as only one of those has ever been found. And the whereabouts of that one is not known! We're not confirming or denying the existence of the sleeve, as we've never seen it. Hear "Don't Lie" on Teenage Shutdown TS-6609, and the flip on Fuzz Flaykes & Shakes vol. 7
268 - Specters - Depression / 8 2/3 (Melbourne 3230) S4/R4/L3
Details Not Found
269 - Graystokes - Ballad Of Tarzan / My One Desire (Tri-Com 2731) S3/R5/L1
All the info we have on this comes from Tim Warren..."Been trying to find the band for ages... Got a nice warp to mine that ADDS to the "atmosphere"! i figure NOBODY wants to fess up as having been responsible for this deranged gem, but i'm doing some more phone calls til i find em!"
270 - Shondells - It's True / I Cried Last Night (Ikon 168) S3/R5/L1
Quite a nice moody folk garage ditty, with jangling 12-string guitar and gloomy but tuneful harmonies. It's a grower, meaning that you'll likely dismiss it on first hearing, only to be drawn in on subsequent spins, until something clicks and there it is stuck inside your brain. The flip is an above average fratty 12 bar rocker. Both sides are due to be compiled on The Ikon Story, which we've been told is not far away and will include all the garage material released in the mid-sixties by the obscure, yet prolific label from Sacramento, California. Ikon 168 is one of the rarest on the label, and we estimate less than 5 copies exist in collections worldwide.
271 - Kama-del-sutra - She Taught Me Love / Come On Up (Zig-Zag DR-273) S4/R4/L4
Opening with the same Bo Diddley riff as the Falcons "I Gotta See Her" on Strafford, but quickly mutating into a stomping fuzz-powered extravaganza awash with omnipresent waves of organ and boomin' bass. We don't know what the Duluth moms and dads of 1967 would have made of the band's name and the song title, with '69 still a couple of years away. The presence of a hard-workin', long-servin' but now retired collector/dealer in the Duluth area ensured that quite a few of the Zig-Zag 45 were turned up and handed over to hungry collectors over the years. So we're venturing an estimate of 15-20 copies, just to be on the safe side, for a 45 oft-quoted as one of the rarest from the state of Minnesota. Hear it on Teenage Shutdown TS-6603. Flip is a decent version of the Young Rascals R&B classic.