"The Age Of
Madness" was originally published as a limited edition book back in
1992. This on-line version is limited to Compilation Reviews (both
vinyl & CD), as opposed to the full Age Of Madness concept, which
includes track listings, details like original label and home state for the
compiled 45s, and more. This web-page hasn't been updated for many years,
but most of the reviews are still valid.
Age Of Madness
v 2.0, January 2001
Compilations
ACID AND FLOWERS (CD) Timothy's Brain 104 USA 1995
ACID DREAMS Acid 5199 UK 1980
Brilliant early comp (compiled by Malcolm G) that's generally regarded as one of the top
items of the scene. Mostly very rare '66-67 LSD fuzz monsters with only a
few bargain bin so-so's on side 2 to drop the quality slightly. Originals
are very hard to find but it's been constantly print since the release. Real
low-budget packaging though.
ACID DREAMS VOL 2 no label Germ? 1998
white label, budget sleeve no info, numbered edition
ACID DREAMS 3LP SET 1997
ACID DREAMS EPITAPH (CD) DLCD Germ? 1989
Companion piece to Testament below but more on the punk side. Featuring
mostly reissued stuff, your need for this depends on your CD interest. The
non-reissued cuts are so-so compared to the rest. It does however include
the Driving Stupid track erronously listed on Pebbles 3. Some tunes (Keggs,
Larry & BN) may be taped off earlier comps.
ACID DREAMS TESTAMENT (CD) DLCD 4882210 Germ? 1988
The first CD comp on the market, issued in '87-88. If you just look to the
music an absolute killer but 95% of the material is available on earlier
vinyl comps. Not necessarily related to the Acid Dreams LP, though it
recycles lots of tunes off that. Pretty good sound and the classy selection
makes it a good buy for newcomers. These CDs are still in print. There was a
1997 vinyl box set issue of all tracks from both CDs as well.
ACID TRIP & HEAVY SOUND FOR PSYCHIC MINDS (CD) Eva B12 France 1992
A post-Kesteloo Eva offering, ½ of which is taken from an earlier LP comp
called "Acid Trip". The rest is lifted from various rare and
not-so-rare psych LPs, a good deal of which have been reissued. Several
tracks are in a heavy-fuzz/biker mold which may not sit well with the
average garage head. Pretty listenable all over though. Usual French
misspellings on the sleeve.
ACID TRIP FROM THE PSYCHEDELIC 60'S GMG 75033 France 1990
Sorta cash-in project from prolific French label responsible for several
rather lame comps. This one's all repeats bar one track and totally
redundant for anyone familiar with the comp scene. Newcomers should look to
the Acid Dreams and Eva CD's instead.
ACID VISIONS VOL 1 Voxx 200.008 USA 1983
Put together by Texas fan/collector Peter Buesnel, this one's pretty great.
Fuzz killers and acidpunk with some folkrock thrown in for good measure. The
unreleased stuff is remarkably good. A couple of lame tracks but all in all
the best Texas comp outside the Flashback series. Reissued in the CD format
(dito for vol 2). There's an unrelated Acid Visions CD box set around which
is mostly so-so unreleased Texas stuff, like on those old Cicadelic comps..
ACID VISIONS VOL 2 Voxx 200.054 USA 1988
Far weaker second volume with only the Voxx label in common with the above. All the best stuff is on Flashback and the
unreleased tunes are pretty crappy. A few good westcoast style psych tracks hardly makes this worthwhile. To top things off, the
well-known Bad Roads tune is presented as a recently discovered acetate unknown!
ATTACK OF THE JERSEY TEENS Bona Fide NJ 6601 USA
1984
Many dig this one though personally I find a bit plain. Too few groups and
too many so-so cuts, particularly when Jersey had such a great scene. A
couple of killers and a cool insert w/ info, pix etc makes this an OK item
anyhow.
BACK FROM THE GRAVE VOL 1 Crypt 001 USA 1982
A classic and highly influential series which set new standards for comps
when it appeared in the early 80's. Issued by NY (now in Germany) collector
Tim W it's focused entirely on primitive, raunchy '65-66 punk with lots of
amazing stuff on all volumes. Most of you probably own this already so
there's no need to get into details. At least three different pressings
exist of this first volume
and while the original had a bonus track (by Mono Man and friends), the
later have more info, lots of band pix etc.
BACK FROM THE GRAVE VOL 2 Crypt 002 USA
Tim W isn't too satisfied with this and it is probably the weakest volume in
the series. Nothing really bad of course, but a couple of slightly out of
place cuts. Four or five punk killers make it essential anyhow. BFTG is
getting reissued on CD currently, but with "minus" (as opposed to
bonus) cuts, i e the vinyl series contains more tracks.
BACK FROM THE GRAVE VOL 3 Crypt 003 USA 1984
From here on it's brilliance all the way. Like the other volumes this
unearths lots of awesome punkers from fairly uncharted regions like Ohio and
Indiana, including a couple of great whiney ballads. This is a completely
legal release with royalties paid etc. Bonus instro by 80s group the Raunch
Hands.
BACK FROM THE GRAVE VOL 4 Cryot 004 USA 1984
More killers from all over including a rare LP track by the Sonics and the
original version of "Night of the phantom".
BACK FROM THE GRAVE VOL 5 Crypt 005 USA 1985
Vols 5 & 6 are perhaps the best in the entire series though it's
pointless to compare stuff on this level. More Michigan and Indiana monsters
in particular on this.
BACK FROM THE GRAVE VOL 6 Crypt 006 USA 1985
Killer stuff all the way thru. Dominated by 45's from the Chicago scene.
BACK FROM THE GRAVE VOL 7 Crypt 013 USA 1988
"Final" installment (that's what Tim thought - see below) and it's
a gatefold 2LP set with full color sleeve and all the workings. Musically
similar to previous volumes though perhaps slightly more R'n'B-ish and with
more repeats than before (mostly welcome ones though). Mandatory of course.
BACK FROM THE GRAVE VOL 8 Crypt USA 1996
Rumors of a vol 8 circulated for years until it finally appeared in '96.
Killer 2LP set like you'd expect.
BASEMENT WALLS Antar Gone 2 UK 1986
Crappy mid-80's UK cash-in project. All the good stuff is available on
other, superior comps. Some tracks are probably taped from earlier LPs
rather than original 45s, making this a bootleg of bootlegs.
BAY STATE ROCK
BEYOND THE CALICO WALL Voxx 200.051 USA 1990
Excellent acid-punk sampler put together by New England collector Erik L.
Issued fairly late in the game but recycling lots of weird psych numbers for
the first time. A few tracks fall into the pointless-noise/novelty category
but overall this was one of the best comps of the early 90s. The CD issue
has some worthwhile bonus tracks - from Ceyleib People onwards - but
excludes track 2 below and, surprisingly considering Erik's later high
quality issues, actually has lousier sound than the vinyl.
BOULDERS VOL 1 Max 1 USA 1980
One of the earliest series, dating from '79-80 and issued by Cal collector
Dave Gibson. Hasn't got the best reputation but this first volume is a
classic with every track a winner. A reissue is or was available. Essential
to any punk fan.
BOULDERS VOL 2 Max 03 USA 1980
Trackswise almost as good as vol 1 but with the worst sound quality you'll
ever hear. Literally unlistenable. Most of the best cuts have been re-ished
elsewhere but a few are only available on this. Too bad. It seems the reason
some of the Boulders sound so bad is that Dave G insisted on manufacturing
them with his own old equipment rather than at a professional plant.
BOULDERS VOL 3 Max 04 USA 1982
Again an excellent selection and with decent sound quality. Well worth
getting. A close inspection of the sleeve will also reveal Mr Gibson's true
source of inspiration...
BOULDERS VOL 4 Max 07 USA 1982
...which could account for the bizarre scheme of alphabetical recycling that
begins with this volume. In addition to the inevitable drop in quality
there's fewer tracks here than before. Sound quality OK.
BOULDERS VOL 5 Moxie 08 USA 1983
Some good tracks and some fillers. Pretty good sound quality.
BOULDERS VOL 6 Moxie 09 USA 1983
This one's pretty good. Several classic punkers and some spooky psych
tracks. Could be worth it. OK sound.
BOULDERS VOL 7 Moxie 10 USA 1983
Again a decent selection of punk/psych but with too many fillers. Sound
quality below average.
BOULDERS VOL 8 Moxie 11 USA 1983
Having reached E and F with a couple of bonus T's added, this one features
many excellent punkers but a strangely fluctuating sound makes it hard to
enjoy. Some peculiar mind games in the track selection.
BOULDERS VOL 9 Moxie 12 USA 1985
This one and vol 10 were long in the making but hardly deliver the goods.
The ABC project is suddenly abandoned and in it's place we get scattered
repeats from superior comps, a few killers and lots of fillers.
BOULDERS VOL 10 Moxie 13 USA 1985
Similar to volume 9 but with fewer repeats. The new stuff isn't too hot
though. I've read people complaining about the sound quality on these two
but my copies sound pretty good.
BOULDERS VOL 11 Moxie 19 USA 1988
This Boulder turned out to be the last. Haven't heard this but there are
more tracks than on previous volumes, several repeats and some really
obscure stuff.
BRAIN SHADOWS (CD) Brainshadow 777 Austria 1991
On the plus side, 19 out of 20 cuts on this Euro CD are reissued for the
first time here. On the minus side, most of them suck. Some good heavy psych
cuts and a couple of beat winners but mostly dreck. Reputedly 500 copies
only.
BRAIN SHADOWS VOL 2 (CD) no label 9745 Austria 1992
It's always a pleasure when compilers improve from one volume to the next as
things usually go the other direction. This is a good comp, superior to the
above with lots of top-level folkrock and garage psych tracks. A few repeats
from other recent efforts but the good unreleased tracks make up for this.
Wouldn't mind label shots for the next volume though.
BURGHERS no label 304083 USA 1983
Obscure Pittsburgh comp that leans towards budget nostalgia but has enough
winners to qualify here. Too few cuts and some
really lame stuff but a decent regional effort overall. Has been issued on
CD with some bonus cuts in 1996.
CHAINSAW VOL 1 CSR 001 France 1982
Early French comp with handmade sleeve and only 200 copies issued. Has a
pretty cool selection of obscure beat-punk and
folkrock tracks and is worth looking for. Cheesy press though.
CHAINSAW VOL 2 CSR 002 France 1983
Also known as "Everywhere Interferences", this one's dominated by
Fla semi-biggies Clefs... who hardly deserve the attention. Some good tracks
on side 2 but all in all decidedly weaker than the above. Only 185 copies
made.
CHANGES Magistral 2000 France 1980
Full title is "The Psychedelic Changes Beat Album" whatever that
means. Second Euro comp after Acid Dreams. Attempts to
illustrate the mutations the Minneapolis scene underwent in the 60s and
brings together many of the best (and rarest) Minn tracks
with a leaning towards the later head sounds. Closing side two is a bonus
heavy psych epic from New Jersey. Very rare, copies
have sold for $300.
CHICAGO GARAGE BAND GREATS
CHOSEN FEW VOL 1 A-Go-Go 1966 USA 1982
Rated by many as the crown jewel of the entire scene, this early eastcoast
classic (compiled by Bruce) collects several incredible
(and incredibly rare) garage fuzz/acid-punk monsters and ties them together
with some cool fillers that wouldn't be fillers on any
other comp. This one's what the punk reissue trip is all about. Hard to find
but absolutely essential. The last track is actually an 80s
recording by Erik Lindgren.
CHOSEN FEW VOL 2 Tom-Tom 3752 USA 1983
Even better second volume if you ask me, mostly because it has a marvellous
consistency all the way thru, like it was recorded by
one single monster group. This is the real classy stuff. Side 2 recycles
several of the top 45s on the hallowed Fenton label. A good
one to play for non-believers. Vol 1 & 2 were coupled on a single CD
reissue in 1996, possibly the greatest CD of all time.
CICADELIC 60'S VOL 1 Cicadelic 1001 USA 1982
The title is actually "Psychedelic 60's" but we wanted to list it
with the sequels. The Texas Cicadelic label's first release and one of
the few worth getting. Lots of excellent punkers made their first reissue
here. Minus points for the unreliable liners and slightly muffled sound quality. Was still on the market a few years ago.
CICADELIC 60'S VOL 2 Cicadelic 1002 USA 1982
This one's pretty good too and has quite a few here-only winners. Mostly
solid '66 punk with some folkrock. The Nomads and the
Olivers are mixed up on the sleeve.
CICADELIC 60'S VOL 3 Cicadelic 998 USA 1984
This considerably weaker third volume is all Michigan stuff with special
focus on the Wheel's 4 label, whose best release already had been reissued on vol 2. The rest is nothing special.
CICADELIC 60'S VOL 4 Cicadelic 993 USA 1984
Really poor volume dominated by unreleased Louisana and Texas so-so's. One
or two good tracks worth taping. The unidentified
tracks by Persian M may be unreleased.
CICADELIC 60'S VOL 5 Cicadelic 980 USA 1986
This one's far better with some excellent punk and folkrock and a cool
sleeve pic. Certainly worth owning. While on the subject of
Cicadelic, we've excluded their Texas Punk series (10 or so volumes) from
this book as it's A) pretty crappy, B) mostly unreleased
stuff. But vol 6 (Dallas folkrock) is excellent and strongly recommended.
Much of the Cicadelic material has reappeared on
Collectables CDs during the 90s, but it's the same hit-and-miss operation.
CLASS OF '66 Wanted 33001 Neth 1995
Really good garage comp along the lines of the classic 80s US efforts and
with a generous 18 tracks, none of which have been
comp'd before. The sleeve proclaims "no fuzz!" so you know you're
in for lots of basement teenage Sears guitar fumbling. Cool
stuff, should appeal to anyone into the genuine 1966 loser sounds. Excellent
and reliable liner notes made my job very easy.
COLOUR DREAMS Antar 1 UK 1986
Psych companion to Basement Walls and slightly better. Lots of clumsy
mistakes in the track listings suggest that these Antar guys
didn't have a clue as to what they were doing (they consequently went
bankrupt soon). Get the real thing instead.
CRUDE PA Distortions 1001 USA 1990
Title says it all really, as this Pennsylvania comp on the classy
Distortions label is dominated by tunes primitive to the point of being
offensive. No local hits or Battle Of The Bands victors here, these groups
sound like they come from some sewer below the
garage. A few excellent cuts and some garbage. Bonus points for the insert.
CRUDE PA VOL 2 Distortions 1024 USA 1996
Distortions and Dave Brown strike again with a sequel to the well-received
vol 1. More ultra-crude stuff on board here in a '65-68
bag, has lots of good moody PA folkrock plus some real primitive garage
psych. Mostly acetate-only recordings but superior to the
usual "so-what" unreleased stuff recycled these days. Great &
informative liners tracking the losers down to the specific suburb
whence they came.
CRYSTALIZE YOUR MIND (CD) Big Beat 131 UK 1994
The first in a projected series of rarities from master tapes. This has Bay
Area groups connected to the Golden State Studios and is
a real classy job package-wise, but the standout tracks are already
wellknown items and the rest fairly average folkpunk. Also, it
seems like many tracks actually lose something with this perfect sound
quality, like where did that magic go?
DESTINATION FRANTIC (CD) Zone 66 1001 Australia 1997
An abbreviated LP version exists
DIGGIN' FOR GOLD VOL 7 Smorgasbord EAT 7001 USA 1998
DIRTY WATER - EASTERN IOWA ROCK
EARPIERCING PUNK Trash 0001 USA 1983
Notorious for its ugly '77 punk sleeve, this early comp features several
killer punk 45s along with some of the wildest 50s covers
you'll ever hear. Many of the top tracks are still only available on this.
Hard to find, though a partial CD reissue (missing some of the
crucial tracks) is available.
ECHOES IN TIME VOL 1 Solar 000 USA 1983
Straight psych comp with some magnificent tracks and some fillers. Cheesy
press of 500 copies. Has been reissued on CD
together with vol 2 (the Leviathan track from vol 2 is omitted).
ECHOES IN TIME VOL 2 Solar 2000 USA 1984
Better vinyl on this one along with a move towards punkier sounds. Lots of
good tracks from Michigan & Canada and an enjoyable
consistency all the way thru.
ENDLESS JOURNEY PHASE 1 Psycho 1 UK 1982
The first volume of this LP psych series compiled by (the now defunct)
Funhouse Records is a pretty strange affair, featuring an
awkward mix of prep rock, '66 punk and heavy psych. Like what market were
they aiming for? And why so many covers? A
hilarious sleeve of an injection needle flying through space adds more
questions to this mystery.
ENDLESS JOURNEY PHASE 2 Psycho 3 UK 1983
This one's much better. Lots of good psych/heavy psych tracks from some very
rare albums makes it a necessary item for
potheads/LP collectors everywhere. Punk fans will not enjoy. Incidentally,
all three Journeys have been issued on a double CD set
recently.
ENDLESS JOURNEY PHASE 3 Psycho 19 UK 1983
Venturing even further into the world of extended wah-wah solos, this one's
more of a 70's than a 60's collection. The two heavy
blues-jam Them tracks are from 1970 and not recommended to R'n'B fans. Watch
out for some killer Bay Area acid sounds on side
two though. Also watch out for the 11-minute space-guitar ´73 epic by the
Strange which... well, it ain't "Louie Louie", folks.
FILLING THE GAP
FINEST HOURS Eva 12039 France 1983
A lot of things can be said about the French Eva albums (compiled by Dutch
collector Hans Kesteloo) but fact is that as far as the
music goes, most of them are really excellent. This early volume is no
exception and while the concept of reissuing both sides of
the 45s is basically wrong it works pretty well here. Solid '66 punk
classics. Coupled with "Punk Ballads" on CD.
FISTFUL OF FUZZ (CD) Digital Music Transcendence 00 USA
Good psych sampler with some NY area acetates and obscure 45s from all over.
Most tracks make their first reappaerance here.
The liner notes boast to include some "fabricating" so you know
who to blame if the info below doesn't check out. Goofy title and
sleeve (just how do spaghetti westerns connect to late 60s psych?) but
that's OK too. Some real freaky stuff on board, any psych
fan ought to get it.
FLASHBACK VOL 1 Flashback 1001 USA 1980
A legendary series from '80-81 that perhaps more than anything else
established Texas as the top state for demented punk
sounds. Fifteen years down the line it's become obvious that there were
other regions with equally wild scenes but to most people,
Tx is still no 1. Flashback is not all '66 punk/psych but features lots of
frat, beat and pre-beat sounds as well. This first volume is
one of the best with several indispensable classics and has also been
reissued on CD. There is also a "Best Of Texas Flashback"
FLASHBACK VOL 2 Flashback 1002 USA 1980
Not one of the strongest volumes, this has two or three real monsters but
also several cuts that go by pretty unnoticed. Most tracks
are only available here however, and as the 45s have become very rare you'll
need this one too.
FLASHBACK VOL 3 Flashback 1003 USA 1981
The top number in the series and probably the best regional comp around.
Every track is a winner and much of it totally unreal sci-fi
music unlike anything done before or since. This makes all that Lone Star
talk seem convincing.
FLASHBACK VOL 4 Flashback 1004 USA 1981
The real killers here have been reissued elsewhere and since much of the
rest isn't too hot this is probably the weakest volume in
the series. Mostly for Texas completists.
FLASHBACK VOL 5 Flashback 1005 USA 1982
Almost as good as vol 3, though leaning more towards punk than acid. Several
major classics.
FLASHBACK VOL 6 Flashback 1006 USA 1982
A few silly numbers but all in all another excellent volume with a good mix
of fuzz-punk and drug sounds. The Flashbacks are very
rare (200 each made) but the UK Antar label made up for their own crummy
comps with an excellent reissue job in the late 80's.
Some poorly done repros of the 1st two volumes also floated around in the
80s.
FLORIDA PUNK Eva 12026 France 1983
Eva journeys to the sunshine state with excellent results. The fact that
some 45s are obviously out-of-state doesn't do much harm
as this has some real punk/acid-punk killers and is generally good listening
all the way thru. Coupled with "New Mexico Punk" on
CD, though a couple of weaker tracks are omitted.
FOLK ROCK EP Moxie 1040 USA 1981
Early and pretty good folkrock sampler from the Dave Gibson camp. Sound
quality sucks as usual, but the music is solid with several tracks still only reissued here and some early psych vibes. Clear
yellow vinyl. No sleeve, at least I've never seen one. Hard
to find.
FOLLOW THAT MUNSTER Rock 1101 USA 1989
Pretty good late 80's comp that brings together some recent finds and cool
flipsides. Mostly punk with some earlier moves.
A new volume is apparently out though I haven't seen it.
FOLLOW THAT MUNSTER VOL 2
FORT WORTH TEEN SCENE
FROM THE NEW WORLD Strange Things 5004 UK 1990
Rather lame '90 folkrock comp by the guys behind the UK "Strange
Things" magazine. Some good tracks but also lots of weak top
40 attempts reminiscent of the Nuggets Pop volumes.
GARAGE MUSIC FOR PSYCH HEADS
GARAGE PUNK UNKNOWNS VOL 1 Stone Age no # USA 1985
Cool low-budget series of leftovers and oddities from Tim W:s collection and
actually superior to many glossier comps. Originally a
limited ed but after positive reactions a second press with liner notes and
band pix was issued. The first volume is pretty good with
lots of inept frat/punk/R'n'B winners. Tim's recycling these samplers for
the 3rd time currently on a "best of" CD series, though without any info.
GARAGE PUNK UNKNOWNS VOL 2 Stone Age no # USA 1985
Similar to the above with some folk-rock added for further enjoyment.
GARAGE PUNK UNKNOWNS VOL 3 Stone Age no # USA 1985
A slight drop in quality here as there are fewer cuts and only a couple of
really good ones.
GARAGE PUNK UNKNOWNS VOL 4 Stone Age no # USA 1985
This one's great! Some marvellous R'n'B/punk tracks that were long overdue
for reissue and a solid consistency all the way
through. As good as BFTG if you ask me. Get this even if you're not
interested in the rest of the series.
GARAGE PUNK UNKNOWNS VOL 5 Stone Age 665 USA 1986
GPU was originally scheduled as a 4-volume series but 5-7 followed soon.
Some brilliant tracks on this though it loses a lot of
steam on side 2.
GARAGE PUNK UNKNOWNS VOL 7 Stone Age 667 USA 1986
Vol 6 is a fun "booze & surf" special but a bit out-of-place
here so we skip to this final volume instead. A good mix of welcome
repeats and new winners and probably the best after vol 4 & 8.
GARAGE PUNK UNKNOWNS VOL 8 Crypt 064 USA 1996
It took 10 years for Tim W to dish out this last volume and as you might
expect it's a good one, probably the best in the series along
with volume 4. Some very strong punk and fratpunk obscurities and none of
the faceless basement humming that occasionally
weighed down this series. Meagre info on the groups but some cool shots of
unrelated bands cap it off.
GARAGE ZONE VOL 1 Moxie 16 USA 1985
Another Dave Gibson series but very similar to Boulders. Mostly either
well-known stuff or stuff best forgotten. A few good psych
tracks worth taping. For completists only.
GARAGE ZONE VOL 2 Moxie 17 USA 1985
As above but more on the punk side and with fewer repeats. Nothing
particularly exciting though. A vol 3 & 4 have been mentioned
though I doubt they were actually released.
GARAGELANDS VOL 1 Strange Things 5003 UK 1990
GATHERING OF THE TRIBE (CD) GOTT 1 1991
Apparently with no relation at all to the above series, this CD repeats
tracks off a few easily identified vinyl comps (Midwest Vs
Can, Echoes 2, Three O'Clock Merriam Webster Time) with some OK cuts added.
Excellent sound so it may be from original discs, but check out side 2 of the Young Pennsylvanians comp...
GATHERING OF THE TRIBE VOL 1 Bona Fide 5913 Germ 1982
Classic druggie psych comp of the kind people rarely make these days.
Appears to be designed especially for the pothead market
as there are punk ravers closing each side in order to wake you up from your
drug haze and turn the record over! Sounds good on
acid too, except maybe for the infamous heavy blues 18-minute Josefus track.
Ltd ed of 500, has been reissued. The CD comp
has no relation.
GATHERING OF THE TRIBE VOL 4 no label Germ 1987
Similar to Valley... with early 70's LP cuts only. Magnificent stuff on side
1 but the macho guitar-blues workouts on side 2 should
offend even the most drugged-out LP collectors. Again, all the albums have
been reissued. Ltd ed of 500.
GET A MOVE ON Teenage Shutdown 6608 USA 1998
A little thinner research-wise than preceding volumes.
GET PRIMITIVE - BEST OF PEBBLES VOL 1
GLIMPSES VOL 1 Wellington 201085 USA 1982
Considering how early this US series came onto the scene, it's a bit
surprising they couldn't put together a stronger first selection.
The usual punk/psych with the here-only tracks being good but nothing
special. Reissued on CD coupled with vol 2
GLIMPSES VOL 2 Wellington no # USA 1982
Far better sequel with some great Midwest beat-punk and garage psych 45s.
Has a sort of teen moodiness running thru it that makes it a bit unusual and very appealing.
Recommended, but hard to find (as
is vol 1).
GLIMPSES VOL 3 Wellington no # USA 1983
Some more cool beat stuff here but generally far from the consistency of the
above as it drags in some 50's type r'n'r and a few well-known guitar psych numbers. Bonus track is an unlistenable Canned Heat
jingle. Reissued on CD along with vol 4.
GLIMPSES VOL 4 Wellington 1004 USA 1989
In the previous edition I took this volume as a symptom of the general
decline of the reissue scene but with the excellent comps that
have appeared lately that was obviously premature. Still not too impressed
with this one though; 95% unique material but most of it
pretty unexciting. Bonus points for the label shots. All four volumes are
limited editions of 500.
GOOD ROOTS no label 1982
Mysterious early 80s comp with an equally mysterious sleeve. Despite
covering an impossibly wide field this one too has a sort of
moody consistency to it. Best stuff is the low-key folkrock and obscure
hippie 45s only available here. Some classic punkers and strange psych numbers round out the set. Very rare nowadays. From Germany or
possibly Austria.
GOTTA HAVE MOXIE (CD) AIP/Moxie US 1998
Double CD set recycling various "remastered" obscurities off
Boulders and the Folk Rock EP, most of them hard to find elsewhere.
Not real top-level stuff though, so for completists mostly. Alphabetically
presented, naturally, and featuring only group's beginning with A-D. A fitting testament to the strange antics of Dave Gibson (R I P)
presented by another west coast weirdo (Greg Shaw).
GROWING SLOWLY INSANE (CD) Timothy's Brain 101 USA
1994
They used some pretty big words releasing this but apart from a couple of
awesome acid tracks this isn't that remarkable a comp.
There are several weak pop numbers with cheesy sound effects that don't
really qualify as psychedelic and the sound isn't better
than your average vinyl comp, in fact (like the Calico Wall CD) the digital
sound brings all the crackles and press rumblings up front.
Minus points for four repeats and a total lack of info. An OK comp for the
psych fanatic but not much more really. Issued on vinyl as
Psychedelic Unknowns vol 11.
HANG IT OUT TO DRY Satan 1008 USA 1994
After various projects on the frat/r'n'b circuit, the Satan boys from N J
return with a really good comp in the classic punk mold. Less
fratty than most recent East Coast comps, this is a throwback to the
glorious mid-80s scene when almost every comp that
appeared was a solid '66 punk killer. Lots of cool tracks, only two repeats
and no losers - you'll dig this. Has been coupled with
WAWTD on a recent CD issue.
HEAVY DOSE OF LYTE PSYCH (CD) Arf Arf 062 USA 1996
opens w/bonus track and has one additional "mystery track"
HIGH ALL THE TIME VOL 1 Morphine no # USA 1993
Pretty good garage-psych sampler in a quickly deleted press of 300. Has a
global concept though the US tracks are in majority.
Some real killer tracks reissued here for the first time plus a couple of
rather unnecessary repeats. Cheesy paste on-sleeve and
insert adds to the basement drug vibe. Some cheap errors in the liners
though - they should have checked with Age Of Madness.
HIGH ALL THE TIME VOL 2 Morphine no # USA 1994
Another strong psych comp from the mid-90s. This one improves on vol 1 in
terms of both peak tracks and consistency, plus it's US
only which is a bonus. Unfortunately most copies were badly warped and had
to destroyed, and at this point no 2nd run seems
underway - it's very rare already. There you go: another killer comp you
can't lay your hands on.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 1 - L.A. '65 AIP 10003 USA 1983
This elephantine, Greg Shaw-mastered
mid-80's series caught a lot of flak back in the aggro 80s. Some volumes are
weak, others are pretty good, and spread out across the 20+ volumes you will
find a lot of top grade garage 45s reissued for the first time. The sound
quality (a lot of this was cassette-sourced) is hardly top-flight, and
there's a bunch of mistakes, but if trimmed down to 5-6 volumes, this is
pretty excellent. The first volume features '65 folkrock from Shaw's home
turf, and has its moments.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 2 - L.A. '66 AIP 1004 USA 1983
Hardly the killer it could have been, this still recycles some good 45s for
the first time. The closing cut on side 1 should have been
"See if I care" but isn't since the original 45 has the labels
reversed...
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 3 - L.A. '67 AIP 10005 USA 1983
This is perhaps the best volume in the series; consistent and with a
sensible track selection. Punk fans won't find much here but
it's an essential item for any acid-punk/garage-psych fan. Lots of strange
numbers.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 4 - CHICAGO AIP 10006 USA
1983
AIP:s first venture into foreign territory isn't too bad if you can ignore
the fact that the three or four killer tracks already were
available on superior comps (Off the wall, BFTG). The rest is so-so.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 5 - MICHIGAN PART 1 AIP 10007 USA 1983
This one repeats three tracks off Chosen Few 2 and has the added bonus of a
lousy sound quality. Too bad, since there are some potentially good frat/folkrock tunes here. Avoid.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 6 - MICHIGAN PART 2 AIP 10011 USA 1984
Better sound, weaker selection. Still, this could pass as a sort of guide to
the mid-60's Michigan scene since many of the big local acts and labels are represented. But the music isn't very good.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 7 - THE NORTHWEST PART 1 AIP 10012 USA 1984
First of three NW pieces, this one features the classic Louie Louie frat
raunch of the area. OK if you're into that.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 8 - THE SOUTH PART 1 AIP 10014 USA 1984
Given such a generous area, Shaw and the boys can't help but put together a
fairly decent comp. The top tracks are however
repeats as usual and the Skeptics obviously misplaced. Part 2 is better.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 9 - OHIO PART 1 AIP 10015 USA 1984
Hardly the regional comp Ohio needs and deserves, this has some good numbers
but too many covers and some clumsy mistakes
in the selection.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 10 - WISCONSIN PART 1 AIP 10017 USA 1984
Wisconsin had an obscure but really good scene and while this is hardly the
cream of the crop, there are some OK cuts here,
fewer repeats than usual and most of the cool local labels represented.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 11 - TEXAS PART 1 AIP 10019 USA 1984
Tackling the well-documented Texas scene sounds like a pretty dumb move on
AIP:s part and yes, this is one of the worst in the
series. Six out of 14 tracks are on Flashback and the others are very pale
next to them.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 12 - TEXAS PART 2 AIP 10021 USA 1984
Again the repeats (5 out of 14) are by far the best. A few tracks worth
taping maybe.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 13 - TEXAS PART 3 AIP 10022 USA 1984
Third and final attempt in this round: 7 out of 14 are repeats, two more are
out-of-staters. Nice score.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 14 - THE NORTHWEST PART
AIP 10020 USA 1986
More typical NW ravings with only one repeat. Sorry about the lack of state
info here but as most people seem to settle for the
"Northwest" label for origins there's not much we can do.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 15 - WISCONSIN PART 2 AIP 10025 USA 85
Second attempt at WI with more local label recycling. Pretty mediocre stuff
however - pt 1 is better.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 16 - THE NORTHWEST PART AIP 10024 USA 1986
This final stab at the NW moves in a '66-'67 direction and has some good
punk/psych 45s. Could be worth it.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 17 - TEXAS PART 4 AIP 10026 USA 1986
Obviously dissatisified with their earlier attempts, AIP decide to go yet
another round with those elusive Texas 45s. The result is
even worse than before. 50/50 repeats and garbage. Not even a young Roky can
help.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 18 - COLORADO AIP 10027 USA 1986
Here's one that's actually pretty good. All big Col groups are represented
and with quite a few good tracks (mostly psych) recycled
for the 1st time this one's what those other lame volumes should've been
like. My favorite along with vol 3.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 19 - MICHIGAN PART 3 AIP 10028 USA 1985
This one's rather good too: some brilliant first-time-around acid-punkers
and an overall decent consistency.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 20 - L.A PART 4 AIP 10029 USA 1985
AIP apparently found a niche somewhere as this, while being less consistent
than the previous LA volumes, again unearths some
excellent acid-punk/psych tracks. Worth taping at least.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 21 - OHIO PART 2 AIP 10030 USA 1985
Another worthwhile offering with lots of cool punk/psych numbers and only
one repeat. Hardly a brilliant comp in any sense of the
word but better than most later Pebbles volumes. The entertaining liner
notes where Shaw & Co apologize for all the errors on vol 9
suggests that the good tendency in these later comps may be due to an actual
concious effort. Who knows?
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 22 - THE SOUTH PART 2 AIP 10031 USA 1985
Again lots of good and obscure tracks, particularly on side 1. Still,
bringing in two outside tracks with such a huge region to work
with suggests that the strain of compiling decent albums must have been
tremendous.
HIGHS IN THE MID-60'S VOL 23 - TEXAS PART 5 AIP 10038 USA 1986
AIP did a good thing by halting here as this final Tx attempt shows them
back at their bad old selfs again. Nope, it wouldn't work this
time either. Some good psychy numbers and probably their best Lone Star
effort but still...
HIPSVILLE VOL 1 Kramden 101 USA 1983
Another early 80's classic, put together by the folks behind the magnificent
Kicks magazine. Several all-time punk winners and
some earlier flashes. Still in print 15 years on (as are vol 2 & 3).
HIPSVILLE VOL 2 Kramden 102 USA 1985
As with Riot City this follow-up moves in a pre-invasion frat-punk direction
and unearths several real winners from that overlooked
era. Solid beer blast sounds on side 1 while the more introvert flip
provides the perfect soundtrack for next day's hangover. A
concept album!
HIPSVILLE VOL 3 Kramden 103 USA 1986
More cool frat sounds on this Minnesota special with some spooky surf added.
The opening track is listed as an acetate unknown
but has since been identified (it's Tyde). This appears to be the final volume in the
series, though "Shutdown '66" is a sort of sequel.
HISTORY OF NORTHWEST ROCK VOL 1-7
HOOSIER HOTSHOTS Epilogue 001 USA 1992
Pretty obscure Indiana comp of surprisingly high quality. Several crude punk
winners in the classic mold and some good garage
psych as well. All tracks available here only, so get it. Sound quality
could have been better though.
HOUSTON HALLUCINATIONS
Worth checking out for the outstanding early psych tracks from Euphoria, and
some cool garage stuff too.
HOWLIN' FOR MY DARLIN' Teenage Shutdown 6614 USA
2000
lots of r'n'b and covers
I CAN HEAR RAINDROPS Worst no# USA 1998
loser/downer garage, 18 tracks, skimpy info, not all state data below
confirmed though the known ones have checked out so far, sleeve photo of "Goober", a
particularly dorky-looking Aquinos
member
I WAS A TEENAGE CAVEMAN
I'M A NO-COUNT Teenage Shutdown 6604 USA 1998
Repeats all through for whatever reason
I'M DOWN TODAY Teenage Shutdown 6606 USA 1998
few repeats
I'M GONNA STAY Teenage Shutdown 6613 USA 2000
subtitle Target:Fuzz
IGL FOLKROCK/IGL GARAGE Get Hip 5001/5002 USA 1994
A vinyl-only repackaging of tracks from the CD sets listed below, this is
either target marketing or greedy milking depending on your
politics. As a lot of 60s stuff (especially from masters) tend to sound weak
on CD I'd go for these 12-inchers. Lots of good folkrock and garage tracks
unavailable elsewhere.
IGL STORY VOL 1 (CD) Arf Arf 045 USA 1994
Iowa's legendary IGL/Sonic label gets the Erik Lindgren treatment on these
two CDs, each jampacked with 31 cuts. See "IGL
Folkrock"/"IGL Garage".
IGL STORY VOL 2 (CD) Arf Arf 046 USA 1994
See "IGL Folkrock"/"IGL Garage".
IT'S FINKIN' TIME
½ fratrock
JOURNEY TO THE EAST Spangle no # France 1998
Surprisingly good comp of obscure LP cuts, mostly from the early 70s. The
dominating style is a westcoasty psychrock sound a la
Bob Smith or Zerfas that's always been popular among European album
collectors. To a 60s-oriented head this comp may sound
more like slick hardrock or early AOR but hey, I dig it. Liner notes in the
worst pinjin English so far adds an extra entertainment factor.
JOURNEY TO TYME VOL 1 Phantom 1001 Germ 1982
German series that started out well but soon went into decline. The first
volume (circa '82) is a real classy job though most of the
stuff is standard fare these days.
JOURNEY TO TYME VOL 2 Phantom 1002 Germ 1985
Probably the best in the series with lots of good folkrock and punk 45s
recycled for the first time here. Minus points for the two out
of place UK 45s though.
JOURNEY TO TYME VOL 3 Phantom 1003 Germ 1985
Like anyone who's ever turned over some hallowed monster 45 to find
horn-rock or last-dance schmaltz will attest, most punk
records are strictly one-sided affairs. Further proof of this is given here
where several so-so flipsides drop the quality of a
potentially good comp. And why reissue two tracks from a Sonics LP everyone
owns?
JOURNEY TO TYME VOL 4 Phantom 1006 Germ 1986
No flips here but a pretty dull comp nevertheless. Something worth taping
perhaps.
JOURNEY TO TYME VOL 5 Phantom 1007 Germ 1986
Another As & Bs affair on this most recent volume where again more money
seems to be spent on the sleeve than gathering
worthwhile 45s. A few good tracks. All volumes are limited editions of 500.
JUMP, JIVE & HARMONIZE Teenage Shutdown 6601 USA 1998
vol1 in the Teenage Shutdown series, frat-oriented, at least a third
previously non-comp
KANSAS PUNK (CD)
awful sound + hornrock
KICKS & CHICKS Eleventh Hour 5806 USA 1990
"Original 1960's acid-punk" according to the sleeve though half
the tracks actually are 70s heavy psych and the rest (save a
couple of decent punkers) pretty lame frat covers. Add to that the worst
sound quality this side of Boulders and you get one of the
least essential comps of the 90s. An optimistic run of 1000 copies suggests
a fair amount of returns for these guys.
LET EM HAVE IT! (CD) no label USA 1995
Pretty cool Michigan punk/psych sampler with 27 tracks all oozing with
stupidity and confusion. Problem is about 75% of the material is already available on other comps. The new stuff is solid all
through, making this a borderline purchase item. Lame sleeve
and absolutely no liner notes or info whatsoever.
LETHAL DOSE OF HARD PSYCH (CD) Arf Arf 082 US 1999
Excellent 1968-1971 heavy psych/early hard rock comp from Erik Lindgren with
some real discoveries. Solid all through, and less
heavy on the repeats than earlier volumes in the series. Has very little of
the cliched biker rock and boogie shuffle that can ruin this type of comp.
LOUISIANA PUNK VOL 1 Eva 12051 France 1986
Another excellent regional job from Eva though again some groups are out of
state. Several classic punkers still only available here. The two acetate closing tracks have been identified since the release. Vol 1
& 2 have been reissued together on CD (a couple of
tracks omitted).
LOUISIANA PUNK VOL 2 Eva 12052 France 1986
Not quite as good but still definitely worth checking out. Reissued on CD
along with vol 1 though a couple of tracks are missing.
LOVE IS A SAD SONG Misty Lane 045 Italy 1998
printed inner sleeve!, detailed liner notes, label shots, classy design
LYSERGIC SOAP Stoned Circus no # France 1995
Garbage French cash-in job included here only as an example of what greedy
people might try to pull on you. The music is decent fuzz-psych with several instrumental numbers, too bad that all tracks save
two so-so's can be found on comps like Turds On A
Bumride, Relics vol 2 and Magic Carpet Ride (four tracks from this one!).
Wouldn't be surprised if they actually taped them from the
comps rather than original records either. The sleeve design is ripped off
from the UK folkprog Caedmon LP. Where's the tar and
feathers for these assholes?
MAGIC CARPET RIDE TVAA 001 France 1986
Though most will disagree I actually find this French comp pretty enjoyable.
Some pointless repeats and too diversified but with
several excellent psych cuts and a couple of punk/beat 45s long overdue for
reissue. Two tracks listed on the sleeve aren't on the
record, cheesy press and liners in some language I don't understand.
MAGIC CUBE Eva-Tone 116811 Germ 1982
Strange psych/punk comp on a 10' flexi. The music is truly brilliant with
some of the best (and rarest) psych/punk tracks to be found anywhere. Too bad they didn't spend their money on a vinyl press
instead of the "magic cube" gimmick insert which when
folded looks more like a nail box than anything else. Still in print, or was
last time I checked. A CD reissue appeared in 1999 with awful sound and some so-so bonus tracks (not included here).
MAYHEM & PSYCHOSIS VOL 1-3
MICHIGAN BRAND NUGGETS
MICHIGAN MAYHEM (CD) More Fun no # USA 1996
Third all-Michigan CD comp in short time and similar to the other two
(Michigan Punk & Let 'em have it). Mainly well-known punk
classics, a handful of worthwhile unique tracks and the mandatory Rationals
& SRC numbers which sound pale in comparison. Has
a certain psych slant to it. A good one if you're not already a Mich expert.
MICHIGAN MIXTURE VOL 1 Clinging Hysteria 1 USA 1990
Obscure series that sold out almost immediately and for good reason. Focused
on the overlooked post-punk, pre-junkie Michigan
psych scene, this first volume is particularly good with almost every track
a killer, lots of fuzz and strange lyrics and to 95% 45s
only reissued here. Essential to any acid-punk/psych fan.
MICHIGAN MIXTURE VOL 2 Clinging Hysteria 2 USA 1990
Less consistent with many so-so tracks and lame covers along with a few
excellent numbers. We apologize for the lack of info on
these two but like we said, few collectors seem to be into this stuff.
MICHIGAN PSYCH (CD) Eva B8 France 1991
Not a proper comp but ten tracks available only on the CD reissue of
"Texas Psychedelia". Might come from a cancelled vinyl
release. Excellent stuff anyhow, making said CD one of the most worthwhile
items on the market.
MICHIGAN PUNK (CD) Eva B9 France 1991
One of Eva's last efforts is a pretty uneven ride, mostly through the early
club/dance sounds of the region. A bunch of covers
though some of them really cool, several unnecessary repeats, some lame crap
and two or three real winners unique to this collection. Of the three similar Michigan CD comps from the 90s, this is the
weakest.
MIDWEST VS CANADA Unlimited Productions 1002 USA 1984
A real killer! The Canadian side is particularly awesome and probably wins
this classy mid-80's match of punk/psych rarities, but
the Midwest side ain't no loser either. Essential to any collection. Nice
hippie artwork on the sleeve (not!). Very rare nowadays.
MIDWEST VS THE REST Unlimited Productions 1002 USA 1983
This preceding volume isn't quite as good but has enough killer tracks to
make it essential as well. The Midwest side suffers from
some lame covers among the brilliance but in honor of our Iowan hosts we'll
call it a draw.
MINDBLOWERS White Rabbit 001 USA 1983
This early comp is mostly major label stuff and pretty lame by today's
standards. The few unique tracks are so-so and the rest is
available everywhere. The crazed Doors cut is from their '65 acetate.
MINDBLOWING ENCOUNTERS OF THE PURPLE KIND Dig Up 002 Netherlands 1998
Stupid title.... companion piece to the Lost Generation comp
MINDROCKER VOL 1-13
MONSTERS OF THE MIDWEST VOL 1 Titan 31582 USA 1982
Cassette comps are generally ruled out but this has too much classic stuff
to ignore. Like the sequels not all punk dementia but lots
of beat, folkrock and local top-40 dance hits as well. A real classy job,
but rare. Howzabout a CD reissue?
MONSTERS OF THE MIDWEST VOL 2 Titan 1002 USA 1985
The sequels are thankfully all vinyl with this being perhaps the strongest
offering. Lots of solid punkers, particularly on side 1. Still
available years after its release.
MONSTERS OF THE MIDWEST VOL 3 Titan 1003 USA 1987
This one has several brilliant punkers but is not as consistent as the above
with too many so-so covers.
MONSTERS OF THE MIDWEST VOL 4 Titan 1004 USA 1989
The most recent volume (and last?) continues in the same style as the
predecessors. Worth it for any midwest fan.
MOVE IT Teenage Shutdown 6611 USA 1999
frat-oriented with some real raunchy material, about 25% repeats
MYND EXCURSIONS (CD) UK 0
Kama sutra/Buddah
NEW ENGLAND TEEN SCENE VOL 1 Moulty 101 USA 1983
A real classic that brought the great and highly distinct New England sound
to the scene. You probably know it by now;
minor-chord low-key sort of folk-rock/beat that's absolutely irresistable
after a few spins. Of course there's some punk here too
but not a fuzz-box in sight. 500 copies made and very hard to find these
days.
NEW ENGLAND TEEN SCENE VOL 2 Moulty 103 USA 1984
Dave B follows suit with an equally great sequel featuring several local
big-names as well as the obscure sounds of vol 1. Some
truly marvellous stuff and slightly easier to locate.
NEW ENGLAND TEEN SCENE VOL 3 Moulty 104 USA 1991
This one was like six years in the pipes but isn't quite as good as the two
above. More cool tinny 45s but also some out-of-place
late 60's flashes and generally less consistent. Nice sleeve pic of local
icon Moulty though. A pretty well-selected "Best of" CD
issue of this series (El Diablo 1002) as well as a really good
"Unreleased NETS" (Arf Arf 060) were compiled in the mid-90s.
NEW MEXICO PUNK Eva 12047 France 1985
Probably Eva's finest and one of the best local comps around. New Mex had a
small but classy punk scene that produced some of
the wildest 45s anywhere, 90% of which can be found here. Recently re-ished
on CD.
NIGHTMARES FROM THE UNDERWORLD VOL 1 AGNC 100 Can 1983
One of the most sought-after comps and proof positive that Canada had the
best 60's scene outside the US. Several awesome
classics here though the number of tracks and crappy vinyl make the sound
quality less than satisfactory. Compiled by Andre G of
Canadian discography fame, released back in '83 in a ltd ed of 300. Haven't
seen this offered for years.
NIGHTMARES FROM THE UNDERWORLD VOL 2 Underworld Rec 1205 Can 1985
Perhaps fewer classics here but a great consistency makes it just as
enjoyable. Slightly psychier and with some unusually
well-chosen covers. Not as rare as vol 1 and with better sound quality.
NO NO NO (CD) Cheep Cheep 076 USA 1998
Arf Arf subsidiary, Erik L, moody/loser punk currently in vogue, label
shots, about a 1/3 tracks available elsewhere, this is in better
company. The Bounty Hunters track is incorrectly listed on the sleeve.
NO TEASE Teenage Shutdown 6612 USA 2000
Subtitle Primi-teen pounders, all unreissued stuff, some info lacing
NOBODY TO LOVE Teenage Shutdown 6605 USA 1998
mostly new stuff
NUGGETS VOL 1-12
OFF THE WALL VOL 1 Wreckord Wrack 1025 USA 1982
One of the first in a wave of killer east-coast comps circa '81-84 and
another much wanted rarity. Every track is a winner in the
classic '66-67 punk mold and this is easily up there with the big ones.
OFF THE WALL VOL 2 Wreckord Wrack 1301 USA 1983
Equally rare and brilliant sequel that recycles more killers from the
Chicago scene along with several here-only rarities from all over.
Both volumes have really lame sleeves and no info whatsoever. Sure'd love a
CD reissue of this along with vol 1.
OH YEAH! - THE BEST OF DUNWICH RECORDS (CD)
OIL STAINS DB 101 USA 1982
Kinda unusual item as it's a punk comp dominated by LP tracks, mostly culled
from obscure local/prep efforts. Fans of rich kids
doing inept R'n'B covers will love this but compared to the average 45 comp
it's a bit tame. I think it's pretty cool anyway. Most of
the LPs have been reissued.
OIL STAINS VOL 2 Bone 1001 USA 1988
OPEN UP YER DOOR VOL 1 Frog Death 101 USA 1984
Another hard to find east-coast winner, so obscure that the first copies
didn't even have a sleeve! While not quite as awesome as
Chosen Few or Off The Wall this still has several rare killers, particularly
on side 2.
OPEN UP YER DOOR VOL 2 Frog Death 102 USA 1987
This one came around '86-87 when most of the top 45s already had been dug up
and recycled. Nevertheless there's plenty of
coolness here and some real big-name surprises. Great sleeve as well. A
second run was made.
OVERDOSE OF HEAVY PSYCH (CD) Arf Arf 063 USA 1996
medley on closing songs from different LPs (same recordings)
PEBBLES BOX SET
PEBBLES VOL 1 BFD 5016 USA 1977
The series that set the ball rolling back in the late 70's. Regardless of
his later activities (which included ripping off hopeful young
musicians) Greg Shaw deserves a lot of credit for his groundbreaking job to
bring attention to local 60's records at a time when the music industry was on its knees in front of David Bowie and Elton John.
Along with Lester Bangs and Lenny Kaye Shaw more or
less created the concept of 60s punk, first via Bomp Magazine and then
through the Pebbles, whose early volumes must've sold
tens of thousands of copies by now. The original release of vol 1 (circa
1977) has a different sleeve and liners to the well-known
reissue available today. No need to describe the music except to say that
while side 1 has some of the greatest 45s ever made, a
couple of choices on side 2 seem a bit questionable. As you may know, some
tracks are pitched (most notably the Squires).
PEBBLES VOL 2 BFD 5019 USA 1978
This one must have had quite a few simple-minded fuzz-heads confused over
the years as it is in fact the finest assemblage of
wimp-pop available. The meaning of this term may not be clear to all but
after you've played side 2 (skip the loud covers) over and
over for a couple of days any questions you might have should be answered.
One of the top volumes in my opinion.
PEBBLES VOL 3 BFD 5020 USA 1979
The original acid-punk comp hasn't aged that well compared to successors
like Acid Dreams and Psych Whirl. Several all- time
monsters here of course, but also some silly novelty numbers that are about
as lysergic as Napoleon XIV. The five first Pebbles
have been reissued on CD with some worthwhile bonus tracks and apparently
excellent sound (that proud note about filters and
shit that makes the 45s lose their trebly edge is the major flaw of the
series).
PEBBLES VOL 5 BFD 5022 USA 1980
We skipped the vocal surf special and went straight for this, a pure
three-chord fuzz-punk album that seems to be many's fave in
the series. Compiled (or at least annotated) by NJ collector Vic F who was
involved with the Eva comps as well.
PEBBLES VOL 7 BFD 5024 USA 1980
Vol 6 is UK R'n'B and not included. Still no drop in quality here with a
nicely balanced set of punk classics, beat/ folk-rock and
garage psych. Great liners (cont'd on vol 8) that lays down the truth on
drugs, politics, Englishmen and similar subjects. Note that
the CDs of Pebbles vol 6-7 are completely unrelated Chicago (well, some of
the 45s are from Chicago...) comps with mostly
repeats, which is why they're not included here.
PEBBLES VOL 8 BFD 5025 USA 1980
18 killers on this outstanding volume with a mix of classic punk and
wimp-pop that's even better than vol 2. Some big acts turn up
with obscure winners alongside the usual hallowed $300 rarities.
PEBBLES VOL 9 BFD 5026 USA 1980
The first signs of decline on this folk-rock/punk volume. Several classics
and a good consistency but overall weaker than the
previous volumes.
PEBBLES VOL 10 BFD 5027 USA 1980
A sort of Pebbles phase 2 begins here, the deal being three or four monsters
per volume and the rest pretty faceless filler stuff.
Real fanatics will get these while others can settle for taping the winners.
PEBBLES VOL 11 AIP 10001 USA 1983
The same goes for this one which has fewer cuts as well. Punk/psych with
some winners and some losers.
PEBBLES VOL 12 AIP 10002 USA 1983
Similar to the two above with some real killers (mostly on side 2)
sandwiched between the so-so's. Vol 10-12 could have been
trimmed down to one brilliant volume but it seems that greed began to take
overhand here.
PEBBLES VOL 13 AIP 10013 USA 1984
Here the real rot sets in. Obviously short on worthwhile 45s Shaw and his
pals decide to raid some obscure LPs to spice up this
mediocre comp. It doesn't work. The two or three good tracks are available
in better company.
PEBBLES VOL 14 AIP 10016 USA 1984
A meagre twelve tracks with the two or three winners again reissued
elsewhere. The bonus cut (a tripping chick in a 25c
recording booth) is pretty fun, something you can't say about the third-rate
psych numbers that infect this loser.
PEBBLES VOL 16 AIP 10023 USA 1985
Another really crappy volume where even the odd worthwhile track is hard to
single out. Avoid these like the plague.
PEBBLES VOL 17 AIP 10032 USA 1985
AIP obviously took greater interest in their pretty decent Eurobeat comps
(vol 15 was the first) than the US counter- parts around
this time for here we have yet another loser. Standout tracks? Don't know,
haven't found any.
PEBBLES VOL 21 AIP 10036 USA 1987
PEBBLES VOL 22 AIP 10036 USA 1987
This and vol 21 came after a long and well-needed rest (during which time
Shaw among other things cranked out a Danish vol
that's even worse than these later-day US losers!) and is actually a small
step forward. Side 1 has several good punk-psychers
and overall this is probably the most decent number since vol 12. From '88
it appears to be the final US attempt.
PENNSYLVANIA UNKNOWNS Time Tunnel 12174-25 USA 1982
Hate to repeat myself but here's yet another rare early 80's killer. Side 1
is punk with several classics making their first
reappearance, side 2 is folk-rock/psych and just as good. The best PA comp
by far. Ltd ed of 500.
PSYCHEDELIC CROWN JEWELS VOL 2 (CD) Gear Fab 123 USA 1999
classy packaging, "legal", lots unrel, informative (overlong)
liner notes, not much psych
PSYCHEDELIC DISASTER WHIRL Frantic 555/777 USA 1986
Absolutely awesome acid-punk comp that's easily the best comp since the
halcyon days of the early 80's and one of the all-timers
if you ask me. Dominated by Cal 45s (the Mecca of acid-punk) long overdue
for reissue, it has the same unreal feel to it as Acid
Dreams and Flashback 3. Whoever put this one together sure knew what he was
doing. Ltd ed of 400, but reissued in 1996.
PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE Lysergia 25-1 USA 1994
From Lysergia's music department comes this conceptual garage psych comp in
a mindblowing dayglow sleeve and a ltd ed of 300.
Since reviewing this may seem like tooting our own whistle, let's just say
the response to it has been truly great and all copies
went quicker than a paycheck. Incidentally, the title is to be taken in a
literal, chemical sense.
PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE VOL 1 (CD) Mystic-6 USA 1997
PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE VOL 2 (CD) Mystic-8 USA 1998
PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE VOL 3 (CD) Mystic 10 USA 1999
PSYCHEDELIC MICRODOTS VOL 1 (CD) Sundazed 11005 USA 1989
While it's true that the 45s here are pretty well-known items I urge you to
check this out as it's one of the few CD comps to feature
master recordings. Now you can hear what all those muffled Pebbles tracks
really sound like! Also you get 4 out of 5 killers by
Florida's finest. We skipped the later vol's as it's all
unreleased/well-known stuff.
PSYCHEDELIC MICRODOTS VOL 2-3
PSYCHEDELIC MOODS PART 2 Cicadelic USA 0
PSYCHEDELIC PATCHWORK no label 101 Germ 1986
Reminiscent of the also German Gathering series but decidedly weaker. A
couple of cool discoveries worth taping but mostly
pointless repeats and a real low-point in the mindlessly plodding ten-minute
"Amapola" which makes "Dead man" seem focused.
The sleeve's threat of a sequel has yet to be realized. Ltd ed of 300.
PSYCHEDELIC UNKNOWNS VOL 1 (EP) Calico 0001 USA 1978
The brainchild of PA collector Billy Synth and historically speaking second
only to Pebbles. The early EP sets are solid classics and
while a slight quality drop is noticable around vol 5 this is a strong
series all-over. Misleading title as these feature roughly the same
'65-67 mix as Boulders and Pebbles. This first 2 EP set (in an art sleeve)
came circa '78 and is mostly classic punkers with a couple of weak cuts.
Very rare.
PSYCHEDELIC UNKNOWNS VOL 2 (EP) Calico 0002 USA 1979
A brilliant comp and easily the best in the series. Many future Pebbles
classics actually made their first reappearance here. As rare as the above but a Euro reissue of this pair on one LP is
still available
(the two closing tracks below are omitted).
PSYCHEDELIC UNKNOWNS VOL 3 (EP) Calico 0003 USA 1979
Not quite as good as the above but a solid consistency on this single EP.
The sound quality isn't that hot though. To save space
we've listed the late 80's LP reissue below. The 11 bonus tracks (from
X-Treems and onwards) are OK but nothing special. Out on
CD in 1998.
PSYCHEDELIC UNKNOWNS VOL 4 Dayglow Freon 001 USA 1982
From here on it's LPs with this one being more or less up there with the
earlier volumes. 20 cuts but pretty good sound quality.
Reissued in a plain blue sleeve in the 80s, and again with a psychy art
sleeve in the mid-90s.
PSYCHEDELIC UNKNOWNS VOL 5 Starglow Neon 01 USA 1983
With most of the punk/psych killers recycled Billy S takes a wider grasp on
these later volumes and manages to unearth many cool
lowkey beat/folkrock obscurities on some real loser labels. Not for everyone
though I dig them. Also reissued.
PSYCHEDELIC UNKNOWNS VOL 6 Scrap 1 USA 1985
More punk/psych than vol 5 with some real killer discoveries and three
closing fuzz instrumentals. Plain white sleeve.
PSYCHEDELIC UNKNOWNS VOL 7 Scrap 2 USA 1986
Real solid consistency here with cool polished punk/folkrock on side 1 and
several studio psych winners on the flip. Perhaps the
best of the later ones though the total lack of info or at least label shots
gets a bit irritating.
PSYCHEDELIC UNKNOWNS VOL 8 Scrap 3 USA 1988
I gave this one a pretty negative review last time, but it's started to grow
on me. Only 2 or 3 tracks are 'punk' or 'psych' but the rest
is neat upmarket beat and folkrock which make for enjoyable listening. Came
out on CD in 1998, though the sound quality is still not
up to par. After this volume, the original series concept was ditched and
the sequels are vinyl issues of comps on the Timothy's Brain label (Acid & Flowers etc).
PSYCHOTIC MOOSE AND THE SOUL SEARCHERS Psychotic Moose 101 USA 1982
Obscure early US comp that has quite a few winners, mostly from New England.
The real killers have also been reissued on later, superior comps. Worth it if you find it cheap. Ltd ed of 500.
PSYCHOTIC REACTIONS Planet X 04 USA 1991
Decent upmarket punk and folkrock comp with rumored Sundazed involvement. It
ain't no "Chosen Few" but manages to fill some
gaps and is listenable all through, though side 2 is weak. Some neat
commercials (Blues Magoos, Yardbirds & the Vox wah wah
pedal) round out the set. All tracks available on this comp only.
PUNK BALLADS Eva 12060 USA 1987
Cool but risky concept that unfortunately doesn't come off too well. Some
excellent tracks for the lovelorn to cuddle up to but too
many repeats and out-of-place cuts. One of Eva's weakest. Nevertheless
reissued on CD.
PUNK CLASSICS VOL 1 (EP) Garageband 1 USA 1986
Along with Psych Whirl these EP sets are probably the finest comps of the
late 80s. The three first volumes would have made one
hell of an LP. Excellent punk/folk-rock on this one.
PUNK CLASSICS VOL 2 (EP) Garageband 2 USA 1986
What a killer, a sort of midget Back From The Grave! Some all-time snotty
punk winners reissued here only.
PUNK CLASSICS VOL 3 (EP) Garageband 3 USA 1987
Subtitled "Six tunes from the mushroom" this psych/acid-punk
special is executed with equal class as far as the selection goes.
Two tracks are however prematurely faded, probably due to playtime problems.
PUNK CLASSICS VOL 4 (EP) Garageband 4 USA 1989
After the above trio there was a wait for these two, which unfortunately are
much weaker. One or two boss tracks on this Texas
volume but nothing really exciting.
PUNK CLASSICS VOL 5 (EP) Garageband 5 USA 1989
"Six wild covers" is hardly the most scintillating concept in the
world and yes, this one's pretty redundant. All five EPs have been
reissued on one CD recently - definitely worthwhile stuff.
PUNKADELIC INSTRUMENTALS (CD) Arf Arf 041 USA 1993
The full title of this recent Erik Lindgren comp would fill the entire space
so I've abbreviated it somewhat. Sooner or later someone
had to do a comp like this, which brings together nearly all top garage/acid
punk instrumentals that've been scattered on comps in
the past, and adds a bunch of new winners as well. The mystery bonus tracks
are by the 101 Strings.
RELATIVE DISTANCE Stanton Park 002 USA 1993
Nice-looking New England comp from Aram Heller who's also done a boss local
discography. This comp revives some of the most
buried NE treasures with a slight bias towards the late 60s sounds. Some
real garage psych winners here as well as the usual
sound of the area. Similar to New England Teen Scene Vol 3 but slightly
better.
RELICS VOL 1 DB 102 USA 1982
Another early 80's US obscurity. Mostly fuzz-psych with some punkers thrown
in. The consistency is marred by two wellknown
UK mod tracks. Like Psychotic Moose worth it if not too expensive.
RELICS VOL 2 Phorward 290 USA 1991
Ten years after the above came this follow-up, a highly inconsistent but
still fairly good comp. Some real monster punk/psych
tracks and some obvious fillers with an equal share of 45 and LP cuts. Both
vols were reissued on one CD in 1996.
RETURN OF THE YOUNG PENNSYLVANIANS Bona Fide 16724-66 USA 1983
This is generally regarded as a sequel to the Penn Unknowns comp though I
think there's different people behind them. In any event this one's decidedly inferior with most of the killers already
reissued elsewhere.
REVERBERATION (CD) Reverberation UK 1993
"A collection of classic US 60s heavypsych" featuring LP tracks
only, many from wellknown LPs available in reissued form. OK
selection anyhow and worthwhile if you're unfamiliar with the LPs.
RIOT CITY Satan 1003 USA 1985
Put together by the brains behind What A Way To Die, this is perhaps the
best frat-punk comp around. Lots of dumb and wild
two-chorders make for great listening all the way thru. Get it if you can.
ROOT 66 - THE FROZEN FEW Paraquat 84 USA 1984
Excellent Minnesota comp with several punk killers and not one single loser
cut. Fits perfectly between the '64 frat stance of
Hipsville 3 and the later LSD sounds on Changes. Interesting political
view-points in the liners as well. Very rare.
S.V.R ROCK HITS FROM THE 60'S
SCUM OF THE EARTH VOL 1 Killdozer 1001 USA 1984
While on the subject of rare, here's one that's become as expensive as the
45s on it! Quite rightly too as it has a real cool line-up
with '66 punkers on side 1 and earlier R-A-B/surf/frat/weird stuff on the
flip. Works real well, in fact the pre-punk side might be the
best. Compiled by Chuck C.
SCUM OF THE EARTH VOL 2 Killdozer 002 USA 1984
Equally rare and boss sequel that repeats the concept from vol 1 with the
punk side being slightly stronger than on the above. Nice
pic of Ed Gein to scare your friends with as well. Expect to pay upwards
$100 for any of these two. Some French guy did a one-volume selective reissue of these two, though I must say the track
selection was pretty questionable. Recently both volumes
have been reissued on a double CD.
SEARCHING FOR LOVE Action Records 302 USA? 1999
Lame punk a la Psychotic Reactions comp, noisy 45 copies
SHE'LL HURT YOU IN THE END Teenage Shutdown 6608 USA 1998
subtitled "Teener Garage Explosion vol 2"
SHE'S A PEST Teenage Shutdown 6615 USA 2000
SHUTDOWN '66 Ernie Douglas 66 USA 1990
Billed "The World's Only 60's Punk Record", this comp (from the
Kicks/Norton dimension) zooms in on the real nerd/loser stuff. You'll
find no snotty Raiders clones or macho Animals covers here. For those who
enjoy the wimp-pop aspects of Pebbles 2 or the
mindless frat-garage of Hipsville 2 & 3 this comp is a sure bet, while
less illuminated people might find it lame or goofy.
SIGNED D.C Satan 666 USA 1984
Yet another cool Satan (WAWTD, Riot City) comp, this is a Washington DC
special with lots of punk winners and some surf/instro
flashes. Hasn't been around for years.
60'S CHOICE VOL 1 GMG 75021 France 1987
Decent late 80's French comp featuring mostly reissued stuff in the
punk/folkrock vein. Disappeared quickly for some reason. Has
been reissued on CD along with vol 2.
60'S CHOICE VOL 2 GMG 75027 France 1987
Similar to the first volume with a couple of good tracks unavailable
elsewhere.
60'S PUNK EP VOL 1 Moxie 1007 USA 1979
Late 70's series issued by Moxie/Dave Gibson prior to the Boulders. All
killer punkers on this one. Moxie put out lots of other
obscure repros and one-group EP:s at this time, many of which are worth
checking out.
60'S PUNK EP VOL 2 Moxie 1013 USA 1979
Slightly psychier second volume. The Electras track is credited to Thee
Sixpence on the label.
60'S PUNK EP VOL 3 Moxie 1034 USA 1980
More punk again but not as brilliant as the previous two. The entire series
was reissued as a box set in the late 80's.
60'S REBELLION VOL 1/2 - THE GARAGE/BARN Way Back 66006/7 Germ 1993
Hans K probably figured this series as a Pebbles for the 90s, but it comes
off more like a CD version of Mindrockers. Lots of lame
stuff that's neither punk nor psych, too many covers and the killer stuff is
usually available elsewhere. Some volumes are pretty
decent, and Mike Markesich has done a good job in tracking the groups down
geographically. The first double volume (also
available as seperate vinyl LPs) is one of the weakest in the series, with
only 4 or 5 real winners and a vast amount of weak pop
and pseudo-garage.
60'S REBELLION VOL 3 - THE AUDITORIUM Way Back 66008 Germ 1993
Decent comp all over with solid garage and a few fillers. Good to see that
many of the 45s that have circulated on tape among
collectors recent years are getting reissued. By the way, if you've figured
out the meaning of the subtitles in the series, let me know as I sure don't get it. As for all the succeeding volumes, the CD
matches the vinyl with a meagre sub-40 minute playtime.
60'S REBELLION VOL 4 - THE GO-GO Way Back 009 Germ 1993
This one's pretty good, moving in a teen-punk direction with some folkrock.
This volume also has among the lowest ratio of repeats
in the series, with all tracks bar two available here only.
60'S REBELLION VOL 5 - THE CAVE Way Back 66010 Germ 1993
A very lame compilation that's not recommended to anyone - if there is such
a thing as bad garage, then this is it. Stay clear.
60'S REBELLION VOL 6 - THE BIKER Way Back 66011 Germ 1993
The subtitle might lead you to expect the heavy fuzz-riffing 1968-69 sound
popular on some recent compilations but this is mostly
swinging folkrock with some excellent punk and a few killer repeats added
for good measure. Easily the best volume in the series.
60'S REBELLION VOL 7 - THE BACKYARD PATIO Music Maniac 66012 Germ 1994
Some good garage on board here, though much of the best stuff is available
on other, superior compilations. A couple of the unique
tracks are worth checking out.
60'S REBELLION VOL 8 - MONDO MUTINY # 1 Music Maniac 65001 Germ 1993
A cool concept here, as this is nothing but Love covers. Good to see Arthur
Lee getting at least some of the credit he deserves,
and as you know his songs lend themselves very well to the cover treatment.
60'S REBELLION VOL 9 - THE NIGHTCLUB Music Maniac 66013 Germ 1994
Lots of halfassed covers and pseudo-garage. The 4-5 really good tracks are
available on other compilations. Don't bother with this
one unless you're a newcomer.
60'S REBELLION VOL 11 - PSYCHEDELIA #1 Way Back 67001 Germ 1993
Subtitled "The Hydrogen Atom", this is the first venture into
psych territory in the series. A few repeats but also a number of real
'67-68 winners reissued for the first time. Not as consistent as it should
be featuring everything from cheesy local garage psych to
late 60s mellow acid rock, but overall recommended to psych fans. Note the
weird pitching error on "Evil eye".
60'S REBELLION VOL 12 - DEMENTED Way Back 66014 Germ 1994
A novelty/weird comp featuring mostly mid-60s stuff including several
well-known 45s and some obscurities. A pretty decent
effort for the genre though except for two OK psych tracks not really within
the punk/psych framework of this book.
60'S REBELLION VOL 14 - THE BASEMENT Way Back 66015 Germ 1996
More of the pseudo-garage and lame stuff with a couple of interesting cuts.
A number of repeats from other comps. Better than vol
5, though that's not saying much.
60'S REBELLION VOL 15 - PSYCHEDELIA #2 Way Back 67002 Germ 1996
Pretty much the same deal as with their first psych volume: some unnecessary
repeats, a couple of non-psychedelic punk or
novelty tracks, 2-3 solid acid-punkers and an equal number of late 60s
winners. Poor consumer value with only 14 tracks though
psych completists may have to get it. Subtitled "The Apple Glass
Cyndrom".
SON OF GATHERING OF THE TRIBE BF 20183 Germ 1983
Great 45 oriented sequel that should appeal to punk fans as well. Several
killers and a great consistency. Only 200 copies made,
each with an indivdual sleeve design. Was reissued in the early 90s.
SOUND OF THE SIXTIES
TEEN JANGLER BLOWOUT Teenage Shutdown 6609 USA 1998
Repeats lots of Highs In the Mid-Sixties tracks
TEXAS FLASHBACKS
Texas Archive Records
TEXAS PSYCHEDELIA Eva 12057 France 1986
One of Eva's later releases. Recycles some 45s that ought to have been on
Flashback and is generally a good psych/acid-punk
comp all the way through. Reissued on CD with several worthwhile bonus cuts
(see Michigan Psych).
TEXAS PUNK VOL 1 Eva 12006 France 1982
Perhaps a bit surprisingly Eva don't fare as well with Texas punk as most of
the other regions they've covered. It's a pretty good
comp alright but like Journey To Tyme marred by repeats and the inclusion of
some lame flipsides.
TEXAS PUNK VOL 2 Eva 12053 France 1986
The As & Bs concept is dropped here but on the other hand you get fewer
real classics. Still again a solid punk comp. Best thing is
to get the two-on-one CD reissue of this pair, though three so-so tracks
from vol 2 are missing.
TEXAS PUNK VOL 1-10 Cicadelic US 1985
TEXAS REVERBERATIONS
Texas Archive Records
THE BEST OF PEBBLES VOL 2
THE LOST GENERATION Dig-Up 1 Neth 1998
ltd ed of 525 copies, label shots, blue vinyl
THE OPEN LID (EP) LSD 25 USA 1992
Looks like another Erik Lindgren effort though I'm not sure. Similar in
style to the Calico Wall comp with so-so studio psych on side 1
and much better garage psych on the flip, both tracks being available here
only. Color vinyl and cool psychy op-art sleeve.
THE POLARIS STORY (CD) Bacchus Archives 001 USA 1991
An early Erik Lindgren/Arf Arf effort that features the Mass Polaris/Astor
label including 8 unreleased tracks. As often with
label-oriented comps the best 45s (Bugs, New Breed, Renegades) are already
known and available elsewhere. The rest is mostly
lame beat/instro material. CD only.
THE SCOTTY STORY (CD) Arf Arf 043 USA 1993
As with the Polaris Story the best tracks on this are already available
elsewhere though with ten tracks by the godlike Electras on
board this is a pretty heavy item for any punk fan. Some other cool stuff
along with some unreleased duds but a real classy job on
balance. Everything from the masters, naturally. A little out of context for
this book but buy it by all means.
THE WORLD AIN'T ROUND, IT'S SQUARE Teenage Shutdown 6610 USA 1998
The first two monster cuts are new, rest is repeats. This is a killer comp
in any event, with snotty punk screamers all through.
THINGS BEEN BAD Teenage Shutdown 6603 USA 1998
THIRTY SECONDS BEFORE THE CALICO WALL (CD) Arf Arf 050 USA 1995
Erik L returns with his usual taste for punk/psych and long titles. This one
seems intended as a sequel to the "Beyond the Calico
Wall" comp but has way more repeats and only a handful of top-level
discoveries. Still, the repeats are carefully picked from comps
that are otherwise lame or nowadays impossible to find, the exception being
(hrrm) "Psychedelic Experience" which is raided for
not less than three tracks. Excellent sound quality and great packaging so
worthwhile overall.
THREE O'CLOCK MERRIAM WEBSTER TIME
TIME WON'T CHANGE MY MIND Stroke 104 Europe 1999
'66 garage style. Lots of obscurities, mostly from the South.
TOBACCO A-GO-GO VOL 1 Blue Mold 101 USA 1984
Been a while since I heard this North Carolina comp duo but I recall the
first as being so-so with a few killers and several lame
tracks. Disappeared quickly, though copies were seen again in the mid-90s (a
reissue?).
TOBACCO A-GO-GO VOL 2 Blue Mold 103 USA 1987
Perhaps the stronger of the two though I might be mistaken. A fair number of
NC killers have appeared on other comps both before
and after this series so it's certainly not the ultimate regional job. For
completists mostly.
TOUGHER THAN STAINS London Fog USA 1995
Good '65-66 punk comp in line with recent European efforts in the genre with
some frat moves added for good measure. Includes
obscure repeats from 80s comps, a couple of tracks also in the 60s Rebellion
series, plus several excellent numbers only reissued
here. Worthwhile for any punk fan. Looks like it might come from the same
guy who did the classic Chosen Few comps.
TURDS ON A BUM RIDE VOL 1 Anthology 1.22 Italy 1992
First of several 2LP-volumes in this strange series, featuring everything
from MC5 to obscure fratpunk to early 70s heavy psych.
There are some interesting tracks on this one, particularly on the 2nd disc,
though to get there you have to wade through tracks
you've heard a zillion times along with mediocre B-sides. Could've been OK
if they condensed the series to two single volumes.
TURDS ON A BUM RIDE VOL 2 Anthology 2.22 Italy 1992
Lots of LP tracks on this one, along with rare items by groups like the
Doors, Electric Prunes etc - you get the idea. This isn't really
for the punk/psych fanatic at all, though an OK item for someone with a
general interest in US 60s obscurities. All volumes are
available on both vinyl and CD.
TURDS ON A BUM RIDE VOL 3 (CD) Anthology 3.11 Italy 1993
I had more or less written this strange Italian series off when someone
hyped this particular volume in my direction and rightly so.
Unlike the other volumes this is real obscure 45 stuff dug up from the
bottom of bargain bins and lord knows where else. Takes a
wide grasp ranging from biker fuzz to soul punk but highly enjoyable all
thru with some odd bonus tracks added. Not all US stuff,
though.
TURDS ON A BUMRIDE 4-7
TYMES GONE BY Action Records 301 USA? 1999
Folkrock/moody punk
VALLEY OF SON OF GATHERING OF THE TRIBE GOTT 3 Germ 1984
Moves in the opposite direction with mostly hard rock/heavy psych LP cuts
and two more wake-up mid-60's tracks. All the albums
have been reissued so this one's become pretty redundant.
WHAT A WAY TO DIE Satan 1313 USA 1983
Another winner from the golden age of '81-84, compiled by N.J collectors
Todd A and Vince B. Several classic punkers made their
first reissue here. Contrary to what you've heard, the closing bonus cut is
not by the "Dirty water" guys. A reissue was available,
plus a recent CD pairing with Hang It Out To Dry.
WHEN THE TIME RUN OUT Reverendo Moon Italy 1995
This Minnesota vs Michigan battle came with an insert apologizing for all
the language slips in the liner notes - maybe they should've
started with the title! I shouldn't be making fun though cause this is a
good beatpunk/punk comp, a little heavy on the covers on side
1 but ripping otherwise - cleans up some of the missing Fenton 45s and has
only a couple of repeats. Good homework infowise
too. Ltd ed of 500.
VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCES
VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCES VOL 2 (CD) Europe
VILE VINYL VOL 1 High Noon 001 USA 1985
Mid-80's series released by a certain NY mail-order operation (the label is
High Noon...) and still available. Mostly repeats on this premier volume with a couple of cool frat-punkers resurrected for the first
time.
VILE VINYL VOL 2 High Noon 002 USA 1985
Superior sequel with fewer repeats and some real psych/punk killer
discoveries. Well worth getting, if you can find it.
WORLD OF ACID Parallel World no # USA 1997
Pretty good psych/heavy psych comp from some NYC big-wigs (hi Paul!)
covering the global scene, though most of the 45s are
from US. Some unknown mindblowers but way too many repeats on side 2. Great
sleeve design.
YEAH YEAH YEAH (CD) Cheep Cheep 075 USA 1998
Arf Arf subsidiary, label shots only, repeats many tracks from 60s Rebellion
in better company, companion volume to No No No
YOU TREATED ME BAD! Teenage Shutdown 6602 USA 1998
Vol 2 in the series, incorrect reference to Gillian Row in the liner notes.
"Teener garage explosion vol 1"
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