- The Music Machine - "Turn On"
This album is a great example of 60's garage punk, full of fuzzed out guitars and a wailing Doug Rhodes on the Farfisa organ. The band gained a lot of attention for their all-black-clothing and the fact that they all wore a single black leather glove. The Music Machine formed as The Ragamuffins in '65, changing the name a year later. I can't really blame em, Ragamuffins is a pretty awful name, haha.
Recorded in 66 on the Original Sound label. Cat # OSR LPM 5015
Songs to jam: "Talk Talk", "Trouble", "Taxman" & "Masculine Intuition"
- The Litter - "Distortions"
Thee essential 60's band that you've probably never jammed before. Hailing from Minneapolis, forming in '66. A lot of garage bands from this era were known for doing mostly cover songs, however The Litter' covers usually blew the originals outta the water. Snarling vocals with extended guitar & organ solos, how can ya go wrong with that?
Released in 66 on the Warwick label. Cat # 671
Songs to jam: "Action Woman", "Codine", & "I'm So Glad"
- The Electras - "The Best Of..."
Yet another 60's Minnesotan band, The Electras formed in '65 and are one of the many bands from the era that never quite got the recognition they deserved. Some of the most raw & soulful vocals of the genre happen to reside in this compilation. Plus material from their other garage bands; The Scotsmen & The Victors (Be sure to jam "Beer Bust Blues", song is a total banger!" In 2010 they were inducted into the Midwest Hall Of Fame.
Recorded 65-67 and originally released on 6 45's by the Scotty label.
Songs to jam: "Dirty Old Man", "Soul Searchin", & "Action Woman"
- The Sonics - "Here Are The Sonics!!!"
This is one is kind of a no brainer, so grab a reissue if its not already in your collection! Not many people are as notable as Gerry Rosalie when it comes to the world of garage rock. The Sonics lyrics covered everything from Satan to drinking poison, not a lot of bands in 65 were covering such wild subjects. This albums drum tracks were recorded with only one mic for the whole drum kit on a two track recorder to get a live raw tone. Drummers are still trying to achieve the tone Bob Bennett had. Luckily these guys reunited and started touring again in 2015. They're even still recording in mind blowing mono! The Sonics tunes have been covered by the likes of; The Sword, The Cramps, The Flaming Lips & The Hives.
Released in 1965 on Etiquette Records. Cat # ET-ALB-024
Songs to jam: "The Witch", "Dirty Robber", "Psycho", "Walking The Dog" & "Strychnine" (actually just jam the whole damn thing)
- Zakary Thaks - "Form The Habit"
Too good to be so unheard of, Zakary Thaks formed in Corpus Christi sometime around 65. The drums are probably going to be the first thing you notice about the sound of this band, very complex beats for the time period & genre. In mid 66 the band released a 7" of "Bad Girl" & "I Need You" (Kinks Cover) which earned them the chance to play with their at the time heroes, The Yardbirds. The band went on to support acts such as Jefferson Airplane & The 13th Floor Elevators.
The Majority of the singles that make up this compilation were released between 66 and 68 on the J-Beck label.
Songs to jam: "I Need You", "Face To Face" & "Green Crystal Ties"
- Chants R&B - "Stage Door Witchdoctors"
Considered one of the greatest garage R&B bands from Christchurch (lol), Chants R&B formerly known as "Chants" were very short lived with only 2 singles and this compilation of mostly unreleased recordings, but its enough to make them my favorite on the list. No album is more raw, fuzzed out, or holy in my mind. With influences like: Them, Otis Redding, The Yardbirds, & The Rolling Stones, I don't need to tell you how awesome this record is.
Norton reissued this comp on LP a few years back but it's self titled & has a different cover*
Songs to jam: "Mystic Eyes", "Neighbor, Neighbor", "Early In The Morning", & "I'm Your Witchdoctor"