Listening to this reissue, Im sure the DIMENSIONS used to terrorize high school dances in the Chicago suburbs back in the swinging ’60s with their crude re-workings of yesterday’s hits. The songs, such as the KINKS’ “I Need You,” the Stones’ “Empty Heart,” and the RAIDERS’ “Just Like Me,” are all familiar, but the DIMENSIONS’ spirit makes them worth adding to your record shelf.
Another highly collectible item rescued from obscurity by Eva. Pittsburgh’s FANTASTIC DEE-JAYS (later SWAMP RATS) responded to the British Invasion with some wonderful fuzzy garage punkers like “Get Away Girl.” Their album has some other great ravers, but there are a few too many Beat ballads to win over non-believers in ’60s punk. Nevertheless, the slower tracks sound like GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS produced by Darby Crash, so one is still able to enjoy most of them.
This amazingly great ’60s album has been reissued as a bootleg, and it’s well worth seeking out. It’s rare when a band does cover versions better than the originals (like the WHO’s “Legal Matter,” to name just one), and then manages to come up with their own teen punk classics (“Action Woman”). One of the best ever ’60s punk releases.
Although they ended up being nothing more than a schmaltzy pop band, the NEW COLONY SIX started their career in the mid-’60s with this mighty, near-perfect punk album. The group had a solid rhythm section, no-frills guitar breaks, and, most importantly, a domineering organ. They were also blessed with the ability to sing in harmony, which probably contributed to their eventual downfall, but the vocals here perfectly offset their crisp garage sound.
These tapes have been rumored to exist (and been lost) for years, but, miracle of miracles, at last they’ve been located and pressed. The remains were perhaps the hottest US band of the British Invasion type in the ’60s, yet never got the recognition they deserved and split up. This album showcases their strong points—early Jaggeresque vocals, soaring punky guitar work, and an incredible rhythm section; only one track, the bluesy “Gonna Move,” is boring.
Legendary Texas group ZAKARY THAKS were obviously inspired by British bands like the KINKS (they even covered “I Need You”), ROLLING STONES, and YARDBIRDS, as they delivered suburban R&B with a healthy dose of rhythm guitar, angry lead vocals, and some decent lead solos. “Bad Girl” was probably their best shot for national recognition, though other tracks are equally impressive. There are a few overly bluesy or psych numbers, but this is still a must for any collection of ’60s punk.
