One thing you can guarantee from Petty’s famed Clovis studio is that the instrumental tracks will be cleanly recorded. Even with garage groups, such as those featured here, each player’s role is clearly audible, unlike some of the looser efforts to be found circa 1965/56.
The Crickets lead off with the gutsy title track, after which there are a selection of rare or previously unreleased tracks that will delight specialist beat and garage fans. The Cinders’ Gloria is suitably snarly, while The Cords’ Too Late To Kiss You Now evokes The Beau Brummels. Stu Mitchell & Doug Roberts, apparently backed up by The Fireballs, deliver a Sloopy-alike Say I Am (What I Am) with very full drums leading the track, and Three Of A Kind’s vocals recalls The Castaways (the Liar Liar ones) on Only Time Will Tell. The stand out is a powerful Shotgun from Wes Dakus’ Rebels, who could give Mitch Ryder a run for his money, and makes the compilation worth the money for this track alone. Full notes and rare photos add to the appeal, making this of interest for many.
