Chicagoland’s Patrick & the Shamrocks come storming in with “Wind Blowing Through the Trees.” The winsome gem has a “Little Black Egg-ish” feel to it, while “Yes, That's What I'm Gonna Do” begins with a “Moulty” like statement of self-determination to initiate one of the most rousing and catchy numbers heard in ages. Be sure to check out Patrick’s next band Society’s Children, which was a warbly psych-folk-rock outfit with his mom on lead vocals that can be heard here. Thankfully, both sides of the Gnomes’ 45 have been included from the Northeast prep school combo, whose origin story took over 4 decades to track down! The soul-pop-garage of “Something's Going Wrong” recalls “Something’s Gone” by the Jam (the 1968 U.S. band on Sire). Just when you think it can’t get even better, “The Sky is Falling” comes tumbling through the speakers. It’s a moody soul-pop ballad with a Memphis feel like the Guilloteens and something that Greg Cartwright should cover. Be sure to catch that We Five “You Were On My Mind" quote on the outro. The Phoenix groups had something for the minor key, perhaps due to the major local influence of Phil & the Frantics and "It's Only Her” by the Present Daze is no exception. Hope to hear more of their sounds on the The Wild Thymes – Reflections collection.
“Need Your Love” by the Soul Survivors (not the Philly group) brings one of the closest approximations to ? and the Mysterians that I have ever heard. It's a gloriously ramshackle affair that appeared on Delta, an Albuquerque-based record label that also released the Striders. The Soul Survivors hailed from San Jon, New Mexico, which is along Route 66 and near the Texas border. The Imposters’ “When You Say” sounds like the Gants’ Sid Herring backed by the Beau Brummels, while the Palmers, from La Mesa, CA, bring us an intrepid surf-folk-rocker with “Once Again.” Trickling down with its murky and cool Chocolate Watchband sound is the Imperials Limited from Atlanta with “She Said It So Sweet.”
The comp saves for best for last. When I saw the track listing my heart lifted because I never heard the super rare and super local (to me) 45 from Tinsel Mecca, although I wrote about them in 2017. “Things That Do Exist” is perhaps a response to “I Believe in Things" by Floyd & Jerry with the Counterpoints. To these ears this "Donovan-esque" diddy borders on novelty. However, clear the decks and stand back as the grand finale is about to happen. With “Life's In Vain” and its “Paint it Black-ish drone" Tinsel Mecca succeed in making timeless and melodic art out of frustration and agony. Aesthetically, it leans way more into 1966 than its late-1968 recording & release date. It’s a one of a kind standout from the flatlands of Chandler, AZ.
Credit the compilers for having the awareness and expertise to include double-siders from the strongest bands. Overall recognition is due to Mike Markesich for sharing these rarities from his deep well and Freddy Fortune for presenting these records in their best possible sound with his audio restoration. Tom Nikosey provides the design with a great "Howard Johnson's" orange & light blue color scheme. A booklet with requisite label scans and liner notes round out the package. Recommended for those who dig Teenage Shutdown, Pebbles, Highs in the Mid-Sixties, Fuzz, Flaykes, & Shakes and the Original Artyfacts of Nuggets.
