Keep the 18th Amendment
Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 02/04/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Chocolate Watchband was one of the greatest unknown bands of the 1960s. They had no hits, but they managaged to release a lot of great music. They had a garage band feel, with a singer who sounded like Mick Jagger. This was their first album, which was produced by Ed Cobb, who is best known for producing those great songs by the Standells. But I guess Mr. Cobb didn't have much faith in the Chocolate Watchband, because he replaced lead singer Dave Aguilar's vocals with black session singer Don Bennett on some songs. And he added two psychedlic instrumentals that didn't actually feature the Chocolate Watchband at all. But amazingly enough, the album actually turned out pretty well. It may not be the album the group wanted, but it is still a good listen. The CD features three bonus tracks. The alternate version of Wilson Pickett's "In The Midnight Hour" features Dave Aguilar's original vocal, before it was replaced by Don Bennett's voice. "Milk Cow Blues" is a Kinks-like version of an old Elvis song, which was unreleased until the 1980s. And "Psychedelic Trip" is a previously unreleased early version of "No Way Out". If you are a fan of "Nuggets" type music, you should enjoy this CD."
Great example of late 60s psychedelia and garage rock
Home Cinema | Switzerland | 02/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I admit that I was attracted mainly by its great LP cover. It is at least 2 stars in my rating. But the music is good, too. Let's talk about girls sounds close to Moby Grape on their first album and it rocks. The other songs vary between psychedelic floating sounds and bone dry garage rock. I personally like this mixture very much. Give it a try - if you liked Moby Grape then you'll like the CWB as well. Also worth seaking out: The Inner Mystique."
Chocolate Watchband - 'No Way Out' (Sundazed)
Mike Reed | USA | 05/21/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Originally released in 1967,as this was the band's debut lp.About as good as their second and third albums,'The Inner Mystique'('68)and 'One Step Beyond'('69),see my reviews of both.Good job on the CD reissue,as you get three bonus tracks.Very nice.If you're a Stones fan,you're sure to enjoy this vintage garage rock&roll title.Best cuts are "Let's Talk About Girls",the instrumental "Dark Side Of The Mushroom","Are You Gonna Be There(At The Love-In)" and the title track "No Way Out".Also dug the two versions of "In The Midnight Hour" and "Psychedelic Trip".One of rock's TRUE under appreciated/lesser known bands.Recommended."