Terrific compilation of 60s Texas psychedelia and more
hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 11/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A superb collection, originally issued as a 2-LP set, that collects rarities from the vaults of Texas' International Artists label. In addition to previously unreleased and demo sides from Texas psychedlia stalwarts such as Red Krayola and 13th Floor Elevators (including incredible pre-Elevators tracks from Roky Erikson and the Spades), there are many fine cuts by obscure garage punk acts such as The Chapparrals, and a terrific cover of the Bee Gees "In My Own Time" by Patterns. The Red Krayola demos (many of which would be re-recorded for their debut) are a treat. Side 3 (on the original vinyl) is perhaps the only downer, as the blues tracks from Big Walter, Lightnin' Hopkins and Dave Allen aren't particularly exceptional. The radio commercial for the Elevators' "Bull of the Woods" is a hoot, as is Roky's spaced out late-70s interview on San Francisco's KSAN-FM."