Here Are the Sonics (CD - 1965)

Recorded in 1965. Originally released on Etiquette. Includes liner notes by Miriam Linna.

Digitally remastered by Bob Irwin.

Personnel: Larry Parypa (vocals, guitar); Rob Lind (vocals, saxophone); Gerry Roslie (vocals, keyboards); Andy Parypa (vocals); Bob Bennett (drums).

Liner Note Author: Miriam Linna.

If there were a Ring Magazine ranking system for 1960s garage bands, the Sonics would be the undisputed heavyweight champs. Emerging from the same scene that birthed the Kingsmen, the Sonics were a juggernaut of raw rock-&-roll moxie and primal R&B stomp. Possessed of a sound and aesthetic that would have rendered moot any mods-v.-rockers debate, the band dropped a classic of the genre with their 1965 debut.

The album both predates and outpaces many a punk record that followed years later in terms of energy, passion, and attitude. In fact, it's hard to believe that fuzzed-out screamers such as "Psycho," "The Witch," and "Strychnine" didn't set off a tried and true musical revolution right then and there. Anyone even remotely interested in the origins of punk and the classic years of American garage should not sleep until they've purchased this album. minimize