Contrary to collective belief, there was a lot of good music to be had prior to the worldwide invasion of the Beatles in 1964. So many folks insist rock and roll expired in the late ’50s, when Elvis joined the Army, Chuck Berry was sent to jail, Little Richard turnedRead More

Formed while siblings Bill (guitar), Bob (guitar and organ), Barry (bass) and John (drums) were still in school, the Cowsills went on to become one of the most popular bands of the late 1960s. The quartet, which hailed from Newport, Rhode Island, first shook up the airwaves in the waningRead More

Both these bands hailed from Wilmington, Delaware and featured the enterprising handiwork of singer, songwriter and guitarist Ted Munda. Founded late in 1964, the Enfields enjoyed a good deal of regional acclaim until their demise in 1967. Shortly after the band splintered, Ted formed Friends Of The Family. An 18-trackRead More

Initially gaining prominence via a rollicking, danceable version of “Good Lovin,’” the Rascals quickly proved to be exceptional songwriters on their own terms.

Hailing from Hinsdale, Illinois, the Cryan’ Shames not only attained monumental local success, but were a mere hair away from making it on a national level. Citing the Beach Boys, the Beatles and the Byrds as core inspirations, the band was particularly praised for their sterling harmony skills. As anRead More

Found in the bargain bins at the now-defunct Borders Books some years ago, this Risky Business disc bears the subtitle “Make Out Music From The Psychedelic Era,” which is partially appropriate. Although the songs were indeed fathered during the hazy, crazy days of flower power, and a number of themRead More

Formed in 1988, the Grip Weeds made a huge impact right from the start. Pinching their name from John Lennon’s character, Private Grip Weed from the 1967 movie, “How I Won The War,” the Highland Park, New Jersey band struck all the proper chords when it came to playing psychedelic-tingedRead More

Here’s an invitation to journey beyond the calico wall, where the skies are paved with marshmallow love, yellow orange hangs on a string and the concept of hate and war melt like popsicles! Originally released on clear blue vinyl in 1990, the digital reissue of this heralded collection, which salutesRead More

Originally released on the Tower label in early 1968, The Inner Mystique marked the second album from the Chocolate Watch Band. Basically an excursion in exploitation, the majority of cuts on the disc were performed by session musicians, with absolutely zero input from any of the group members. As expected,Read More

Drummer Joel Larson, a founding member of the Grass Roots, was on board for their most memorable accomplishments.