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.

For a spell there, the Chocolate Watch Band was remembered more for their loony name than their music. Although they were a popular live act in and around their stomping grounds of San Jose, California, their records stiffed, naturally limiting their profile. By the time the 70’s arrived, the ChocolateRead More

The country rock field is a crowded one these days, but it takes a special talent to synthesize the genres in an accessible manner. And I’m pleased to announce that Dan Kibler possesses such a skill. Striking a perfect balance between the two styles, he slaps a refreshing spin onRead More

Considering how adored the Squires are by garage rock aficionados, it’s surprising this sole collection of the Bristol, Connecticut band’s work is only available on vinyl. And what’s even more frustrating is Going All The Way With The Squires! (Crypt Records) is long out of print. But that shouldn’t stopRead More

Under different circumstances, there is no doubt Homer would have been major players in the hard-rock league. The San Antonio, Texas band’s lead guitarist, Galen Niles, informs us in the liner notes to this comprehensive collection of works that limited distribution of their discs was the prime reason they wereRead More