Customer Reviews

Echoes of the Past

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This is an excellent introduction to America's most overlooked rock and roll band. Dead Moon is the real deal, playing unadulterated old-fashioned no frills rock and roll. Fred Cole, guitarist, singer & songwriter, opted out of the baloney of the music biz in the late 60's, forsaking the potential to be a big rock star. Instead, he did it himself. Dead Moon embodies the DIY ethic. Fred even creates his own master vinyl, using the record lathe he bought from the Kingsmen. The record lathe used to make "Louie Louie".

Fred might be the only artist featured in the Nuggets box set who is still making garage rock. He was the singer in the Lollipop Shoppe (name created by record company) and their tune "You Must Be A Witch" is still performed by Dead Moon.

But that is all background and would mean little if the music wasn't real. But it is. Whether the subject is drugs & paranoia (Room 213), the struggles and rewards of fidelity (I Won't Be the One Who Walks Away), or the life of an outsider (Poor Born), Fred brings authentic emotion to his words and both he and Toody, his wife of many years and the bass player, sing with conviction.

Dead Moon may be an acquired taste for those who have been raised on studio perfection. This is RAW. Not the fake raw of so many corporate rock bands, but the real rawness of genuine emotion and rock and roll power. Is real rock perfect? Hell no! Dead Moon gives it to you like it is, warts and all.

Buy this album, and learn the songs. Most importantly, go see Dead Moon live. Every night, some band, somewhere, is the best band in the world. When Dead Moon is playing, they are that band. If they don't come to your town, go to where they are. Dead Moon is much more popular in Europe than in the States, so maybe a trip is in order. Or make a pilgrimage to Portland, Oregon to see Dead Moon on their home turf with a hometown crowd, singing along to every song. I've seen hundreds, if not thousands of rock bands, and no one brings the real power of rock and roll like Dead Moon. Listen to this Cd at top volume, with your favorite beverage or three, and every night can be a Dead Moon Night.

Dead Moon is just about as raw and direct as rock 'n' roll can get. Fred and Toody Cole formed the band when they were both forty and stopped the project at age sixty. Don't let the age throw you off. Both of them have seen it all, from garage to psychedelica to punk, and manage to rock out far more than most bands half their age. They had convictions and refused to be taken advantage of by the greedy music industry, recording all their own records and releasing them on their own accords. While this is certainly commendable, it can make their music difficult to find. Fortunately, Sub Pop stepped in and released this double disc compilation of the band. And honestly, while many bands, even great ones, can grow monochrome if listened to for an extended period of time, "Echoes of the Past" can be played from beginning to end without becoming boring. The lyrics are fiery and impassioned, displaying an intelligence and conscience often lacking from garage punk bands (one of my favorite genres, don't get me wrong). The music itself is raw, yet proves love of creating music easily trumps any technical ability. What Dead Moon lacks in polish, they make up for in passion. If you like your music shallow and full of gloss, avoid this band. However, if you love gritty yet real rock 'n' roll made by clearly dedicated folks, get this compilation and also see the documentary "Unknown Passage: The Dead Moon Story". Few bands could be called positively life-changing and Dead Moon is one of them.

if you are a fan of garage rock, early rock n roll or early punk rock, you'll probably enjoy this. great stuff for fans of the sonics, the exploding hearts, the oblivians, billy childish, etc.

In this compilation 2 disk set there are many of the Dead Moon hits and lesser known jems. Since it is hard to find many of the original albums this is the nest best thing. Dead moon has influenced many rock bands with its rootsy take on the grunge genre. Songs like DOA, Kicked Out-Kicked In,and Walking on My Grave have tremendously catchy riffs and hooks that will leave you wanting more. Hardly a song here that won't beg to be listened to. One of my favorite bands and collections

This is some great rock n roll. Don't know what else to say, other than if you like no-frills, raw rock, you'll love this.

The samples of this band on Amazon here are all of a rap band. Is this some kind of joke? Mistake? It is NOT rock and roll.