6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Soggy Roots, December 26, 2005
This review is from: Vol. 1-Stomp! (Audio CD)
The early Northwest rock scene (The Ventures, The Fabulous Wailers, The Kingsmen, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Don & The Goodtimes, The Imperials, The Sonics, The Counts... and literally dozens of others) has been pretty extensively documented by a series of comps and reissues. However, it should be noted that many of the region's biggest hits were in fact COVER VERSIONS of songs done earlier with much less press. Several songs crop up in a number of different bands' repertoires, and we're not just talking "Louie Louie" here.
The earliest NW scene was largely instrumental, inspired by such international acts as The Shadows, Don & Dewey, Link Wray, Ace Cannon and the like. Accordingly, this first, earliest, seminal and original NW comp is about half instrumental and features mostly The Frantics, The Artesians and The Imperials -- three original combos who never got their due. It's eye-opening to hear all the elements we associate with later, more commercially-successful NW bands already fully developed and in place BEFORE the World's Fair.
The classic Northwest dance halls -- Lake Hills Roller Rink, Spanish Castle, Target Ballroom, Evergreen Ballroom, Tacoma Armory -- rang with the sounds of these fierce innovators. The echoes of their sound still resonate.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
