Emily: Going through this list in a random fashion is kind of like a jigsaw puzzle, with different random pieces slowly coming together to create the complete timeline. Some albums are random middle pieces, with seemingly no connection to any other musical history. Some are corner pieces, absolutely instrumental to the progression of popular music. And some albums, like today’s selection, are edge pieces. They’re not necessarily the most important or prominent albums on the list, but they bridge important gaps between eras, artists, and genres. Here Are the Sonics definitely makes that connection for me. Released in 1965, Here Are the Sonics is one of the earliest examples of garage rock, a predecessor to the punk and alternative of later decades. It bridges the gap between ‘50s rock and roll and the louder, faster rock of the ‘60s and ‘70s. This is made even more evident by the band’s choice of covers. They take classic rock and roll music, including songs by Chuck Berry and Little Richard, and update it with louder guitars and driving drums. These updates also serve as homages, however. The Sonics pay tribute to the architects of rock and roll while signaling the future of the genre, truly making them transformative musical figures.
Favorite Tracks: Do You Love Me; Good Golly Miss Molly; Money (That’s What I Want)
Zack: The Sonics might just be the best damn rock band that (if you’re anything like me) you’ve never heard of. Although, I guess since you’re reading this, you have now heard of them. Well, in that case, consider yourself lucky. God damn they rock. Without ever hearing a song by them, I was really excited to review this album. When we started picking our next batch of albums to review (we pick ten at a time during the summer when we’re unable to listen to albums together), this was the first album I put forward. Actually, that may be putting it too lightly. I demanded we listen to it. This is the first example of garage rock/protopunk on the list and I wanted to experience it ASAP. I’m so glad I did. Everything about it is just so….LOUD!!!!!!!!!! It blasts out of the speakers/headphones and grabs you. The guitars, the drums, the vocals….those god damn vocals! I don’t really know who Gerry Roslie is but he can wail. I mean, he actually nailed a high note from a Little Richard song. That’s pretty damn impressive. I would have to say that the high note from the album is a brilliant cover of the Chuck Berry classic, Roll Over Beethoven. That song has been covered by everyone from The Beatles to The Byrds to Iron Maiden, but they still took it and made it sound so fresh and original. Granted, that song is so good that Nickelback could probably cover it and I would still enjoy it, but still. The Sonics are just good ol’ rock & roll fun, and should be mandatory listening for anyone who ever wants to set up shop in their parents basement and jam.
Favorite Tracks: Roll Over Beethoven; Money (That’s What I Want); Good Golly Miss Molly
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