Search - Various Artists :: Green Crystal Ties 1: Garage Band Rebels

A fine garage rock release

Hans Pfaall | Connecticut, USA | 12/24/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Green Crystal Ties Series was released in 1998 on Collectables, and there were ten volumes.
The consistency of the typical Green Crystal Ties volume varies considerably. Also, the liner notes usually tend to over-hype the material included on the disc. On all counts, Vol. 1 is one of the better entries in the series. On this volume, all of the acts were from Texas. The release was consistent overall, and I will go over some highlights. The Bad Seeds' had the excellent 'A Taste of the Same.' Written by Michael Taylor, 'A Taste of the Same' was a Stones-influenced composition, with rugged guitar riffs, and a moody bridge. Michael (Taylor's) later tracks on the collection were folk based and had decent melodies, but (in the case of 'People See IV' especially) had obtuse lyrics not quite up to par. The Illusions offer a hard driving rendition of 'Gloria' and a decent organ based rocker 'Try.' The Outlaws have a fine Byrdsy song 'Worlds Apart' featuring a memorable melody and chiming 12-string. The best song on the collection though, belongs to the Zakary Thaks. 'Face to Face' was a first-rate psychedelic track featuring catchy melodies, full production, and stunning electric guitar work from John Lopez. It was a big hit in Texas, but national promotion was limited. A case could be made that 'Face to Face' should have been the track to represent the Thaks' spot on the 4-disc Nuggets compilation in place of the also very good 'Bad Girl.' The Liberty Bell had two fine tracks as well, though the other Thaks offshoot group Kubla Kahn was less impressive. If one desires to wade further into the deep waters of 60's garage rock, the Green Crystal Ties series may not be consistent, but has many a fine track to offer. Volume 1 is one of the better ones of the series, and recommended."