Nuggets: Original Artyfacts From The First Psychedelic Era 1965-1968 – 50th Anniversary Vinyl Review

18th January 2024 0 By Jon Deaux

Even tho there have been many re-issues of this classic Nuggets album, I have never owned a copy until now. Upon listening to it, I’m ashamed and embarrassed that I haven’t. Before I even put the needle in the groove, the first thing that will strike you is the ‘psychedelic vinyl’ (that’s what it says on the hype sticker on the front but it’s orange with yellow splatter, and it’s gorgeous)

This is full of absolute belters like Moulty by The Barbarians, with it’s deep bass line and a solid groove, a fast paced version of Hey Joe that bares no resemblance to the original except for the lyrics from The Leaves and Open My Eyes by Nazz.

Normally when I hear a compilation album from the 60’s there are always a few tracks I skip, but not with this. It’s not just filled with nuggets but also ingots. The worst track is Sugar and Spice by The Cryan Shame in my humble opinion. My favorite track (at the time of writing) is the version of Baby, Please Don’t Go by The Amboy Dukes. It’s a great take on the blues standard. A load of fuzz guitar by the gun-toting Ted Nugent coupled with a soulful vocal just brings a little something extra to it.

This is a must have in your record/CD collection.
Score 10/10

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) – The Electric Prunes
2 Dirty Water – The Standells
3 Night Time – The Strangeloves
4 Lies – The Knickerbockers
5 Respect – The Vagrants
6 A Public Execution – Mouse
7 No Time Like The Right Time – The Blues Projec
Side 2
8 Oh Yeah – The Shadows Of Night
9 Pushin’ Too Hard – The Seeds
10 Moulty – The Barbarians
11 Don’t Look Back – The Remains
12 An Invitation To Cry – The Magicians
13 Liar, Liar – The Castaways
14 You’re Gonna Miss Me – The 13th Floor Elevators
Side 3
15 Psychotic Reaction – Count Five
16 Hey Joe – The Leaves
17 Romeo & Juliet – Michael And The Messengers
18 Sugar And Spice – The Cryan’ Shames
19 Baby Please Don’t Go – The Amboy Dukes
20 Tobacco Road – Blue Magoos
21 Let’s Talk About Girls – The Chocolate Watchband
Side 4
22 Sit Down, I Think I Love You – The Mojo Men
23 Run, Run, Run – The Third Rail
24 My World Fell Down – Sagittarius
25 Open My Eyes – Nazz
26 Farmer John – The Premiers
27 It’s-a-Happening – The Magic Mushrooms