THE RATIONALS CR-1334 (-69) US

 A band totally new to me so I had to check the net to get any info. Apparently a Michigan garage combo founded 1964 and from 1965-69 releasing thirteen 45:s for various labels. Even if highly appreciated localy they never caught on nationally and this one-off album became their last effort before breaking up. However that was, listening today makes this old garage lover very happy. A blend of slow and fast, where the up-tempo tracks have a frenzie reminding me of MC5 and The Stooges - right on with blatant guitars, screamy vocals and hard hitting drums - sounding just right. The calmer cuts obviously less manic, but still performed with that kind of carelessness defining good garage. There's no attempt to please any lover of enjoyable melodies or well played instruments here, just music filled with tons of raw energy. Even if it all fits I'm more for the heavy stuff - "Barefootin", "Guitar Army" and "Sunset". And for those accustomed to Rod Stewart's cover of "Handbags And Gladrags", the peeled off version here might come as a shock. Audio very direct giving the impression of a more or less live performance. The contact is instant - this is them playing for me fiftyfive years later. Early vinyl issues in US, Canada, Germany, Downunder and a couple of South American countries. EU 2011 CD on Big Beat Records (CDWIKD 298) came with four bonus tracks. Premiere US had label as shown here in a glossy cover.  (YZÄ*)