Album Review: Various Artists - Nuggets - Original Artyfacts From The First Psychedelic Era: 1965-1968

Few music compilations have had the cultural impact of the original Nuggets collection, compiled in 1972 by Elektra chief Jac Holzman and Patti Smith's guitarist Lenny Kaye. The fact that its liner notes use the term “punk rock” for one of the first times on record is telling indeed, because the diverse collection ended up being a massive influence on the various punk movements, as well as inspiring generations of rock'n'rollers all over the globe.

The collection combs a particularly interesting time in the history of US rock, a seemingly more innocent era when what was “cool” had yet to be set in stone, making it completely fine for even the dirtiest of rock bands to aspire to a “hit single”, and the bastion of AM radio meant that it was entirely possible for even the most obscure band to have a regional or even national hit if they concocted the correct song. The result was an embarrassment of riches, as bands formed everywhere trying to find that elusive combination that would resonate with the kids. Nuggets collates songs that all good rock fans should know (You're Gonna Miss Me by The Thirteenth Floor Elevators, I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) by The Electric Prunes) next to obscure gems (Don't Look Back by The Remains, The Kickerbockers' Lies) and some downright weirdness (Moulty by The Barbarians), but it's strength is that it's never less than interesting for the duration.

A fine remastering job and additional liner notes makes this re-release a triumph – this album should be firmly ensconced in all decent rock collections.