? & the Mysterians Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
Fans may lament that the owners of ? & the Mysterians' original recordings are refusing to license a CD release of the band's material, but the group knew how to capitalize on a bad situation. They reunited and released a series of albums of re-recordings of their oldies. Often, these were live records, but More Action is a studio recording that features the classics, along a handful of newer songs, plus a multimedia video. Cleverly, they titled this album More Action, which will certainly make the diehards think of the band's second album Action, but this should not be confused with the original album. As far as re-recordings go, these aren't bad at all, and while the double-disc set has its share of filler, it rocks surprisingly hard -- hard enough to make it a worthwhile listen for ? and garage rock aficionados. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Recorded live at Cavestomp '97 at Coney Island High School in New York City, this captures the original version of ? & the Mysterians (accept no substitutes) shaking the joint down to the last brick. Amazingly, they sound exactly like they did some 30-odd years ago, fortified with some vintage equipment (no synthesizers here) and an enthusiastic crowd to goad them on. Kicking off with a Stones-like "2120 South Michigan Avenue" riff that gets turned into the title track, the band gets into fourth gear right from the start and pretty much stays there. Running through a 19-song set list that combines old favorites from their Cameo and Capitol recordings along with new songs that sound exactly like they were written 30 years ago (and who's to say they weren't?), this is one of the very, very few modern-day "reunion" albums that really works and makes you wish you were there. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
'Question Mark & the Mysterians'
Release Date 10/21/1997
Tracks 16
Label Collectables
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Since the rights to the original 96 Tears album and singles have been held in limbo, fans have to be content with records like ? & the Mysterians featuring 96 Tears, a collection of re-recordings by the original lineup that was recorded in 1997 -- 31 years after their one hit topped the charts. Surprisingly, the group sounds tough, dynamic, and exciting -- it's easy to tell that this is not the same group of young garage punks from the mid-'60s, but these guys can still kick hard, which is what makes the record worthwhile for die-hard garage freaks. In addition to "96 Tears," the album also features Mysterians classics like "I Need Somebody," "'8' Teen," "Smokes," "Up Side," "Stormy Monday," "Make You Mine," "Got To," "Don't Tease Me" and "You're Telling Me Lies." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On the back of the album cover of ? and the Mysterians' Action, there is a list of "the facts" about the band. Their "likes" mostly consist of "girls," "science fiction," and "the color black," the combination of which pretty much describes their music. Action contains some of the best early-'60s, AM-pop-meets-garage-noise tunes -- a mixture that also produced the L.A. sound of the Seeds and would later lead to the utter genius of the Velvet Underground. But like the Beatles when they were in Hamburg, ? and the Mysterians are content to play catchy renditions of their rock & roll favorites. They burn through the first verse of "Shout"; play some pure sugar pop on the groovy, fantastic organ-driven "Hangin' on a String"; and give "Can't Get Enough of You Baby" the garage treatment. But ? and the Mysterians have some real innovation, too. They start their version of the hit "Girl (You Captivate Me)" with dark, almost spoken vocals. Originals like "It's Not Easy" are infused with R&B sensibilities. But "Smokes" is the real winner -- it bleeds with raucous basement party grooves that set the stage for much of rock to come. ~ Charles Spano, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A true garage band classic, featuring the title track and 11 others straight from the band's set list. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Originally a BASF-LHD cassette-only release, this live recording showcases the distinctive mixture of Tex-Mex bounce and garage-punk raunch that anticipated such groups as the Lyres, Joe King Carrasco & the Crowns, and Elvis Costello & the Attractions. The band propels lead vocalist ? (aka Rudy Martinez) as he swaggers, taunts, and exhorts his way through 14 energized (if somewhat repetitive) songs, including "Don't Tease Me," "Girl (You Captivate Me)" (sung as "Girl (You Masturbate Me"), "I Can't Get Enough of You Baby," and "96 Tears." ? doesn't convey quite as much menace as he does on the original 1960s recordings of songs such as "Smokes," but since those original recordings are not readily available in the U.S., this is a reasonable substitute for a career retrospective. However, the group has released another live recording, Do You Feel It Baby?, which offers more songs and is easier to find. ~ Todd Kristel, All Music Guide
