The Trashmen Albums (3)
'The Great Lost Trashmen Album!'
Release Date 10/21/1994
Tracks 16
Label Sundazed
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Recorded in March 1964 and January/July 1966, The Great Lost Trashmen Album! was the supposed second release from those Minneapolis hodads who gave the world "Surfin' Bird." The material finds the Trashmen heading toward Beatles territory on the 1966 sessions, especially on "Talk About Love" (featuring Farfisa organ) and Buddy Holly's tune "Heartbeat." There's also plenty of amazing surf instrumentals and vocal tracks comparable to "Kuk," with cool gremmie/hot-dogging/kowabunga lyrics. "Think It Over" would have made an excellent inclusion in one of those AIP beach party movies of the early '60s. Needless to say, if you have any interest in surf music beyond the Beach Boys, buy this Sundazed disc immediately! ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although marketed as a surf band, Minnesota's Trashmen were decidedly landlocked by geography, but not by spirit. The group's odd mix of surf, R&B, sneering garage pop, and psychotic instrumentals made them one of the most eccentric and interesting of the groups that sprang up around the surf craze of the early '60s. This delightful collection of rare live tracks shows the kind of offhand, humorous dementia that they channeled into their shows, climaxing in a near six-minute version of their wacky masterpiece, the manic "Surfin' Bird." But this was a surprisingly versatile and nimble band, and their versions here of Booker T. & the MG's' "Green Onions" and James Brown's "Mashed Potatoes" spotlight a funky little R&B groove, while "Same Lines" sneers along with the best of 1960s garage punk, and "Keep Your Hands off My Baby" is skillfully executed faux doo wop. Two of the songs here ("Bird Dance Beat," "King of the Surf") were recorded at the Home School for Girls at the Saux Centre in Minnesota in 1966, and the mere thought of young, impressionable girls listening to this band of goofy maniacs is a sobering one. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The only album released by the Trashmen during their lifetime actually outstrips most of the Southern California-based competition, due to the ferocious grit of the playing and a vaguely demented, go-for-broke recklessness. A good mix of instrumentals and vocals, though nothing else is on the level of the title cut; the CD reissue adds demos of "Surfin' Bird" and "Bird Dance Beat, " and a couple rare singles. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
