The Sonics – Here Are The Sonics!!!

These guys are the bomb! From the misogynism of 'The Witch' to the 'tender' love song about an automobile ('Boss Hoss'), the Sonics were inspired punkers before punk existed. The lead singer yells too much. The drums are way up in the mix. In short, this is early rock and roll that is actually FUN! I'm left wondering if Lou Reed was inspired to write 'Heroin' after hearing the Sonics' 'Strychnine'.

There is a welcome 'childishness' to the band's approach. The band was way ahead of its time with 'Don't Believe in Christmas', which is about the only negative song I've ever heard concerning the holiday. (Elvis' 'Blue Christmas' does not qualify, as the Pelvis is only whining about being lonely.) Unlike modern day atheists, the Sonics' dim view of Christmas has nothing to do with the holiday's religious connotations. The Sonics don't believe in Christmas because they 'didn't get nothing last year'. Spoken like a true ungrateful child! It's a great rock song, with a machine gun vocal reminiscent of Dylan's vocal delivery on 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'.

I wound up buying this Norton reissue because I assumed it was impossible to find the Etiquette original. This album relies heavily on cover versions of classics, which aren't as interesting as the band's own material. Although I must confess that I prefer the Sonics' rendition of 'Roll Over Beethoven' to the Beatles' take. The aggressive vocal on this number only underlines George Harrison's weak voice on the Fab Four version.

If you are looking for depth and thoughtfulness, I refer you to Sting or U2. 'The Witch' isn't as clever as the Rolling Stones' 'Under My Thumb', but what it lacks in subtlety it more than makes up for in exuberance. In short, this album would make a great Christmas gift for people who didn't get anything for Christmas last year.

It should be noted that Gerry Roslie wrote the original material and yells the crazy jock vocals. His 'Santa Claus' is another rather dark view of Christmas. And in a further bit of welcome political incorrectness, 'The Village Idiot' is actually 'Jingle Bells' sung by a 'Harold'. Harold sounds retarded (I'm sorry, mentally challenged) in his vocal rendition, which would not go over well with the politically correct crowd today Oh well. I think this album is a lot of fun.