In the late sixties, when San Francisco wore flowers in its hair and marched to the revolutionary beat of psychedelic sounds and visions, equally exciting music communities thrived across the bay in towns like Alameda, Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro and Union City. A twenty-four track collection, “You Got Yours! East Bay Garage 1965-1967,” features a handful of bands who were responsible for keeping the scene alive and well back then.

  Though none of these combos achieved nationwide recognition, many of them obtained an impressive degree of regional success and are fondly remembered by those who attended their gigs and purchased their records.

                                                                                                                                                             

From the finely crafted folk rock of The Harbinger Complex’s “Sometimes I Wonder” to the dark and moody musings of The Blue Lite Conspiracy’s “Her Heart Said No,” there are indeed plenty of cool garage nuggets to be had here. Charted of gruff and bluesy vocals and grinding organ fills, “You’re Gonna Cry” by The Donnybrookes checks in as one of the best Animals imitations ever laid to tape. Seated in the novelty section of the room, there’s “Who Stole The Batmobile” from The Gotham City Crime Fighters, who eventually evolved into Tower of Power. Rife with shuffling rhythms and ragged edges, The Just Six’s “Bo Said” pays obvious homage to Bo Diddley, where Peter Wheat and The Breadmen crank out round after round of fast and furious twelve-string guitar pickings on “Baby What’s New.” While each tune on “You Got Yours! East Bay Garage 1965-1967” stands to be special in its own right, there’s little doubt the crown jewel is “Waiting For You” by The Baytovens. Propelled by blissful Beau Brummels styled harmonies, sheets of sparkling arrangements and beaming melodies by the mile, this song is a certified pop masterpiece.

                                                                                                                                                          

Stacks of previously unreleased material, brought to you by bands such as The Bristol Boxkite, The Immediate Family and The Day Trippers, round out this collecetion. Detailed liner notes, penned by respected music historian Alec Palao, are also part of the package. All told, “You Got Yours! East Bay Garage 1965-1967” is essential listening not only for the garage rock crowd, but fans of sixties music in general.