Sixties Texas Garage Rock: Zakary Thaks - Form The Habit 1966-69 (BeatRocket, Sundazed) Mono

 

Hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas, Zakary Thaks were one of the city's most popular bands between 1966 and 1969. Originally known as The Marauders, they soon changed their name to The Riptides and played mostly surf music. As British bands like the Kinks and the Stones became more influential, they changed their name again in March 1966 to The Zakary Thaks and signed with Carl Becker's J-Beck label. Chris Gerniottis was just 15 years old at the time, while the other members were 17.

Bad Girl, their first 45 record, was a strong punk song with a snappy guitar introduction. It was picked up by Mercury for nationwide distribution, but was believed to sell more records in South Texas, where they developed a strong following. The follow-up album also sold quite well locally, reaching #1 in Austin and San Antonio.  Zakary Thaks opened for most of the touring bands performing in Corpus Christi at the time, including The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, Animals, Beach Boys, Yardbirds and The 13th Floor Elevators.

The 2001 album was one of the best reissues of '60s garage bands, with songwriting and musicianship on a much higher level than most '60s garage bands, and with just as much youthful insouciance. From the punk of "Bad Girl" and the stunning fuzz guitar of "Face to Face" to the Beatles pop of "Please". (excerpt from mza-garage)

When I fell out of bed this morning, I needed some music with the appropriate ''wake up drive and sound'' and that's how I came across 'Zakary Thaks'. I decided to go with BeatRocket's , Sundazed release in mono.  The original recordings of Carl Becker's songs are, in my humble opinion, closer to the band sound and also closer to a live feel than, for example, the 2015 Big Beat release 'It's The End - The Definitive Collection'. In this case I definitely lean towards 2001 release of BeatRocket/Sundazed, even if it has seven songs less. Anyway, hope you will Enjoy!(Frank)

Flac (zippy)                                                        Flac (M)

mp3 (zippy)                                                        mp3 (M)

                             pass: SB1