Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era is a seminal album of American psychedelic/garage rock singles released in the second half of the sixties. It was compiled by the founder of Elektra records, Jac Holzman and Lenny Kaye, who later became the lead guitarist in Patti Smith’s band. This album was originally released in 1972 and was an enormous influence on the punk movement towards the latter part of the 1970s.
I remember when I first purchased this album one summer’s day ten years ago in 2006, I was simply blown away by the music. Of course I’d already heard many ace songs from that time but discovering this album was like finding a buried treasure chest containing many brilliant but forgotten songs of that era. Sometimes I get upset for having been born too late and what I’d give to be transported back to that time; watching one of those bands in some dive bar somewhere in San Francisco. When I listened more to the album it almost became like a vicarious journey back to those fertile and exciting days. This also coincided with my early travelling days. On long bus and train journeys I’d get lost in these amazing songs; like noise from other galaxies enfolding me.
Below I am featuring a taster of this wonderful album with some of my favourite tracks. I hope you enjoy them and get inspired by these gems…
The Remains – Don’t Look Back
The Castaways – Liar, Liar
The Amboy Dukes – Baby Please Don’t Go
Sagittarius – My World Fell Down
The Third Rail – Run Run Run
Text by Nicholas Peart
25th August 2016
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