Lost Sessions
Lost Sessions
Rodent Records
Before punk music erupted in the 1970s, the seeds were planted by the raw garage rock bands of the ‘60s such as the Kingsmen, the Sonics and the Wailers (the latter of 1959’s “Tall Cool One” fame). In Texas, Mouse & the Traps was one such band. They scored two regional hits in the latter half of the ‘60s with the classic “A Public Execution” (which peaked outside the Billboard Top 100 at #121 and recalled Bob Dylan’s evergreen “Like A Rolling Stone”) and “Sometimes You Just Can’t Win” (#125 US). In commemorating this psychedelic garage rock outfit, Rodent Records has released an album of rarities originally recorded in 1981 called the Lost Sessions.
The standout “Hit the Bricks,” initially released as a 45 in 1981, starts the set with a largely ’60s throwback musical structure and accentuates lead singer Ronny “Mouse” Weiss’ angst-ridden, Bob Dylan-inflected vocals before bowing to the folksy “You’re Gonna Miss Me” (not the 13th Floor Elevators psychedelic garage gem). Ronny’s “And I tried, and I tried/Yeah, to keep you satisfied” is a homage to the Rolling Stones’ perennial favorite “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” “Bottom Line” (also pressed as a 45) picks up where “Hit the Bricks” left off, and this continues with the searing guitar opening of “You’re In the City Now Country Boy” before the album hits ballad territory with the country-informed “Hard Times” and “Gypsy Girl.” “Piney Woods,” a tribute to Texas, increases the pace, as does “All You Need Is Me,” which features upbeat female harmonies similar to that of “Hit the Bricks.” Three live bonus tracks end the affair; the first two are guitar-fronted instrumentals, while the last is a take on their ‘60s hit “Made Of Sugar, Made Of Spice.”
As garage rock pioneers of Texan music, Mouse & the Traps (leader Weiss, bassist Dave Stanley, guitarist Bug Henderson, drummer Ken “Nardo” Murray) have sealed their spot in music history with their ‘60s material; the great Lost Sessions strengthens that legacy.
by Jeff Boyce
