Thanks to Don for this suggestion. I’m sad to say I don’t have any proper records by The 13th Floor Elevators, by I do have some of their cuts on compilations. They are definitely psychedelic rock, but they have a lot in common with the protopunk and garage rock bands of the 1960s. I’ve always loved “You’re Gonna Miss Me.”

More about The 13th Floor Elevators

I was obsessed with Aussie garage rock bands when I was much younger, and Beasts of Bourbon was one of the best. I didn’t realize they carried on as long as they did. The Axeman’s Jazz is a great record and right now I’m freaking out that I can’t find it in my collection. Who is the evil “borrower”?

Mad Tea Party - Zombie Boogie vinyl 7 inch

Went to a great show with my son last weekend: Mad Tea Party and Southern Culture on the Skids at the Grey Eagle in Asheville. More pics, videos and yapping after the jump. Check it out.

So here’s the full story. My son Mars desperately wanted me to take him to see Switchfoot at the Orange Peel. I think they’re OK, but wasn’t excited about going. When I realized Southern Culture on the Skids was the same night at the Grey Eagle I suggested to him that this was the show he ought to see. Somehow he discovered rockabilly on his own and has recently been obsessed with Reverend Horton Heat. Now, we have a very large music collection and a fair portion of it is this type of music, but again he found the roots by himself.

The rock gods were on my side last Friday. Switchfoot sold out. We drove down there, just in case, and after one look at the mostly teenage masses bulging out in both directions from the Peel I told him there was no way we were trying to get in. To be honest, I would’ve been happy to go home and watch TV. Thankfully, Mars got my lazy ass off the couch.

I have seen SCOTS several times, but literally decades ago, late ’80s, mostly in Norfolk, VA at the tiny dive called The Corner. I have always enjoyed their music and live shows, but I was surprised that they’re even better now! They’ve had a lot practice over the years. But the real surprise was Mad Tea Party. I can’t believe what I’ve been missing. I am a massive fan of this type of garage rock, garage pop, or whatever it should be called. Fuzztones, Sonics, Tell Tale Hearts, etc. I love this stuff.

This show was a really good time. People of all ages were there, we had a great time, and didn’t get hit by any flying fried chicken (SCOTS). Best of all it was 100% angst-free.

Being a vinyl freak I had to have this hand printed seven inch EP that was for sale at the show. My thirteen year old son had to have it autographed by drummer/guitarist/singer Jason Krekel. Mar plays guitar and drums, but not at the same time. Be sure to check out the videos below.

My son got Jason Krekel's autograph.

Mars decided to buy their latest album on CD, Found a Reason.

Mad Tea Party - Found a Reason

See them in action. This is my new favorite song, “Every Way” by our new favorite band, Mad Tea Party. Note the use of guitar head as drumstick.

Next up is “You Spooked Me.”

And headliners Southern Culture on the Skids were also fantastic. Oh man, this makes me I wish I could really play guitar. New song, don’t know the name.

“House of Bamboo” and a new song I think is called “Mojo Box.”

That is all.

I will respond to anyone who suggests some music. But if you quote MC5 in your note to me I will respond a little quicker than usual. That’s what B-Sides singer Michel “Mick” Moreau did and that alone qualifies the band for a post to this site. Fans of garage-punk-rock-and-roll should check out their music at the B-Sides MySpace page.

Thanks to Matthew for hipping me to this site: The Che Underground. Featured are bands from the swinging San Diego music scene of the 1980s, including one of my favorites, The Tell Tale Hearts. I posted a their self-titled record here a good while ago. Outsiders are allowed, check it out.