The Cramps had everything to do with me getting into Garage , Rockabilly and Instrumental Rock in the early 80's , tho' I already knew and enjoyed quite a bit of the obvious stuff. I bought the "Born Bad" comps , because , for boots ,they were nicely laid out....THE EARLIER " Songs We Taught THE CRAMPS" (0r vice - versa?) has better sound and artwork , but , it took me years to find a copy.
I'd heard some of The songs The Cramps covered , like '' Surfin' Bird", "Psychotic Reaction" and "Muleskinner Blues" on "Oldies Radio " in the 80's and on life - changing compilations like "40 Funky Hits" in The 70'S , but , imagine my shock , hearing "Save It" by Mel Robbins on Oldies Radio , once , in the 90's ! It was about 10:00 pm , but , STILL ! I was shocked to hear how much wilder it was than The Cramps' version, as much as I love that....
As much as I love The Sonics , it's a pity so many people start and stop , there. I'm going to go see them in a little over a week. I aw them in October and they were INTENSE. Anyone that's too cool to give 'em a chance , now , can't be too cool. I don't listen to The Nomads that much ,anymore , tho' I still like 'em. I first heard them in 1984 , and kept that name in mind, until I found their first LP , TWO YEARS LATER ,and bought it. I did'nt realize songs like "I'm Five Years Ahead of My Time" , "Don't Tread on Me"and "The Way (You Touch My Hand" ) were cover songs , too....But , I got caught up.
I saw The Nomads 3 times in the 90's. First two shows were great , third one was pretty awful , tho ' everyone else seemed to love it.