Things To Come - 1993 - I Want Out (1965-67)

A Los Angeles outfit who had some fine moments. The group recorded a wealth of material in 1966/7, mostly in the typical L.A. acid punk vein and of a really outstanding quality. Some of these recordings were released on Things To Come LP, issued apparently as a tax loss scam, as only 50 copies were pressed. Originals currently sell for $1500+, but thankfully the recent Sundazed retrospective means this excellent L.A. group's work is now accessible by all.
Their first 45 Sweetgina, is a quite excellent bouncy organ/fuzz rework of Gloria. Specialists should note that the version of Speak Of The Devil included on the album is longer than on the 45 release. Speak Of The Devil is a superb slice of brooding menacing punk with ranting growling vocals, atmospheric vibes and feedback.
The chief songwriter behind the group was Steve Runolfsson who the other members unwisely booted out in mid-1967. Come Alive, their 2nd 45, is notable for excellent percussion and Eastern psychy guitar moves whilst the flip Dancer is a heavy cruncher straight out of The Blue Cheer/Cream school. Slightly mellower but passable heavy sounds feature on the David Crosby-produced Hello 45.
Garofalo later played for Californian solo artist John Stewart and Kunkel went on to do session work and played for Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

01. Sweetgina
02. Mississippi Dealer
03. I Want Out
04. Your Down
05. Speak Of The Devil
06. Smokestack Lightning (Instrumental)
07. Character Of Caruso
08. Tell Me Why
09. Tomorrow
10. Pushin' Too Hard
11. Show Me A Place
12. I'm A Man
13. Home To You
14. Your Down (Instrumental)
15. Icicles On The Roof
16. Sweetgina (Instrumental)
17. Behold Now Behemoth
18. Darkness