Back from the Grave, Volume 2 (CD)

Back from the Grave, Volume 2 (CD), is the second installment in the Back from the Grave compact disc-exclusive series of garage rock compilations assembled by Tim Warren of Crypt Records. It was released on August 23, 1996. Its track listing differs from that of the LP version, which is part of the Back From the Grave LP-edition series, also on Crypt. In keeping with all of the entries in the series, and as indicated in the subheading which reads "Raw 'n' Crude Mid-60s Garage Punk!," this collection consists of many songs which display the rawer and more aggressive side of the genre and are often characterized by the use of fuzztone-distorted guitars and rough vocals. Accordingly, the set generally excludes psychedelic, folk rock, and pop-influenced material in favor of basic primitive rock and roll. The packaging features a booklet containing well-researched liner notes written by Tim Warren which conveys basic information about each song and group, such as origin, recording date, and biographical sketches, usually written in a conversational style that includes occasional slang, anecdotes, humorous asides. The liner notes are noticeably opinionated, sometimes engaging in tongue-in-cheek insults directed at other genres of music. The booklet also includes photographs of the bands, and the front cover features a highly satirical cartoon by Mort Todd depicting revivified "rock and roll" zombies who have just emerged from the grave to "burn on a skewer" all adherents of supposedly heretical pop and progressive music which have come to prominence over the years, such as disco.

Contents

• Track listing
• Catalogue and release information
• References

The set begins with the pounding Bo Diddley rhythms and scintillating guitar parts of "Don't Cry to Me," by Jerry & the Others, from Dayton, Ohio. Murphy & the Mob from Tyler, Texas sing the highly despondent "Born Loser," which was released on Talisman Records in 1966. The Montells, from Miami, who had previously recorded as H.M. Subjects (Her Majesty's Subjects) perform "You Can't Make Me." The Tamrons from Concord, North Carolina play "Wild Man," which begins with a guitar riff suggestive of the Twilight Zone theme. "Dinah Wants Religion" is by the Fabs, from Fullerton, California, who are sometimes mistaken for being a Texas band. "Little Boy Blue" is by Tonto and the Renegades from Ocean Port, New Jersey. The Sloths' version of "Makin' Love" is included in the set. They were from Los Angeles, and the song was later recorded by the Dirty Shames. Also included is "What in the World," by the Vectors, from Western Illinois, and "Warning" by the Humans, from Albion, New York. Detroit's the Kegg's perform what Tim Warren refers to as their "tortured" anthem, "To Find Out." The set ends with "Baby Get Lost," by the Barracudas.