Northwest Killers, Vol. 2: Shout (1964-1965)

Includes liner notes by Billy Miller and Miriam Linna.
SHOUT! is the second of the series of Norton's three-volume set of previously unissued garage rock from producer Keany Barton's Seattle studio, Northwest Recorders. A radio jingle for the studio included on this collection proudly boasts that they record "anything that makes noise" and the material provided here proves it. Barton's technique -- pushing everything as far as it could go into the red without distorting -- is what made the sound of the bands here so distinctive. This volume starts off with four tracks that feature Jerry Miller, later of Moby Grape, as lead guitarist. Playing for the Incredible Kings and the Elegants, Miller's attack and phrasing elevate ordinary dance numbers like "The Limp" and "Ooh Poo Pah Doo." The Eccentrics provide two frat stompers -- "Podunk Holler" and "Weathermaster" -- both perfectly fitting the template Barton perfected with the Sonics and the Wailers. And of course there is a version of "Louie Louie" here, this one by the Nomads, who have an unusual take on the chorus. ~ Liam O'Malley