Pebbles, Vol. 5

Not surprisingly, the fifth volume in this series of garage rock compilations isn't quite as good as the first couple installments, although it is an improvement over Volume 4 and better than some of the subsequent Pebbles releases. In any case, this is an enjoyable collection of obscure regional bands, featuring 19 recordings from 1965-1967 and one (Magi's "You Don't Know Me") from 1971. Highlights include the garage screamer "Why" by Chicago's Dirty Wurds (later remade by the Pandoras); "The Way I Feel" by Texas punkers the 12 A.M.; and the Kinks-influenced "Go Away" by the Plague. ~ Todd Kristel