While focused on the Chicago scene, a few acts made national waves. The Shadows of Knight, who were represented on the actual Nuggets compilation, were the main exponents of the Dunwich sound. The band’s recording of Them’s “Gloria” got the group in the charts, although, distribution of the label’s albums proved problematic. As a result of a poorly planned rolling release the single appreciated success in certain parts of the country, while getting scant attention in others, probably working towards the eventual disintegration of the group. Regardless of that, there are two collections of singles covering the Dunwich legacy released by Sundazed during the early ‘90s. Volume one, Oh Yeah!, is titled as a result of the Knight’s cover of the Bo Diddley track. And even if the reworking is pretty sedate, a few other offerings from the band that find themselves compiled here work up a sweat at least.
Even if most of the Knight’s work is pretty derivative – as with most of the stuff represented here – “Light Bulb Blues” is a decent Chicago blues rave up replete with a bit of feed back. And considering that this recording, as well as much of what constitutes this first portion of the label retrospective, was recorded before ’68, the guitar that crops up in a few places is kinda surprising.
Another group, the Del-Vetts, who were originally a surf combo, contribute “Last Time Around” in addition to a few other tracks. This first effort, though, more so than anything from the Knights or any other act on the disc, utilizes a huge slab of distortion on its guitar figure. The rolling bass isn’t really supported melodically by the guitar, which mostly drones out enormous single notes. But the quick step drumming provides ample backing. And as that guitar moves into it’s solo, the band launches into double time before falling back to a its original pace. Even if the track had been recorded sometime during the early ‘70s, it be remarkable for it’s take on rock.
Unfortunately, these two bands contribute the most interesting portions of the album. And with roughly another twenty some odd tracks, at times the compilation becomes a bit wearisome. It isn’t a throw away, but there’s a reason that only the devoted are gonna be aware of the work here. That Del-Vetts track, though, makes hunting the comp down a worthwhile endeavor, though.