The 1960s.

Liverpool, London, San Francisco, Laurel Canyon…

Arlington Heights, Illinois?

It might not be as far fetched as it first seems. From 1965-1970 this suburb 25 miles northwest of Chicago became a hotbed for up and coming rock bands for one very particular and special reason: The Cellar.

The Cellar was the little teen club that could. With the vision and perseverance of owner Paul Sampson, the club was able to attract such legendary acts as The Who, Cream, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, The Spencer Davis Group, Steve Miller Band and The MC5.

But the real heart and soul of the club was the local acts. Bands from the area who could play any weekend to a packed house of adoring teens. Youngsters who were ready to discover the next big thing since catching the rock ’n’ roll bug from the British Invasion.

On “A Blast From The Cellar! – Lost Gems From The ‘60s Garage Rock Explosion” we have compiled for you 16 tracks (4 previously unreleased) from 11 of the bands who used to rock the stage at The Cellar. Bands such as Saturday’s Children, The Mauds, The Huns, The Amboy Dukes, The Same, The Raevns, The Shandells and more. Bands who were taking in influences from the worlds of British Rock, Folk Rock, Blues and Psych and making it all their own. 

The album includes fourteen studio tracks, one track rescued from a rehearsal tape and one track recorded live at The Cellar. Grammy nominated producer Liam Davis was tapped to make sure all of the tracks sounded as good as they possibly could for today’s audiences, which was a tall order considering the various sources (reel-to-reel tape, 45s, acetates) and conditions of the tracks. We think he deserves another nomination!

Pressed on 180g red vinyl with a beautiful gatefold sleeve, which includes a plethora of rare photos and memorabilia. Limited edition pressing of 500 copies, download card included. Scheduled to be released in early September. Get yours while supplies last!

Tracklisting –

Side A:

1. Dalek/Engam: The Blackstones – You Don’t Know Better
2. The High Numbers – Got My Mojo Working
3. The Shandells – Caroline
4. The Amboy Dukes – You Talk Sunshine I Breathe Fire (45 version)
5. Boston Tea Party – Is It Love?
6. The Same – Reach For The Stars (previously unreleased)
7. The Males – Kiddie-A-Go-Go
8. The Mauds – I’m Gonna Leave You (previously unreleased)

Side B: 

   

1. Saturday’s Children – Never Feel The Pain (previously unreleased)
2. The Same – Sunshine, Flowers And Rain
3. The Shandells – Mary, Mary
4. Dalek/Engam: The Blackstones – She Tells Me With Her Eyes
5. Boston Tea Party – Don’t Leave Me Alone
6. The Huns – Destination Lonely
7. The High Numbers – I’m A Man
8. The Raevns – Outlaw Blues (live at The Cellar, previously unreleased)