The Wilde Knights: Beaver Patrol (US, 60`s Comp)

BAND INFO

A regional '60s garage band with a tangled history, the Wilde Knights were nevertheless in their brief lifespan responsible for two of the all-time garage classics. "Beaver Patrol," featured on Pebbles, Vol. 1, was perhaps the lewdest '60s garage single. They also recorded the original version of "Just Like Me," which Paul Revere bought from group member and co-songwriter Rick Dey for a few thousand dollars; Revere & the Raiders covered the tune in 1965 for their first really big smash.

The Wilde Knights themselves only issued a couple of singles, both in 1965. Prior to that, they had played under the names of the Furys and Pipers IV, releasing a couple of decent Northwest frat rock singles in 1962-63. After the Wilde Knights days, the lineup evolved into Genesis, King Biscuit Entertainers, and American Cheese, all of whom put out generic singles on various tiny labels in the late '60s. The best tracks from the whole menagerie of Wilde Knights-family bands were assembled on a reissue LP in the mid-'80s.

ALBUM REVIEW

Only three of the 13 songs on this compilation were actually released under the Wilde Knights name (including "Beaver Patrol" and the original "Just like Me," which is tamer than the famous Paul Revere version). Side one was recorded by earlier versions of the band under the Furys and Pipers IV monikers; this is fairly tough Northwest frat rock, sometimes instrumental, with a prominent organ and R&B influence. Side two, after the Wilde Knights cuts, is filled out with a couple of pop/rock tunes by Genesis, and a bad hard rock thing by King Biscuit Entertainers. Certainly this is more of a document of a typical ensemble of the times than anything exciting or significant. But garage collectors will find some decent things here, although the two standout items ("Beaver Patrol" and "Just like Me") have been available on garage compilations. Includes extensive history by garage scholar Greg Shaw.

BEAVER PATROL