In 1972, rock scholar (and eventual Patti Smith guitarist) Lenny Kaye, compiled a selection of lost singles, minor hits, and one-hit-wonders from the mid-60s, or what could be considered crucial footnotes in the fledgling history of rock—to make up the original Nuggets double-LP.
The album would go one to become one of the most celebrated compilations in rock history.
Since its original release volumes have been written about the legend and legacy of Nuggets. It’s almost absurd that what is essentially an old-school mixtape should hold such a place in the rock pantheon. But after 40 years, the record largely feels like it hasn’t aged a day.
The obvious secret to this album’s resilience is the songs. They celebrate a time before rock began to sag under the weight of its own progressive pretension and celebrity grandeur.
Most of the tracks offer an array of raucous pre-punk garage energy. Songs like “Psychotic Reaction” and “Pushin’ Too Hard” seem like blueprints for ensuing generations of punk and garage rockers.
There are, however, a few twee moments that do date the album. The painfully saccharine “Sugar And Spice” and “Run, Run, Run” remind one of the camp value of the 60s.
This latest Nuggets incarnation celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original album, reinstating the original track list and including a new introduction by Elektra founder, Jac Holzman, and new liner notes by Kaye.
Unfortunately, this mediocre supplementary material does not do the album justice. Holzman’s and Kaye’s liner notes are interesting, but offer little new insight.
That being said, Nuggets is a masterful rock document and a must have for every collector (who isn’t willing to spring for the glorious 1998 four-disc set) or aspiring rocker.
