LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Dallas ’66 – The Now Sound Is Here brings together two notable groups from the mid-1960s Dallas garage-rock scene. The Exotics began during the late 1950s and gradually developed from straightforward rock and roll into melodic folk-rock and psychedelic pop, while The Esquires pursued a tougher sound driven by fuzz guitar, urgent vocals and compact original songs.

The collection includes The Exotics’ regional favourite “Come With Me,” together with “Queen of Shadows,” “Morning Sun” and “Fire Engine Red.” Multiple demos, alternate takes, production recordings and period advertising spots reveal how the band developed its material inside and outside the studio.

The seven Esquires recordings include the raw garage-rock attack of “Come On Come On” and “Judgment Day,” balanced by the more melodic “These Are the Tender Years” and “Loneliness Is Mine.” With 24 tracks drawn from rare singles, unreleased versions and promotional material, the CD offers a detailed document of the Dallas sound during 1965–1967.

1. Come With Me – Original Stereo Version
2. I Was Alone
3. Queen of Shadows
4. Morning Sun
5. Fire Engine Red
6. Hymn to Her
7. I Was Alone – Unreleased Version

8. Come On Come On
9. Judgment Day
10. These Are the Tender Years
11. Time Don’t Mean So Much
12. Loneliness Is Mine
13. Come On Come On – Alternate Version
14. These Are the Tender Years – Alternate Version

15. Hymn to Her – Demo Version
16. Come With Me – Demo Version
17. Queen of Shadows – Alternate Version
18. Morning Sun – KBOX Airplay, 21 November 1966
19. “Come With Me” – Bill McKay Chevrolet Advertisement
20. “Queen of Shadows” – Mitchell’s Department Store Advertisement
21. I Was Alone – Unreleased Version No. 2
22. Morning Sun – Production Demo
23. Morning Sun – Production Demo No. 1
24. Queen of Shadows – Band Track