{"product_id":"get-your-kicks-on-route-99","title":"Get Your Kicks on Route 99","description":"Personnel: Kenny Craig (vocals, guitar).\u003cbr\u003eLiner Note Author: Alec Palao.\u003cbr\u003ePhotographer: Dennis King.\u003cbr\u003eWith ten tracks from rare 1961-1966 singles, three cuts that only appeared on a compilation, and 13 previously unreleased recordings (one of them a previously unissued alternate take of their single \"Bad, Bad Whiskey\"), this is a more comprehensive anthology of this obscure group than anyone could have envisioned. As exhaustive as the archivism might be, it's fairly routine early-'60s-styled R\u0026amp;B-rock (even on the mid-'60s recordings), anchored by bluesy riffs and a small combo organ-grounded sound on both vocal and instrumental numbers. In some ways it's similar to the energetic (if oft-unimaginative) grinds churned out by numerous Northwest bands in the same era, though the Merced Blue Notes leaned perhaps a bit more to the more modern, funkier grooves being opened up by groups like Booker T. \u0026amp; the MG's. Were these guys funky? Sure -- they spin out tough bluesy guitar licks, penetrating organ, occasional blues harmonica, and (on the non-instrumentals) raw vocals. Did they have interesting material? Not so much -- the tunes were often elementary and derivative. They shine brightest when the organ gets most assertive and the singing lets loose in a fashion that many rock and soul labels would have toned down, as heard on the unissued fast shuffle \"Greyhound\" or the 1966 instrumental \"Rufus,\" where the Booker T resemblance grows. Booker T. \u0026amp; the MG's, however, to take one point of reference, had far better riffs and arrangements, and to be harsh it's not too much of a surprise that these cats didn't break out of their region, as much entertainment as they must have provided at local shows and dances. ~ Richie Unterberger","brand":"MovieMars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48298641785119,"sku":"029667003827","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/7833\/0399\/files\/90f2810849414502173e384ed2cd153b.jpg?v=1777928789","url":"https:\/\/www.moviemars.com\/products\/get-your-kicks-on-route-99","provider":"MovieMars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}