Beats from the garage vaults

actsofvandalism:

The Bluestars - “Social End Product”

“I get a label as an angry young man because I don’t fit into the master plan.”

Here’s one of my favorite punk songs. This song would have fit comfortably into the British punk explosion of the 70’s… instead it was recorded and released in 1966. The Bluestars began in the early 60’s playing pop music in the style of the Shadows until the Beatles came along and changed everything. They switched styles, which made them a popular live act in Auckland. They put a demo together and became the first band from New Zealand to score a record deal in Britain (Decca). Their single “Please Be a Little Kind” saw a bit of success, but when they went to record a follow-up Decca hated their song selections and, thus, dropped them. Of course, the band were pissed… and the product? Why, “Social End Product” of course! A snarling, angst-ridden garage rock anthem.

The Bluestars sort of fizzled out after that. Luckily, a great collection of garage and psychedelic rock from New Zealand was put together and titled Wild Things: Wyld Kiwi Garage 1966-1969. This song was included. Legendary Flying Nun was responsible for the CD release. It’s a great documentation of music from a place that has tons of hidden musical gems.

-k.