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The first Nuggets box set had it all: youthful bands cashing in on the Beatles' success, taking up the guitar and drums and churning out the unique brand of rock: guitar rock. And some psychedelia thrown in for good measure. So what was missing? The international element. Nuggets I was all America, giving the wrong impression that only American youths had all the fun. No way! The Beatles and the British Invasion was strong in its native home and spread to other parts of the world, and that's what this compilation sets out to prove. While a little too slanted towards the U.K. side, Nuggets II certainly makes it point. Non-English speaking kids in Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, South America started recording in the English language, sounding pretty impressive for the most part. Rock and roll is truly an international phenomenon.
So would I recommend Nuggets II? Yes, under certain circumstances. It helps to pick up Nuggets I first, because that one had a few hits. Nuggets II, however, is much more obscure to the casual listener. You may know the Easybeats' classic "Friday on My Mind," Status Quo's "Pictures of Matchstick Men," and if you saw Rushmore, the Creation's "Making Time." But everything else is most likely new to you. If you like hearing hidden gems more than familiar favorites and you liked Nuggets I, by all means grab Nuggets II. |
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