I’m the first to admit that I can’t
spell for beans, but that’s the real name of a terrific mid-sixties garage rock
band from East L.A. Thee Midniters could pretty much do it all; surf, rave-ups,
soul, rock and you get the idea. Apparently, early in their career they’d wear
Lone Ranger masks when performing and throw them to the girls in the crowd. I
have no idea what the girls would throw back at them in return.
The lineup
changed a bit through their career and included Little Willie G., Larry Rendon,
Benny Caballos, Little Ray Jimenez, George Dominguez, Roy Marquez, Ronny
Figueroa, Romeo Prado, George Salazar and Benny Lopez, in addition to later
members Danny La Mont and Jimmy Espinoza.
There is a killer live version of “Land of a Thousand Dances” they do that I would recommend checking out if you’re
so inclined. They had a regional hit with the terrific “Whittier Blvd.” that
you may have heard, or not if you’re only glued to commercial radio. I got
introduced to Thee Midniters through one of the numerous garage rock
compilations I’ve picked up over the years. Later on, I was happy to find IN
THEE MIDNITE HOUR!!! CD from Norton Records, exclusively of Thee Midniters songs including the ones
mentioned above. Here is “I Found a Peanut” for your
pleasure. It’s got a weird vocal about what happens after eating that
strange peanut you found. You’ll have this one stuck in your head later, trust me.
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