Song #171 - "96 Tears" - ? And The Mysterians

Recorded - March 13, 1966

Independently Released - circa Spring 1966

Re-released on major label - August 1966

#1 for week of October 29, 1966. 

     1966 really was the year for garage rock. Numerous independent bands and artists were looking to have that one big hit. If you want a good overview of this highly fertile period from about 1965 til 1967, I'd highly recommend checking out the various artists compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts Of The First Psychedelic Era. Originally compiled in 1972 by Patti Smith group member Lenny Kaye, the set was later expanded into a 4 CD box set with a whopping 118 songs. However, there is one key track from this genre missing from Nuggets and that is "96 Tears" by Question Mark and the Mysterians. 

     The "?" of The Mysterians was singer Rudy Martinez. The group were all based in Michigan and were all of Mexican-American heritage. The Mysterians were heavily inspired by surf rock, and began in the early '60's as an instrumental group. Just like many of other amateur bands from the time period, they had a revolving lineup of musicians, and even lost several to the Vietnam War draft. 

     In 1966, The Mysterians recorded a song of Rudy's called "96 Tears". The song was cheaply recorded, not in a studio, but on the porch of someone's house. It was released first on an independent label, and made some local chart action. However, it was not until it got released by big label Cameo-Parkway Records that the song became a nationwide smash hit. 

     Part of the charm of "96 Tears" is its simplicity. There are primarily two chords in the song, and an iconic riff repeated over and over on a Vox-organ. The only time this changes is in the song's bridge which drones on an "E minor" chord. The song is also very lyrically sparse with very straight to the point lyrics. Vocally, Rudy (?) Martinez has an edgy voice that suits the song perfectly.

     "96 Years" is one of the many songs referred to as an example of "Protopunk". This refers to any music made in the 1960's that inspired the "Return to simplicity" approach of 1970's Punk and New Wave music. Plus, as someone who has been in several independent bands over the years, I consider The Mysterians fellow underdogs. Of course, these underdogs just so happened to reach #1. So what happened after "96 Tears?"...Well, to be honest, not much.

     Many of these garage rock bands that appear on compilations have whole albums in their catalog. The problem is many of these albums contain weak material, or failed attempts to copy their biggest hit. Question Mark And The Mysterians unfortunately fall into this category. 

     For example, one of their subsequent singles, "Can't Get Enough Of You Baby" has many of the same musical ideas used in "96 Tears" and even is in the same key and tempo. It's certainly not a bad song, in fact it would be later covered by the band Smash Mouth in the late '90's. It's just that you can clearly hear the band trying to recapture their past success. After 1967, The Mysterians vanished from the pop music charts.

Final Verdict - Despite The Mysterians being a bit of a one hit wonder, they certainly inspired many bands over the years. Sometimes, less is more, and in the case of "96 Tears", its minimalist approach helped ensure that the song remains a classic garage rock nugget. 

        Coming Up Next - "Last Train To Clarksville" by The Monkees. 

               Until Next Time - I'm the mysterious Dr. Rock -