What can I say—I absolutely love this band. The Mystery Lights were formed by Michael Brandon and Luis Alfonso in 2004, but somehow I’m just discovering them now, and I’m having the time of my life listening to their 60s-psych-inspired punk/rock sound.
It’s hard to find a track to follow up a Jimi Hendrix classic, but Follow Me Home hits the spot, and hits it hard with fuzz, aggression, and confidence. I’m driving to this track. I’m moving to it, and I am not only writing to this one song, but writing while listening to the entirety of both of their released albums: “Too Much Tension” (2019), and their self-titled “The Mystery Lights” (2016).
If you’re looking to feast on high-energy New York garage rock in your 60s Mustang, then devour The Mystery Lights. They don’t disappoint.
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About the Curator - Jane Asylum
When my mother wasn’t walking around the house belting out early 60s’ girl-band lyrics, she was collecting compilation albums, specifically from K-Tel. She may not have had the most refined taste, but she enjoyed variety, or at least that’s what I recall. I poured over them all, preferring some sounds to others. And when I found the perfect song, I’d play it over and over until ready to perform my latest theatrical dance incarnation.
With my family all gathered on floral grey sofas in our basement apartment, I’d set the vinyl on the turntable of a brown fibreboard stereo and not-so-carefully lower the needle. It would pop, screech, and crackle before any music spilled from the weaved-wheat speakers. My toes would press, lift, and sweep through the blue-green shag carpet, my arms would flail, and the music would bass and treble through my soul.
I’m no longer that 6-year-old doing private-audience interpretive dance routines, but my passion remains just as intense. I have no special superpowers as a curator — just my love of sounds and lyrics that transport, transform, move, and make your body groove.