Krayolas Best Riffs Only CD

Sixteen tracks recorded between 1977 and 1988 are compiled on this CD collection of this San Antonio band, taken from (according to the brief liner notes) "long unavailable, out-of-print indie vinyl singles and rarities," though exact sources and dates for individual tracks aren't given. While Hector and David Saldana were always in the band during this period, the personnel changed quite a bit, and more than half-a-dozen different lineups are represented on this anthology. Partly for that reason, and partly due to its decade-plus chronological span, there's such a variety of styles on display that at times it seems like several different bands are represented on the disc. Generally speaking, however, it's well-done, high-spirited retro-rock encompassing several styles, including Merseybeat (particularly on their debut single "All I Do Is Try"/"Sometime"), instrumental surf ("Alamo Dragway"), power pop, roadhouse blue-eyed soul ("Roadrunner"), Tex-Mex-influenced new wave ("The Sphinx Won't Tell" sounds like a mixture of Elvis Costello and border music), and even '70s Van Morrison-styled horn rock ("Times Together"). Ultimately, British Invasion and power pop seemed to be their favored calling cards, though the two tracks with John Harris on vocals (the aforementioned "Roadrunner" and "Times Together") indicate that they might have gone through an R&B phase, so different do they sound than their surroundings. ~ Richie Unterberger

The Krayolas are back among the living. It's like something out of a Stephen King novel or Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" -- it's alive. Thirty years ago, the Krayolas walked out of their daddy's garage and into the legendary West Side studio, Zaz, to make their first 45 r.p.m. vinyl record, "All I Do Is Try" b/w "Sometime." They were just teenagers, but soon they would be making many more singles with the help of great musicians like the West Side Horns, Ezra Charles and Rene & Rene. The Krayolas were hailed Tex-Mex Beatles, just as the Sir Douglas Quintet had been a decade earlier -- connected in spirit, their love of rock 'n' roll and their hometown roots. The Krayolas always championed their San Antonio connection. "Best Riffs Only: The Krayolas 1977-1988" compiles long-unavailable, out-of-print indie vinyl singles and rare album tracks for the first time. Some of it dates back 30 years, most of it is a quarter century old. The title of the new, 16-song collection comes from a bit of advice that Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds gave the band when they played together at the historic Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa in the late '70s. Taking a step back and listening to the disparate collection that only hints at the Krayolas onstage power, their essence is irresistible. It's direct-to-the-brain power pop and garage band rock -- young, raw, energetic, upbeat, charming, campy and fun. Always melodic, the Krayolas easy-to-hum sound puts a smile on your face. It's timeless. The Krayolas are timeless. And if they're alive, maybe you are, too.

Photographer: Mike Calabro.

Personnel: Hector Saldana (vocals, harmonica); Barry Smith (vocals, piano, organ); David Saldana (vocals, drums, tambourine, percussion); John Mark Harris (vocals, tambourine, percussion); Louie Bustos (saxophone); Ezra Charles (piano); Ricky Hernandez (keyboards).

Recording information: Box Records (1970S); Charles Bickley Studio (1970S); Hacienda Records (1970S); Horizon Studio (1970S); Manny Music (1970S); Sound Arts Recording (1970S); Studio A, Trinity University (1970S); ZAZ Studios (1970S).