"NEAL FORD AND THE FANATICS - NEAL FORD AND THE FANATICS" (PSYCHEDELIC 60s GARAGE US 1968)

"Neal Ford" was a prolific Houston-based artist.
He formed "The Fanatics" in 1965 out of an earlier band "The Ramadas", who had several 45s in their own right.
Most of "The Ramadas" output pre-dates this book, but "Life Is So Tough" is a Powerful Punker from 1965 is worth checking out.


They were still in their mid-teens, "Neal Ford" (vocals), "Lanier Greig" (organ), "W.T. 'Dub' Johnson" (bass guitar), "Jon 'Big Jon' Pereles" (vocals, guitar), "John 'Baby John' Cravey" (drums)


and "Johnny 'String' Stringfellow" (guitar), when they changed their name to "Neal Ford and The Fanatics" and they went on to produce a string of 45s, both 60s Punk and ballads.
"Neal Ford and The Fanatics" are a common name in countless 60's Garage compilations.

Their singles are compiled in numerous 60s series, and they sure deserve it: catchy tunes, classic cases of unknown 60s Garage gems.


But "Neal Ford and The Fanatics", after this series of singles, released an LP in 1968 (Hickory Stereo LPS 141 and Mono LP 141, 1968), which remains underrated.

Neal Ford and The Fanatics: "Mary Wanna Marry Me" / "The Jones", Hickory Records 45-P-1506, 1968

While the singles are the Wild-Beat Garage we all know, "Neal Ford and The Fanatics"' LP goes closer to the Psychedelic / Pop side with 60s Garage ATTITUDE.