My Big, Gigantic Drum Kit

daveholmes:

In 1966, Rick James and Neil Young were in a band together called The Mynah Birds. “It’s My Time” is their debut single, which was shelved due to James’ AWOL arrest.

It is mind-blowing in at least five different ways. Enjoy.

I’d heard about this band for years, but never realized they’d recorded anything! A few more fun tidbits from Kevin Chong’s Neil Young Nation:

• James and Young co-wrote this tune.
• Young was only in the band for three months.
• Frontman James notwithstanding, they were the first “white” band signed to Motown.
• During this time, James introduced Young to amphetamines (a hell of a drug, I hear).

I wouldn’t have figured this for a Motown release.  It sounds closer to Nuggets-y garage rock with heavy hints of soul and British Invasion pop, although the latter might just be due to the Rickenbacker lead.  I don’t think I’ve ever heard Young play one on any other recording, but I’m far from an expert.