Nuggets: Don’t Look Back by The Remains

Before he became Patti Smith’s lead guitarist, Lenny Kaye compiled the 2 album set, Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era. Released in 1972, the two-LP set covered American garage rock and psychedelia from the years 1965-1968 and was a major influence on punk rock. Rhino Records reissued an expanded version of the set in 1998, with 118 tracks in total. I’m profiling and rating each of these 118 tracks, working backwards.

Track 11/118: Don’t Look Back by The Remains
Release Date: 1965
From: Boston, Massachusetts
Aphoristic Rating: 9/10

DON’T LOOK BACK – The Remains [2:35]
(Billy Vera)
Personnel/BARRY TASHIAN: vocals, guitar * BILL BRIGGS: electric piano, vocals * VERN MILLER: bass, vocals * N.D. SMART: drums
Produced by TED COOPER
Recorded in New York, NY
Epic single #5-10060 (8/66)

The Remains formed at Boston University in 1964, although three of the four members were originally from Connecticut. They started playing at a tavern near the University and quickly built a following. ‘Why Do I Cry’ was their first single, It was a local hit, as was the group’s cover of ‘Diddy Wah Diddy’.

The Remains opened for The Beatles on their 1966 tour of the USA. This should have set the scene for future success, but drummer Chip Damiani quit the band just before the tour started. This upset the synergy of the group and they broke up before their debut album was released.

It’s a shame – the band had a lot of potential. ‘Don’t Look Back’ is notable for its ragged and punchy guitar tone – it’s a little like Neil Young. Barry Tashian’s delivery is dismissive like a punk vocalist, and there’s an enjoyable spoken bridge (a rarity). The electric piano adds some melodic interest in the background.

The Remains’ other song on Nuggets was written by leader Barry Tashian. ‘Don’t Look Back’ was written by outside writer Billy Vera. Vera later enjoyed a number one hit in 1987 with the tearjerking ballad ‘At This Moment’.

Barry Tashian went into country music and played in Emmylou Harris’s Hot Band. He’s released seven albums as a duo with his wife Holly, appearing on The Prairie Home Companion. Their son Daniel is a successful producer and songwriter, working on some of my favourite 21st-century records; Josh Rouse’s Nashville and Kacey Musgrave’s Golden Hour.

Read More

• Nuggets Song by Song
• 1960s Album Reviews

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