Dateline Hollywood, 1966: Miles away from the movie studios and Beverly Hills mansions, the Sunset Strip is throbbing with clubs and kids catching some of the best bands the U.S. of A. had to offer. The Byrds, The Standells, Love, The Seeds: the list can go on ad infinitum. In this reviewer's not-so-humble opinion, Los Angeles had the most vibrant music scene in the world, second only to London, England. The legendary Rhino label has now seen fit to pay ample tribute to the fantastic—and occasionally mind-bending—vitality and variety of L.A.'s pop-rock talent on its latest installment of the Nuggets box set series. Its four CDs and 101 tracks provide an essential overview of everything from the first folk-rock groups to the studio geniuses (Brian Wilson, Gary Usher, Jan Berry) by way of the snotty suburban garage combos.
Everyone who was anyone (and even some deserving nobodies) are here, including The Turtles, The Leaves, early Randy Newman, Van Dyke Parks, Buffalo Springfield, and Ricky Nelson (on acid!). The accompanying book comes complete with beautiful photos and detailed descriptions of L.A. clubs and the all-important radio stations which broadcast the new and innovative folk-rock, garage, psych, and sunshine pop sounds emanating from smoggy "Boss" Angeles. A terrific and timeless slice of pop music history, Where The Action Is! is definitely not a case of "I guess you had to be there"; with this wonderful box set, you ARE there.