

From Saginaw, Michigan, by way of Texas, ? & the Mysterians may have known widespread glory only briefly, but their Farfisa-propelled, semi-psychadelic pop would inspire retro-punks and avant bluesmen for years to come. The band’s 1966 monster hit “96 Tears” is the undisputed highlight of this essential collection, but stopping there would mean missing out on the funhouse organ and please-please vocals of “Don’t Tease Me,” the fuzztone come-on “Girl (You Captivate Me),” or the irresistible garage groove of “Smokes.”