If you like: early Beatle-esque harmonies paired with the grit of American garage rock, this one is essential for your collection. 
About: Hailing from Greenwood, Mississippi, The Gants were originally Sid Herring (lead vocals, guitar), Don Wood (drums), Vince Montgomery (bass guitar), and Johnny Sanders (rhythm guitar). In 1965, Herring and Wood were both still attending high school while Montgomery and Sanders were at Mississippi State studying pre-med–a major challenge to scheduling tours and promotional appearances. That year, the band released a cover of “Roadrunner” on Liberty Records, launching them into their first Top 50 hit. Their album of the same title was released shortly after, but the interests of Liberty were that of strict commercial success and though Herring penned his own songs, only four were included: “My Baby Don’t Care”, “Never Go Right”, “I Don’t Want To See Her Again”, and “Six Days In May”. The pattern of spotty touring and dry demands from the label prevented The Gants from having another hit–a crying shame for such a promising group, brimming with talent.
Why it’s worth your time: If it isn’t apparent already, garage rock is a genre I’m particularly fond of. I don’t even mind when things bleed together after years and years of listening–so a new discovery must be something else to compel me to shout about from the rooftops. This album is. As beautiful as it is coarse, Road Runner captures a rare balance of talent and fervor, tenderness and earnestness, showmanship and earthiness–one seldom mastered by seasoned musicians, let alone by a group of high school and college students.  We are simply lucky to have it in our hands (and ears), especially the few originals from Herring, after the 50 odd years since its release. 
A favorite track: Six Days In May