One of the highlights of the Beyond the Calico Wall psych compilation, The Raik’s Progress’ anthemic “Sewer Rat Love Chant” was described as “one of the strangest anomalies of the ‘60s” by garage archivists Greg Shaw and Erik Lindgren. This 39-minute CD lifts the veil of mystery surrounding the short-lived Fresno band, supplementing their classic Liberty Records single with unreleased demos transferred from original master tapes. The booklet essays reveal the group as teenage overachievers (including a bassist/songwriter now known as Tonio K) signed by the William Morris Agency the day after school let out in 1966. Despite an infectious minor-key melody and era-defining lyrics, “Sewer Rat Love Chant” never charted, and the impatience of youth and dissolved the group by spring ’67. Though none of the Raik’s Progress’ other originals radiate the aura of the title track, Sewer Rat Love Chant is alone worth the price of admission.

—Michael Draine