One has to feel real sympathy for The Last, they were a great group who always seemed to in the wrong place at the wrong time, kinda the The Steppes. I first heard this record in 1980 and I have been a fan of The Last ever since. This 45 came out in 1978 when punk rock was just beginning to make it’s mark in certain locations around the USA. But while every band was trying to ape The Ramones or Sex Pistols, California’s The Last were turning on to the the psychedelic garage sounds of The Seeds, Love and Lollipop Shoppe.

“She Don’t Know Why I’m Here” is pehaps the greatest modern garage single of all time. It is a non-stop adrenaline rush that explodes in a blur of flash and colors. The guitar riff reminds me of the psychedelic surf guitar line from The Third Bardo’s “I’m 5 Years Ahead Of My Time” fused with the organ surge of early Steppenwolf. Try to imagine a blend of Love’s “7&7 Is” and The Lollipop Shoppes’ “You Must Be A Witch”, no kidding this song is that good.

The B‑side “Bombing Of London” is almost as good, this one features a doomy organ that is part Doors and part Calico Wall’s “I’m A Living Sickness”, the lyric concerns itself with World War 2. This is a spectacular 45 that can still be found quite cheaply. I should also mention that both songs on this single were re-recorded for the group’s “L.A. Explosion” album, but the single takes are much better.

The Last made many worthwhile records during the 80’s, including a superb album called “Confession” on the SST label. The Last were too good to ignore, check them out and I’m sure you will agree.