Desert Rarities by Merrell Fankhauser is a treasure trove of rare recordings that showcase the musician's versatility and creativity. The album features 15 tracks that were recorded between 1965 and 1975, and includes demos, live performances, and unreleased material.
Fankhauser's distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals are on full display throughout the album, and he effortlessly shifts between genres, from surf rock to psychedelic rock to folk. The opening track, "The Puppet Master," is a catchy surf rock tune that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
One of the standout tracks is "Too Many Heartaches," a soulful ballad that showcases Fankhauser's emotive vocals and poignant lyrics. Another highlight is "Drivin' Sideways," a bluesy rocker with a killer guitar riff.
The album also includes a number of live recordings, which capture the energy and spontaneity of Fankhauser's performances. "You're A Big Girl Now" and "You Can't Catch Me" are both lively rockers that are sure to get listeners moving.