Big Beat’s series of reissues dedicated to the Seeds
reaches its apex with the compilation 'Pushin’ Too
Hard: The Seeds', the accompanying soundtrack to an
acclaimed rockumentary tracing the rise and fall of
these 60s garage icons.
? Directed by GNP Crescendo’s Neil Norman and
written/produced by Ace’s own Alec Palao, 'Pushin’
Too Hard: The Seeds' is an extensive trip through the
career of the exemplary quartet, and its eccentric
frontman, Sky Saxon. The frequently off-centre tale is
told via extensive interviews with members of the band
and their retinue, vintage footage, rare photos and
memorabilia, and insights from Seeds fans such as
Iggy Pop, Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys and the
Bangles.
? While it contains the expected signature tunes from the
Seeds’ catalogue such as ‘Can’t Seem To Make You
Mine, ‘Mr Farmer’ and of course the title cut, 'Pushin’
Too Hard: The Seeds' also features many rare sides
such as an early Sky single under the name Ritchie
Marsh, an exciting excerpt from the band’s 1967
appearance at Hollywood Bowl and, as a nod to the
Seeds’ friendship with Muddy Waters, a vintage live cut
from the venerable bluesman. Aficionados will be glad
to note that several of the group’s own selections are
presented here as alternate takes or different versions,
providing more evidence of the driving, hypnotic brand
of rock’n’roll the Seeds pioneered.
