The TellTale Hearts - Take A Look Inside

mothore

Review by Michael Minter

Take A Look Inside by The TellTale Hearts: A Garage Rock Gem That Still Kicks Let’s cut straight to it—Take A Look Inside is the kind of album that grabs you by the collar and shakes some life into your bones. Released in 1990 on Nevermore Records, this U.S.-bred garage rock beast doesn’t try too hard to impress; it just does. And honestly? That’s what makes it so damn good. The TellTale Hearts bring raw energy like nobody’s business. You’ve got Bill Calhoun belting out lead vocals while tossing in harmonica vibes for extra grit. Mike Stax holds down bass duties and sneaks in backing vocals like a true team player. Jon McKinney shreds guitar with reckless abandon, while Paul Carsola pounds the drums like he’s got something to prove (and maybe he does). Ron Swart adds an organ layer that feels like the cherry on top of a greasy diner sundae. Producer Carl Rusk ties it all together without over-polishing, letting the chaos breathe. Now, let’s talk tracks. I gotta shout out “Take A Look Inside,” the title track, because man—it hits different. It starts off punchy, like someone knocking on your door at midnight with news you didn’t expect. The harmonica wails like a ghost haunting your headphones, and Bill’s voice has this raspy charm that makes you wanna light up a cigarette—even if you don’t smoke. This song sticks with me because it’s not just music; it’s attitude bottled up and poured straight into your ears. Then there’s “I’m Ready…”—a swagger-filled anthem that screams confidence without crossing into cocky territory. It’s the type of tune that gets stuck in your head after one listen, kinda like chewing gum under a barstool—you can’t unstick it even if you tried. Between the driving rhythm and those killer guitar riffs, it’s impossible not to nod along. If this track doesn’t make you feel ready to take on the world, then buddy, you might need to check your pulse. Sleeve art by Coop deserves a quick nod too—it’s retro-cool as hell, fitting perfectly with the whole vibe of the record. Like, imagine throwing this vinyl on your turntable and just staring at the cover as the needle drops. Feels right, doesn’t it? So here’s the thing about Take A Look Inside: it’s not perfect. Some parts sound rough around the edges, but isn’t that the point of garage rock? Perfection is boring. What matters is heart—and boy, do The TellTale Hearts have plenty of it. Listening to this album almost three decades later feels like finding an old mixtape in your car’s glove compartment. Surprising, nostalgic, and oddly satisfying. And hey, fun fact: apparently, Mike Stax also fronts another band called The Loons. Small world, huh? But seriously, give this album a spin if you’re tired of slick production and craving something real. Just don’t blame me when you start air-drumming in public.

Download The TellTale Hearts - Take A Look Inside
Artist: The TellTale Hearts
Album: Take A Look Inside
Rating: 4.67

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: the-telltale-hearts-take-a-look-inside.zip
  • MP3 size: 13.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 118.8 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
I'm Ready2:00
Take A Look Inside2:29

Video

THE TELL TALE HEARTS - TAKE A LOOK INSIDE

Images

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Catalog Numbers

N.M. 45-1809

Labels

Nevermore Records

Listen online

  • lytte på nettet
  • online anhören
  • lyssna på nätet
  • ascolta in linea
  • online luisteren
  • ouvir online
  • écouter en ligne
  • escuchar en línea
  • kuunnella verkossa

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • 45 RPM
  • Single
  • Red Transparent

Companies

RoleCompany
Recorded AtHit Single Recording Services
Pressed ByUnited Record Pressing
Published ByCameleopard Music

Credits

RoleCredit
BassMike Stax
Backing VocalsMike Stax
DrumsPaul Carsola
GuitarJon McKinney
Lead VocalsBill Calhoun
HarmonicaBill Calhoun
OrganRon Swart
ProducerCarl Rusk, The Tell-Tale Hearts
SleeveCoop

Notes

  • Recorded 1989 at Hit Single, San Diego.
  • Large center hole.
  • Label says both sides "Side One".
  • Back cover reads "TTH-R.I.P.".
  • Side A: CAMELEOPARD MUSIC
  • Side B: ARC Music

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A Matrix Etching): NM-45-1809-A U-26841 M-A
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B Matrix Etching): NM-45-1809-B U-26841M
  • Rights Society: B.M.I.

About The TellTale Hearts

Name Vars

  • Tell Tale Hearts
  • Tell-Tale Hearts
  • The T.T.H.'s
  • The Tell Tale Hearts
  • The Telltale Hearts

Members

  • Carl Rusk
  • Mike Stax
  • Ron Swart
  • Eric Bacher
  • Ray Brandes
  • Peter Meisner
  • David Klowden
  • Bill Calhoun
  • Paul Carsola
  • Jon McKinney

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a cool fact: The TellTale Hearts' album *Take A Look Inside* is a raw blast of garage rock goodness from 1990. It’s got that gritty, unpolished sound that feels like a time machine to the '60s. Bill Calhoun not only sang lead vocals but also played harmonica, adding a bluesy edge. And fun detail—Mike Stax pulled double duty on bass and backing vocals. The album even features Coop, the legendary artist, for its sleeve design. If you’re into rock with a vintage vibe, this one’s a gem.

Comments

marisachitauea
marisachitauea
2025-03-13
One of my fave 80´s garage bands, this song is a true gem!
juddum
juddum
2025-03-13
splendide song TTHt's