The Knack (1960s US band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Michael Chain |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Garage rock, psychedelic rock music |
The Knack was a Los Angeles-based American band active during the 1960s, specializing in garage rock and psychedelic rock. Distinct from the later American group and the British band sharing the same name, they were recognized for their melodic craftsmanship and instrumental skill, securing a contract with Capitol Records. Although their commercial impact was modest on a national scale, their music has attracted renewed interest from collectors of 1960s sounds, particularly following the release of the Time Waits for No One anthology.
History
Established in 1965 by students from Hollywood High and Fairfax High under the leadership of Michael Chain, the group initially performed as the InMates. The founding members were Mike Chain (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Dink Kaplan (lead guitar), Larry Gould (bass, backing vocals), and Ken Meyer (drums). After participating in a Shindig road show tour, they adopted the name The Knack. Shortly thereafter, Pug Baker replaced Meyer on drums. Their performance venues evolved from high school events to notable Sunset Strip locations like the Whiskey-A-Go-Go and the Troubadour, eventually leading to appearances at larger sites such as the Hollywood Bowl and Palladium.
Managed by Abe and Rick Marcelli, The Knack attracted producer Nick Venet—previously associated with the Beach Boys—who played a pivotal role in securing their deal with Capitol Records. Venet produced all their recordings under Capitol, with Mike Chain writing most of their material. Remarkably, despite many members still being high school students, they performed all instrumental parts themselves during sessions at Capitol’s Studio A located at Hollywood and Vine. Their initial single featured "Time Waits For No One" backed with "I'm Aware," followed by 1967’s "Softly Softly," which included Frank Zappa on piano, paired with "The Spell."
Capitol Records launched a nationwide tour to promote The Knack, which helped establish fan clubs but also sparked controversy due to an advertising campaign claiming they were "better than the Beatles." This slogan was opposed by Chain but embraced by other parties involved. Subsequent singles released were "Pretty Daisy" backed with "Banana Man," which incorporated session trumpet players, and "Freedom Now" paired with "Lady In The Window." After Dink Kaplan left the band, Bobby Cochran assumed lead guitar duties. The group disbanded in 1969.
Following the breakup, Mike Chain formed Pinkiny Canandy alongside Gary Kato of the Merry-Go-Round, releasing music through Uni Records. Chain also embarked on tours performing for American military personnel overseas.
The Knack’s recordings have been included in collections such as Rhino Records' Where the Action Is! Los Angeles Nuggets: 1965–1968 box set. Their entire body of work was assembled in the Time Waits for No One anthology issued by New Sound Records, solidifying their status among enthusiasts of 1960s garage and psychedelic rock.
1965
- Mike Chain (lead vocals, rhythm guitar)
- Dink Kaplan (lead guitar)
- Larry Gould (bass, backing vocals)
- Ken Meyer (drums)
1966-1967
- Mike Chain (lead vocals, rhythm guitar)
- Dink Kaplan (lead guitar)
- Larry Gould (bass, backing vocals)
- Pug Baker (drums)
1968-1969
- Mike Chain (rhythm guitar, lead vocals)
- Bobby Cochran (lead guitar)
- Larry Gould (bass guitar, backing vocals)
- Pug Baker (drums)
Discography
- "Time Waits for No One" with B-side "I'm Aware" (Capitol 5774, 1966)
- "Softly, Softly" coupled with "The Spell" (Capitol 5889, 1967)
- "Pretty Daisy" backed by "Banana Man" (Capitol 5940, 1967)
- "Freedom Now" paired with "Lady in the Window" (Capitol 2075, 1968)