What began as the soundtrack of their youth has lingered in memory ever since, and now, decades later, those long‑tucked‑away recordings are finally stepping into the light; via England’s Rollercoaster Records 2026 release…

“I Want To Do It!: The Story Of The Bravados, A 60s Collegiate Rock Band” is an expansive 2-CD retrospective from The Bravados, uncovering a long-lost chapter of American rock history. Featuring 49 tracks of previously unissued material, the collection captures the raw, energetic spirit of a band that blended early rock ’n’ roll, rhythm & blues, and collegiate party culture into a sound that remained unheard for over five decades.

Notably, The Bravados stood out in their era as a racially integrated group—featuring a Black lead vocalist backed by white musicians—bringing together diverse musical influences at a time when such collaborations were still relatively rare.

The compilation spans both studio recordings and electrifying live performances, including a full disc drawn from a Cornell University fraternity party circa 1964–65. These recordings offer a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the atmosphere of mid-’60s college rock—where danceable R&B covers, early garage originals, and spontaneous crowd energy collide. Tracks like “I Want To Do It,” “Monkey Waddle,” and “Bye Bye Baby” showcase the band’s knack for blending catchy hooks with driving rhythms, while live renditions of classics such as “Louie Louie,” “Land Of 1000 Dances,” and “Money” highlight their ability to channel the era’s most popular sounds into high-impact performances.

Carefully restored and remastered, the set is complemented by an extensive booklet that places The Bravados within the broader cultural and musical landscape of the 1960s—touching on influences from early rock pioneers, the rise of R&B in college circuits, and the social dynamics of the time. More than just an archival release, I Want To Do It! functions as both a historical document and a vibrant listening experience, capturing the immediacy, excitement, and communal spirit of a formative moment in American music culture.

Oldies.com