Published at 3:04 PM on January 15, 2009

By Michael Saba

The Monks to reissue Black Monk Time

It's common knowledge that Elvis Presley spent a stint in Germany with the U.S. military which both put his career on hiatus and introduced him to methamphetamines, the beginning of his eventual downfall. Fortunately, other GIs stationed in Germany had much more positive experiences. Like The Monks: a group of American soldiers who stayed in Deutschland after their discharge and became famous for shaving their heads and dressing in cowls for performances, not to mention being progenitors of punk. Those unfamiliar with the band's most excellent tale now have a chance to catch up, as The Monks' definitive debut LP, Black Monk Time, will soon be getting the re-release treatment via Light in the Attic.

An additional compilation of work recorded before their first album titled The Early Years: 1964-1965 will also be released at the same time. Light in the Attic's press release was light on details about tracklists, but promises that both reissues will be "lavishly packaged and lovingly researched." The two albums will include period photographs and a two-part essay chronicling the band's history.

Black Monk Time and The Early Years: 1964-1965 are due out April 15 on Light in the Attic in CD, LP and digital formats.

Related links:
The-Monks.com
The Monks on AllMusic.com
YouTube: The Monks live in Germany - "Monk Chant"

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