The album Black Monk Time remains their definitive statement, but this group of former American G.I.’s stationed in Germany in the early ‘60s also recorded demos of their work that have been culled together for The Early Years: 1964-1965 and range from early work tapes to full-fledged alternate takes. “I Hate You” is presented in instrumental form (with some random screaming towards the end) without its menacing lyrics and with a guitar solo that sounds like someone barely had control of their instrument. The sound predates the Velvet Underground’s similar plodding grind and certainly sets the stage for punk rock. The Monks were more than just the “anti” Beatles of their day, but an untamed creative force that could still produce something as sensitive as “Pretty Suzanne” (here also in nearly instrumental form) or “We Do Wie Du.” These alternate takes are really for fans who wish to research the group even further and try to uncover the method to their madness. The collection even includes tracks they recorded as the more moderately paced Torquays.