Garage Rock
The song “Time Won’t Let Me,” which is about the urgency of, let’s say, love, was written by Outsiders member Tom King and his brother-in-law Chet Kelley. The single, backed with “Was It Really Real,” went to #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. It used elements of music from that time, both Merseybeat (i.e., a big beat) and a little Motown (i.e., the brass section in the arrangement). “Time Won’t Let Me” was also on their 1966 album titled Time Won’t Let Me, which was produced by Tom King for Capitol records. The song has remained very popular on Classic Rock radio stations.
The Outsiders formed in Cleveland, Ohio, and were a continuation of the rock band The Starfires. Personnel on “Time Won’t Let Me” included Tom King (rhythm guitar, vocals), Sonny Geraci (vocals), Mert Madsen (bass, harmonica), Al Austin (lead guitar), Ronnie Harkai (drums), John Madrid (scream trumpet, and Gayle Guhde (keyboards). The lineup has been very fluid over the years.