The Free Design
Band members Related acts
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line up 1 (1966-68) - Bruce
Dedrick -- vocals, guitar, trombone
supporting musicians (1967) - Ray Alonge -- French horn - Ray Beckenstein -- woodwind - Jay Berliner -- guitar - Phil Bodner -- woodwind - Ralph Casale -- guitar - Rusty Dedrick -- trumpet - Stan Freeman -- harpsichord - Bernie Glow -- trumpet - Paul Griffin -- organ - Dick Hyman -- organ - Bill LaVorgna -- drums - Tony Miranda - French horn - Buddy Morrow -- trombone - Tony Mottola -- guitar - Romeo Penque - woodwind - George Ricci -- cello - Bob Rosengarden -- vibraphone - Russ Savakus - bass - Marvin Stamm -- trumpet - Stanley Webb -- woodwind - Ted Weiss -- trumpet - Joe Wilder -- trumpet
line up 2 (1968-75) - Bruce
Dedrick -- vocals, guitar, trombone
- Ellen Dedrick -- vocals
line up 3 (2001) - Bruce
Dedrick -- vocals, guitar, trombone
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- Chris Dedrick (solo efforts) - Ellen Dedrick (solo efforts) - Sandra Dedrick (solo efforts) - Star Scape
Singers (Chris Dedrick)
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Genre: pop Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: Kites Are Fun Company: Project 3 Catalog: PR 5019 SD Year: 1967 Country/State: Delevan, New York Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve Available: 1 Catalog ID: 5672 Price: $50.00
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I'll readily admit that it took me awhile to figure out the charms The Free Design deliver with their chirpy, upbeat, and MOR-leaning 1967 debut collection "Kites Are Fun." As it happened, I stumbled across this group and the album at the same time I was trying to navigate Led Zeppelin's "Presence" LP. Could I have found two more different acts, or albums? I also understand that the same characteristics I now find charming will drive many others to distraction. That said, these guys are a must for anyone into The Association, The Cowsills, early Carpenters, or what is now commonly referred to as sunshine pop.
Living in
and around New York
City, 1966 found siblings Bruce, Chris and Sandy Dedrick holding down a
variety of day
jobs. In his role as front-man and prime songwriter, Chris had the
advantage of attending the Manhattan School of Music. Earning pocket change
as a folk act, they began performing at various Greenwich Village clubs.
Their father Art Dedrick (who had played trombone for Vaughn Monroe), helped
the group record a demo which promptly attracted the attention of Enoch
Light and his newly established Project 3 label.
Produced by mentor Enoch Light, 1967's "Kites Are Fun" showcased a largely original set of material (mostly penned by Chris). Selections like the title track, 'When Love I Young', 'My Brother Woody' and the stunning ballad 'Don't Turn Away' were highly orchestrated and polished (but never overbearing) - probably explaining why rock audiences wanted nothing to do with the group. Thematically most of the thirteen songs were 'feel good' pop, but the Dedricks certainly weren't above adding mild social commentary to their repertoire - check out 'Make the Madness Stop', 'Don't Turn Away' and 'Never Tell the World' (the latter perhaps a commentary on inter-racial relationships). The handful of covers were also interesting. Their drastically slowed down cover of Paul Simon's '59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)' was surprisingly enjoyable, while their pseudo-jazzy cover of The Beatles' 'Michelle' was far from the worst cover version I've ever heard. In fact the only truly horrible offering was their lame cover of Francis Lai's 'A Man and a Woman'. The album certainly wasn't hurt by the fact all three siblings were gifted with wonderful voices and they were even better harmony singers (check out the way they intertwine their performances on the should've-been-a-hit 'Umbrellas'). The detailed song-by-song liner notes were also great. As you'd expected from an Enoch Light produced collection, the sound was fantastic making this one of those great headphone albums.
"Kites Are Fun" track listing: 1.) Kites Are
Fun (Chris Dedrick) - 2:34 rating:
**** stars
- 1967's 'Kites Are Fun' b/w 'The Proper Ornaments' (Project 3 catalog number PR-45-1324-SD) 2.) Make the Madness Stop (Chris Dedrick - Stephen Zynczak - Sandy Dedrick) - 3:07 rating: **** stars One of my favorite Free Design efforts, 'Make the Madness Stop' managed to blend their unique, jazzy multi-part harmonies with a very commercial melody and chorus. It should have been a massive hit for the group. The tune reappeared as the "B" side on their cover of 'Eleanor Rigby' 3.) When Love Is Young (Stephanie Zynczak - Sandy Dedrick) - 2:49 rating: *** stars A pretty ballad, 'When Love Is Young' was a wonderful showcase for Sandy Dedrick's crystalline voice. Always liked the accompanying acoustic guitar. 4.) The Proper Ornaments (Chris Dedrick) - 2:45 rating: **** stars The combination of the bubbly melody, melodic bass line, sweet vocals and biting, anti-establishment lyrics made this one another winner. How did anyone play the horn arrangement that quickly? 5.) My Brother Woody (Chris Dedrick) - 2:34 rating: **** stars I remember being appalled at how MOR 'My Brother Woody' was. This was the kind of music that made my grandparents smile ... And now hearing the tune brings a smile to my face. The biographical lyrics (apparently written about little brother Jason ("Woody"), may not have been life-changing, but Sandy's delivery just wormed its way into your head and the refrain won't go away. YouTube has a clip of the trio lip-synching the tune on a 1968 appearance on The Mike Douglas Show: The Free Design - My Brother Woody - YouTube The liner notes to "The Best of the Free Design" included the following comments from Chris Desrick: "Jason is no longer called "Woody," he and Yanella have little Cayla, and the generations roll along like pages in a family album. The songs hold constellations of memories fixed in the sky, there when we need release from the oppressive present." 6.) 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) (Paul Simon) - 2:50 rating: *** stars I think I can understand why they'd want to cover this Simon and Garfunkel classic - the tune certainly fit into their sunshine pop niche. Kudos for their arrangement which hung on to the basic melody but slowed the arrangement way down and added a jazzy segment.
(side 2) 1.) Don't Turn Away (Chris Dedrick) - 3:55 rating: **** stars I can see where folks see this one as sickly sweet, but 'Don't Turn Away' is another tune that's grown on me over the years. One of Chris Dedrick's prettiest melodies, it was a great showcase for Sandy's voice and their impeccable harmonies It's hard to believe this one hasn't been appropriated for a television commercial, or film soundtrack. Ah, talk about capturing that '60s zeitgeist !!! 2.) Umbrellas (Bruce Dedrick) - 2:21 rating: **** stars Brother Bruce's lone writing contribution to the album and 'Umbrellas' is every bit as good as Chris' material. Great vocal arrangement and hell, it even had a drum solo. 3.) Michelle (John Lennon - Paul McCartney) - 3:08 rating: *** stars Geez, not another 'Michelle' cover ... Their Baroque-tined arrangement didn't stray too far from the original, but their French pronunciation was better than Paul's. 4.) Never Tell the World (Chris Dedrick) - 2:28 rating: **** stars If you wanted to pick an example of the group's "stacked" vocals, then 'Never Tell the World' served as a great example. Speculation on my part, but the lyrics seemed to have an activist bent. 5.) A Man and a Woman (Francis Lai - J. Keller - Pierre Barouh) - 3:02 rating: * star The album's only real misstep, Francis Lai's 'A Man and a Woman' was just one of those songs that was so MOR there wasn't any way to salvage it. Sandy's brief French vocal section couldn't even save it. 6.) Stay Another Season (Chris Dedrick) - 4:31 rating: **** stars Opening up with a touch of Vox organ (?) and Flamenco guitar, the ballad 'Stay Another Day' was another personal favorite. Brother Bruce on lead vocals?
I've never owned a copy, but underscoring their jazzier, more experimental leanings, there was also a worth-tracking-down promotional seasonal 45:
- 1968's 'Close Your Mouth (It's Christmas)' b/w 'Christmas is the Day' (Project 3 catalog number PR-45-1347-SD)
For hardcore fans, here are a couple of worthwhile online sites:
The late Chris Dedrick's website: Chris Dedrick :: Composer Sandra Dedrick's website: Sandra Dedrick
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Genre: pop Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: You Could Be Born Again Company: Project 3 Catalog: PR 5031 SD Year: 1968 Country/State: Delevan, New York Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve Available: 1 Catalog ID: 4325 Price: $50.00
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With the release of 1968's "You Can Be Born Again" the group expanded to a quartet with the addition of recent high school graduate/younger sister Ellen Dedrick.
While the addition
of Ellen fluffed out their harmony work (check out 'Like the Sunrise),
musically the change did little to tamper with their unique
sound. Offering up another mix of Chris Dedrick-penned originals ('You Could Be
Born Again' and 'A Leaf Has Veins') an
Maybe a shade less
impressive than the debut, but still four stars and it stands as an album
that I play every couple of months. Well worth looking for. 1.) You Could Be Born Again (Chris Dedrick) - 2:38 rating: *** stars The sound was instantly recognizable; the harmonies impeccable. The fact of the matter is no group came close to sounding like the Dedricks. That said, 'You Could Be Born Again' wasn't one of their most creative efforts. In fact, this one's always reminded me of a '70s sitcom theme - must be the horn arrangement. 'Course the harmonies were simply to-die-for gorgeous. That didn't stop the track from being tapped as a single:
- 'You Could Be Born Again' b/w 'A Leaf Has Veins' (Project 3 catalog number PR 45-1350 SD)
2.) A Leaf Has Veins (Chris Dedrick) - 2:30 rating: *** stars 'A Leaf Has Veins' was so goofy that you had to smile and just let it carry you away. The complex, inter-weavingg vocal arrangement was a treat to hear on a god stereo system. Not only that, but Whenever I hear it I find myself wondering if the '60s really weren't a better time - certainly simpler. 3.) California Dreamin' (John Phillips) - 2:25 rating: **** stars The decision to cover John Phillips' 'California Dreaming' was an interesting choice. The Mamas and the Papas is almost an iconic composition which left you wondering what the Dedricks would do with it. Well, they kept the original melody, but sped up the easy-going pace (this was more a sprint that a walk); added some punchy horns, and basically kicked the crap out of the song. 4.) The Windows of the World (Burt Bacharach - Hal David) - 2:33 rating: **** stars My humble opinion (other than Dionne Warwick), you'd be hard pressed to find an act better suited for the Burt Bacharach and Hal David treatment than The Free Design. The Dedrick's sound simply screamed for the Bacharah-David touch and as exhibited on their sweet cover of 'The Windows of the World', it was a wonderful match. The heartbreaking lyric was a perfect match for Sandy's voice. 5.) Eleanore Rigby (John Lennon - Paul McCartney) - 2:44 rating: **** stars I'll readily admit that I was never a big fan of The Beatles' original. Maybe because the song's been played to death, or the fact it reeks of psycho-babble, I've reached the point where I cringe whenever a local radio station plays it. On the other hand, talk about a song that was perfect for The Free Design ... Seriously 'Eleanore Rigby' was just a wonderful fit for the group's unique stylings. Their arrangement restores a sense of fun to the song and I've always loved the oddball percussion effects and fluttery background vocals. The track was released as a promotional single:
- 1968's 'Eleanore Rigby' b/w 'Make the Madness Stop' (Project 3 catalog number PR-34-1345-SD)
6.) Quartet No.6 In D Minor (Chris Dedrick) - 2:40 rating: **** stars Given the title, I was expecting to hear a pretentious classically inspired instrumental segment. 'Quartet No.6 In D Minor'. Wrong. Instead the result was one of Chris Dedrick's most attractive melodies (almost a slice of country-rock with those unique vocals).
1.) I Like the Sunrise (Duke Ellington) - 3:37 rating: *** stars Well, if nothing else, you have to admire their confidence in taking on a Duke Ellington composition. And here's the funny thing; their arrangement of 'I Like the Sunrise' was very MOR-ish, but not nearly as bad as you would have thought. Sisters Ellen and Susan acquitted themselves with honors. Nice trumpet solo too boot. 2.) I Found Love (Chris Dedrick) - 2:42 rating: **** stars Easily one of their most commercial and feel-good performances, I guess it's funny that most folks know 'I Found Love' from the fact it was featured in an episode of Gilmore Girls. if you're into rap, or death metal, this one would probably kill you, but to my ears its cute and uplifting. One of those rare songs that simply makes you feel better whenever you hear it (not that you'd want to hear it everyday). The tune was also released as a single:
- 1968's 'I Found Love' b/w 'Umbrellas' (Project 3 catalog number PR-45-1336)
3.) Daniel Dolphin (Chris Dedrick) - 3:27 rating: *** stars Dolphin and human interaction songs have never done a great deal for me and even though 'Daniel Dolphin' was one of Chris Dedrick's prettiest compositions (and the song had a beautiful harpsichord and acoustic guitar setting), it failed to win me over. 4.) Happy Together (Gary Bonner - Alan Gordon) - 2:54 rating: ** stars Maybe because I have a special place in my dark heart for The Turtles cover of 'Happy Together', I hate to see anyone try to take it on. To their credit The Dedrick's didn't really mess with the song; essentially staying true to the original arrangement with the addition of some punchy horns and some of their trademark vocal twirls. Not an essential addition to their catalog. 5.) Ivy On a Windy Day (Chris Dedrick - Sandy Zynczak) - 2:39 rating: *** stars Originally I found 'Ivy On a Windy Day' too busy and fussy for my tastes, but ultimately Ellen's vocals won me over. Not the album's best track, but worth hearing. 6.) An Elegy (Chris Dedrick) - 3:22 rating: **** stars 'The Elegy' was easily one of the group's strangest and most disconcerting efforts (after all these years I've never quite figured out what the cows in the barn reference has to do with the plotline). Kicked along by some truly scary organ, spare drums, and Sandy's painfully low vocal, it'll give you the chills. I've always wondered what Chris Dedrick's inspiration for the song was. (Postscript - the song takes on an even more ominous feeling in the wake of Chris Dedrick's death. Having struggled with cancer for a couple of years, Dedrick passed on in August 2010. He was 62 years old. For anyone interested, Dedrick's website remains active: http://www.chrisdedrick.com/biography.html
I've never seen or heard it, but there was also an Ellen Dedrick solo 45:
- 1969's 'Nature Boy' b/w 'Settlement Boy' (Project 3 catalog number PR 45-1352 SD)
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Genre: pop Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: Heaven / Earth Company: Project 3 Catalog: PR 5037 SD Year: 1969 Country/State: Delevan, New York Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve; still in shrink wrap Available: 1 Catalog ID: 5673 Price: $50.00
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Continuing their partnership with producer Enoch Light, 1969's "Heaven / Earth" wasn't a major departure from the group's two earlier album. Needless to say that consigned the collection to the same fate their first two LPs enjoyed - namely instant oblivion. Brother Chris Dedrick was again responsible for the majority of material and under his guidance these folks simply epitamized the summer pop genre. Exemplified by tracks like 'My Very Own Angel', 'Girls Alone' and 'Hurry Sundown' the collection brimmed over with amazing melodies, glistening vocal harmonies from all four siblings, and complex, but radiant arrangements - be sure to check out the stunning 'You Be You and I'll Be Me'. They were simply a unique act. Imagine The Association, or perhaps The Mamas and the Papas after overdosing of happy gas and you'd start to get an idea what this was about ... There were plenty of highlights with my votes going to 'Summertime' (which was simply the most dazzling cover of a George Gershwin tune I've ever heard - acid guitar introduction, hardcore jazz moves, and killer vocals all in one package) and '2002 - a Hit Song' - the latter showing the Dedrick clan still had a sense of humor and were capable of dealing with their inability to catch a commercial break. That's not to say their blissed out sound was going to appeal to everyone. The album certainly had a trippy feel (doubt that comment then take a listen to the monks-tipping-on-acid-jazz 'Dorian Benediction'), but anyone looking for hardcore psych needed to keep their distance, or risk going into a diabetic coma. Elsewhere, as you'd expect from anything released on producer Light's Project 3 label, the arrangements and sound were simply pristine - listening to the album on a good stereo system, or through a good pair of headphones remains a major treat. Elsewhere Project 3 tapped the album for a series of three instantly obscure singles:
- 1969's 'Where Do I Go ' b/w 'Girls Alone' (Project 3 catalog number PR 45-1356 SD) - 1969's 'Dorian Benediction' b/w 'Summertime' (Project 3 catalog PR 45-1358 SD) - 1969's '2002 A Hit Song' b/w 'Hurry Sundown' (Project 3 catalog PR 45-1366-SD)
promo shot
1.) My Very Own Angel (Chris Dedrick) - 3:00 2.) Now Is the Time (Chris Dedrick) - 2:14 3.) If I Were a Carpenter (Tim Hardin) - 3:17 4.) You Be You and I'll Be Me (Chris Dedrick) - 2:34 5.) Girls Alone (Chris Dedrick) - 3:55 6.) 2002 - a Hit Song (Chris Dedrick) - 2:34
1.) Summertime (D.B. Heyward - George Gershwin) - 3:36 2.) Where Do I Go (From Hair) (G. McDermont - J. Rado - G. Ragni) - 2:14 3.) Hurry Sundown (B. Kaye - H. Montenegro) - 3:04 4.) Memories (B. Strange - S. Davis) - 3:29 5.) Dorian Benediction (Chris Dedrick) - 4:27
Over the next three years they released four more studio sets before take a thirty year hiatus:
- 1970's "Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love" (Project 3 catalog number PR 5045 SD) - 1970's "Sing for Very Important People" (Project 3 catalog number PR 4006 SD) - 1971's "One by One" (Project 3 catalog number PR 5061 SD) - 1972's "There Is A Song" (Ambrotype catalog number 1016)
I've got them in my to-listen-to pile and will eventually get around to adding them to the listing.
For anyone interested, Robbie Baldock has a nice Free Design website at: http://www.rcb.uklinux.net/light/freedesign/index.htm
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Genre: pop Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love Company: Project 3 Catalog: PR 5045 SD Year: 1970 Country/State: Delevan, New York Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve Available: 1 Catalog ID: -- Price: $50.00
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The Free Design have always reminded me of a bunch of "good" kids showing they could be cool and happenin'. No need for alcohol, or other illicit substances for these guys and gals. Nah, tea, lemonade, family ties, exercise, plenty of fresh air and good vibes were their choices for stimulation ... It sounds so corny and I guess it is, but you have to admire how the Dedrick siblings managed to pull it off. Co-produced by Enoch Light and Chris Dedrick, their fifth studio album "Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love" may not have reflected a major musical shift in their patented sunshine pop repertoire, but for anyone willing to embrace innocence and sunshine pop (or a fan of contemporary bands like The High Llamas, or Stereolab), it made for an enjoyable experience. With Chris Dedrick again responsible for the majority of the album, the collection found the group introducing touches of a more contemporary sound to the mix. With their sweet harmonies and love of MOR-ish arrangements, you weren't going to mistake them for any other group, but this time around there were dollops of electric guitar, clavinet, and even sitar in the mix. Actually, thinking about it, those are some monumental changes for the group. I can clearly understand why some folks find them saccharine, but I have to admit that in an era when every day seems to bring more tragedies, disasters and monumental levels of unfairness, there was something calming hearing these wonderful harmonies and their world of innocence and joy - 'Stay Off the Frown', the goofy 'I'm a Yogi' and t he giggles at the end of 'Bubbles.'
Is it their best album? Perhaps not as striking as the debut, but song-for-song this one was a winner.
1.) Bubbles (Chris Dedrick) - 2:15 rating: **** stars The bouncy 'Bubbles' was a wonderful addition to The Free Design catalog. The addition of bubbly clavinet and fuzz guitar added an atypical touch to their patented sound, but did nothing to distract from their wonderous harmonies. Maybe due to the family-oriented lyrics the track has always reminded me a touch of 'My Brother Woody.' Always loved the in-studio giggles at the end of the song. Project 3 tapped the song as a promotional single:
- 1970's 'Bubbles' b/w 'I'm a Yogi' (Project 3 catalog number PR 45-1375-SD-A)
2.)
Tomorrow Is the First Day of the Rest of My Life (Peter Link -
C.C. Cour Written for the 1969 off-Broadway Musical "Salvation", 'Tomorrow Is the First Day of the Rest of My Life' originally appeared on the show's cast album ("Salvation The New Rock Musical" - Capitol catalog number SO 337). Unlike the original which featured a horn-powered rock arrangement, the remake treated the track to the standard Free Design modifications - silky smooth arrangement and vocals. There were horns on the remake, but not as prominent as on the original. The jazzy horn fadeout was actually cool. Pretty performance, if probably a bit too-MOR-ish for many folks. It was also released as a promotional single.
- 1970's 'Tomorrow Is the First Day of the Rest of My Life' b/w 'Kije's Ouija' (Project 3 catalog number PR-1383-SD-A)
2.) Kije's Ouija (Chris Dedrick) - 3:12 rating: **** stars Lyrically I don't have a clue what 'Kije's Ouija' was about ... Musically this one had a sweet, almost child-lullabye flavor to it. The refrain just drilled into your head and stayed. 4.) Butterflies Are Free (S. Schwartz) - 2:42 rating: **** stars 'Butterflies Are Free' was a sweet, MOR-ish ballad showcasing both Ellen and Sandra on load vocals. Perhaps the most conventional song they ever recorded, it should appeal to the same folks who love 'Kites Are Fun.' 5.) Stay Off the Frown (Chris Dedrick) - 2:43 rating: **** stars Showcasing Chris' attractive voice, the bouncy 'Stay Off the Frown' featured a nice mash-up of top-40 pop moves and an easy-going, jazzy big-band vibe. Not hard to imagine this one being "borrowed" for a toothpaste commercial.
1.) Starlight (Chris Dedrick) - 2:53 rating: **** stars Hearing the Desricks' blended voices on the ballad 'Starlight' is a pleasure on a good stereo, or a good pair of headphones. The way they wrap their voices around one another is special, as is the bass line (not sure if it was Richard Davis, or Russ Savakus). 2.) Time and Love (Laura Nyro) - 2:50 rating: *** stars One of five cover tunes, 'Time and Love' took the Laura Nyro original, pushing the piano into the background and sanding off the singer/songwriter edges. The end result was a bouncy arrangement that sounded like one of The Fifth Dimension covers of a Nyro tune. 3.) I'm a Yogi (Chris Dedrick) - 4:19 rating: **** stars Hum, hearing a sitar on a Free Design performance was unexpected ... Similarly hearing the Dedrick's discover Indian mysticism was strange. 4.) Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head (Burt Bacharach - Hal David) - 3:00 rating: * star I dislike the B.J. Thomas hit and The Free Design cover does nothing to improve the song. Pass. 5.) Howjadoo (Fly Me Down) (Carol Bayer - George Fischoff) - 1:55 rating: * star I'm not a big fan of Carol Bayer-Sager material and their cover of 'Howjadoo (Fly Me Down)' is just too chirpy and irritating for its own good. 6.) That's All, People (Chris Dedrick) - 2:39 rating: **** stars Backed by some brash horns and even a splash of rock guitar, 'That's All, People' almost sounded like the Dedricks were pissed off at someone. Speculation on my part, but perhaps their anger was directed at the music industry and the buying public? Not that they abandoned those instantly recognizable harmonies. Cool way to end the album ...
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Genre: pop Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: Redesigned: The Remix E.P. Vol 1 Company: Light In the Attic Catalog: LITA 12-003 Year: 2004 Country/State: Delevan, New York Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: 5 track EP Available: 1 Catalog ID: 6376 Price: $15.00
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In 2004 the Light In the Attic label undertook an extensive reissue program that saw all seven Free Design albums reissued in vinyl and CD formats. Along with the original studio albums were a series of three remix EPs.
Given how time had largely overlooked the Dedrick siblings, I guess you couldn't complain about the reissue program, but the remix EPs were a different story. First out the door was 2004's five track EP
"Redesigned: The Remix E.P. Vol 1". If
you loved the original compositions, then these updates were going to take a little bit of time to get accustomed to. I can't say I loved all of them, but a couple were were simply stunning in their creativity. 1.) Where Do I Go (Madlib remix) rating: ** stars To my ears Madlib's remix of 'Where Do I Go'' came off sounding like an Everything But the Girl tune. The song was certainly given an Everything But the Girl adult contemporary rock sheen and the vocal even bore an uncanny resemblance to Tracey Thorn, though the end-of-the-song freak-out segment left me at a total loss. As a big Tracey Thorn fan I enjoyed the remake quite a bit. 2.) Kites Are Fun (Mellow remix) rating: **** stars Mellow took what was probably their best known song 'Kites AreFun' and turned it into a trancy, almost psychedelic tinged slice of bliss. Very peaceful; very mid-1960s complete with jangle rock guitars and harpsichord ... I hate to say it, but the track actually had a Beatle-esque flavor to it complete with some great fuzz guitar at the tail end.
1.) Umbrellas (Peanut Butter Wolf remix) rating: *** stars Reinventing 'Umbrellas' as a neo-soul number took me a couple of spins to warm up to, but once I got over the initial shock, the Marvin Gaye-meets-Steve Miller, via The Free Design was pretty cool. Wonder is Miller was aware that they borrowed huge chunks of 'Fly Like An Eagle' for this mas-hup ... 2.) Don't Turn Away (Sharpshooters remix) rating: *** stars Perhaps the most enjoyable of the five remakes, 'Don't Turn Away' was reinvented as a bass-heavy ballad that was actually even more commercial than the original version. 3.) 2002 - A Hit Song (Chris Geddes of Belle & Sebastian and Hush Puppy) rating: *** stars Remixed by Belle
& Sebastian's Chris Geddes, the first part of '2002 - A Hit Song' didn't
differ all that much from the original, though the second part of the song
morphed into a real remix project. The funny thing is the first couple
of times I listened to the track it sounded like my stylus had swallowed a
dust bunny, The fact of the matter is Geddes seemingly added that
weird, distorted fuzziness into the mix.
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d popular covers
('California Dreamin'' and The Turtles' 'Happy
Together'), the package was characterized by their tight knit sibling
harmonies (check out their pseudo-accapella cover of The Beatles 'Eleanor
Rigby'), their distinctive MOR sound, and producer Enoch Light's crystal clear
production (which made the set a delight to listen to with a good set of headphones).
Elsewhere, given their MOR orientation it was interesting to see the group
taking a step in the direction of political commentary - check out their
cover of Burt Bacharach and Hal David's 'The Windows of the World' and the ominous, dirge-tempo original 'An Elegy' (the latter baring a dedication to
"Dwight Arthur Dedrick killed in Viet Nam January 31, 1968").
Perhaps because their activism was so subtle, at least to my ears it was far
more effective than some of the shrill rhetoric that characterized the
era. On the surface you probably wouldn't think this set would have
much to interest psych collectors, but it was charming in a strange and
bizarre fashion that you simply can't aptly explain. You also had to
wonder if anyone could be this positive and uplifting without a major boost
from various illicit substances ... By the way, Phil
Ramone's fawning liner notes were simply hysterical.
tney)
- 3:40
rating: **** stars
