Hallmark Psychedelia

It's maybe fair to label these guys Hallmark Psychedelia. On the first ten tracks of this probably-complete-works collection their barbershop roots show all too clearly, veering a little too far into the comfort zone for comfort. But something happened between recording that first album [Sing Valley Of The Dolls - Ed.] and their second [Featuring ... - Ed.], which rounds out this sumptuous pop-psych package. That something was either dropping acid (unlikely, given the Mormon Tabernacle insurance salesman look) or a contact high from the pizza guy. They don't jettison the gorgeous harmonies or the lush production or the cover-version æsthetic (hey! Slate readers! æsthetic!), but the adaptations are startling and wholly successful. The detailed production, haunting and very slightly weird vibe (man) make the album something of an underrated classic psych-pop iconic classic album album. And a sugar rush that'll get you hooked like a fish.

Hi! I'm Cody!

It tanked, of course, although their stunning chamber-pop version of The Letter was a minor stateside hit. They all went into advertising and made several shitloads of easy money singing soap-powder jingles. I hope they micro-managed their self-loathing, anyway.

I snagged the songs from the fabulous Pop On The Run blog (to whom, my undying thanks for turning me on to this and other treasures), where they were presented separately, half in an irritating file format, and with their original and wretched sleeves. Date Records obviously left their sleeve design to Some Guy Or His Brother down at the print shop. It is my fervent desire that I will one day travel back in time and submit this new artwork to the label. In the mean time, it's included absolutely free in this small package of value. Because, as The Arbors aver, Love Is A Groovy Game.