A very good, if slightly short overview of
the Beau Brummels
career, this record covers all sides of this fine band's career; many of them misunderstood and unrecognized. The majority of the album focus on the group's fine pioneering folk-rock sides for
Autumn Records
such as
"Laugh, Laugh,"
"Just a Little,"
and the underrated
"Don't Talk to Strangers."
But it's the final few tracks that command the most attention. After moving to
Warner Bros.
in 1966, the group explored a more intense, mildly psychedelic approach with stunning success -- at least artistically.
"Magic Hollow,"
with exquisite harpsichord accompaniment by
Van Dyke Parks
, may be the band's greatest moment. Ditto for tracks from
Bradley's Barn
, such as
"Deep Water"
and
"Turn Around,"
both of which were easily three years ahead of their time in 1968. Highly recommended as an overview. ~ Matthew Greenwald