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ivan@stellysee.de
| From | "David Bash" <bashpop@earthlink.net> |
| Subject | Don & The Goodtimes: So Good!! |
| Date | Thu, 11 May 2006 15:18:35 -0700 |
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Hi Everyone,
I've been listening to the new Rev-ola reissue of The Don & The Goodtimes
'So Good' album, originally released on Epic Records in 1967. I've long
loved this album, and it's so great to finally have it on CD. Think a
combination of Paul Revere & The Raiders' poppier (read: Something's
Happening) period crossed with The Five Americans crossed with The
Canterbury Music Festival...or something like that! Don & The Goodtimes had
previously come out of the Portland, Oregon garage music scene and had in
fact recorded a garagey album before 'So Good', and as bands like The New
Colony Six and Paul Revere & The Raiders did, they were able to make a very
smooth and able transformation to pop.
The CD has lots of bonus tracks, the best of which are the "pre-Epic"
recordings which mark their transition period. Man, songs like "I Hate To
Hate You" absolutely epitomize '60s soul-tinged power pop, and just put me
away!
As is the case with several Rev-ola reissues, Steve Stanley wrote some fine
liners, but one thing really bums me out: the band seems to feel that this
album didn't represent them well-that they were more about harder rock, but
the corporate people at Epic wanted them to soften their sound for the
marketplace. Obviously this kind of thing has been going on in the business
for many years, and probably always will, but when you read about it
resulting in a disc that you absolutely love, it's got to make you feel a
bit down. That said, there's nothing in the world that would make me think
any less about this album, and I know that several other Auditeers would
love it.
--
Buzz Overman Rules!!!!!
Take Care,
David
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