A recent find that has been delighting my ears repeatedly is this LP by The Cryan' Shames. This group hailed from Chicago, Illinois although one listen to their second album, A Scratch In The Sky would have you thinking otherwise. Their intricate harmonies are more akin to the sunshine coming from their California contemporaries, and this is demonstrated on the opening track 'A Carol For Lorelei' in the finest way possible. Along with glowing harmonies this track features a cutting bass guitar, nice work on the keys and bells aplenty. Quite an excellent way to start things off.
Things change rather quickly going into the next track 'The Sailing Ship' which drops the California vibes for a British Invasion sound that is quite Revolver/Lennonesque, but maybe a bit more resembling an early Bee Gees take. Either way it is a damn fine psychedelic outing featuring distinct bagpipes from band member Jim Fairs, who along with Lenny Kirley penned 10 of 12 songs on the album.
Things get a bit moody on the third track 'In The Cafe' which contains an absolutely sublime break mid-song. The change in tempo gives way to a magical bit of instrumentation including a haunting accordion which reappears as the song fades from view. It's hard to pick a favorite from this set, but this one sits near the top.
Closing out side one is 'Mr. Unreliable' which is more of a traditional rocker while 'The Town I'd Like To Go Back To' brings mellow vibes and a bit of subtle experimentation.
The rest of the LP continues to feature glowing harmonies that rank among the finest in their class and top notch instrumentation provided by the band members. Another fine relic of 1967 that I'm happy to have found...
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