THE NEW DAWN - THERE'S A NEW DAWN

When it comes to discussing music we are quick to make comparisons to something that might be more relatable to whoever we are addressing.  "X sounds like a combination of Y and Z therefore you will be interested in it."  Something along those lines.  This is all fun and games, but more often than not I feel this style of discussion is merely reducing the topic at hand to a lesser degree to it's mentioned counterpart.  It is still a great entry level discussion tactic which is valued, but we can do better than that.

As for the record at hand... I will sum up The New Dawn's 1970 accidental masterpiece as "a depressed Roy Orbison flees to the Pacific Northwest in 1966 and records a lofi record in a garage..."

For the full scoop check out the article that was published in Ugly Things Issue 28 provided by Jackpot Records here.

THE TIFFANY SHADE

Currently in rotation is this LP by The Tiffany Shade.  Any fan of 60's garage and psychedelia is going to be drawn to an album with a cover like this, and further sealing the deal are song titles and lyrics such as 'Would You Take My Mind Out For A Walk' and 'There's A Quiet Revolution In My Mind'.  Original copies are reserved for wealthy collectors, but who cares when you can get a nice reproduction that sounds great for $12.

You really need to listen to the whole album to get the full spectrum of sounds.  Their style jumps around from the gritty and punky garage sound of 'Would You Take My Mind Out For A Walk' and 'An Older Man', to the jazzy and harmony driven sound of 'Jaguar City Blues'.  The lone cover on the album is a fine rendition of 'Softly To Me' from Love's first album (which is given false credit with a different song on the sleeve and label).  The Love influence is also apparent in tracks like the closing 'Not Worth The Pain'.  Other tracks such as 'Sam' which features an extended keyboard jam display a fondness of The Doors.  'A Very Grand Love' brings another west coast Elektra band to mind, Clear Light.

No need for me to go any further.  The Tiffany Shade have an official website with loads of information which can be found here.

THE PICTURE - REACH OUT (I'LL BE THERE) / EVOLUTION, 1969

Here's a very enjoyable double sider released on the obscure NASCO label out of Nashville, Tennessee.  NASCO was active in the late 50's releasing several doo-wop records and appeared to fizzle out at the onset of the coming decade.  It is simultaneously odd and fitting that they went with The Picture as an early attempt to reboot the label in late 1968, who as the internet reveals were natives of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

On the plug side you get a fun version of the Holland-Dozier standard complete with ample fuzz action.  This is a bonus as most of the interest in this record is due to the flipside.  'Evolution' has been included in numerous comps and is sought after for its mystical sounds and trippy phasing effects.  Sometimes you catch everyone sleeping and get a gem for a bargain..

THE BAROQUES

The Baroques lone album from 1967 has been a tough one to track down as it is highly collectible and prices are continuously on the rise.  Finding an affordable copy in any condition is near impossible these days, but luckily Lion Productions (a fantastic reissue label out of Chicago) has a deluxe edition reissue on their horizon which I have been waiting patiently for.  Until then I have managed to find a stunning copy of the single released from the album and for a fair price to boot.

'Iowa, A Girl's Name' backed with 'Mary Jane' may not have been the best pick commercially speaking (ha), but both cuts are superb and showcase the dark and slightly lo-fi (especially for the Chess label) garage sound in which The Baroques crafted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  My recent resurgence of interest in this band brought me to this interview from a local Milwaukee radio station that took place April 21, 2014 featuring original Baroques drummer Dean Nimmer.

http://www.radiomilwaukee.org/arts-culture-music-414-music-music/interview-dean-nimmer-baroques

The interviewer sounds slightly disinterested and Dean is a bit slow with his words, but it's still an excellent listen, and a real treat if you're into this sort of thing.  Dean gives some terrific info on the origin of the band, talks about getting signed by Chess Records and the ensuing label politics, recording details, the vision of songwriter Jay Borgenhagen, and provides key info on tracks such as the aforementioned single 'Iowa, A Girls Name'.  The action is still here folks.

THE GARDEN CLUB

Billboard Magazine advert April 15, 1967