THIS 'BEST OF' IS CLASSY
A FAN OF '60'S MUSIC | 11/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The cd comes in a slide-out cover with a booklet that is filled with new pictures and information. The writers, Alan
Brackett and John Merrill, were interviewed by Mike Stax of Ugly Things magazine about what inspired the songs. I found it very interesting that what they were writing about in the 60's is still very relevant today. What is most impressive, however, is the sound. It is obvious a lot of care went into this release. Somebody at Sundaze really likes this group. Could well be Bob Irwin, the man responsible for the recent release of Bob Dylans Columbia original mono recordings on 180-gram vinyl. "It's A Happening Thing" is the mono single version and starts off this "best of" collection. The recording dates, master numbers, and prior releases are all listed along with the players on the different songs. There are a couple of bonus tracks. One, "Out Of Phase" features Barbara and came from the last session the group did for Columbia Records when they recorded the "I'm A Fool" single. This is the best, warmest sounding, cd I have heard of this group. The clarity - being able to hear the vocals and instruments clearly -is there, as in a digital release, but there seems to be more "warmth", in the vocals especially, almost analog-sounding. An excellent effort from the team at Sundaze and highly recommended."
Blow your mind!!
Samuel B. King | Concord, NH | 01/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a singer!! The first cut "Its a happening thing" blew my mind (pardon the '60s lingo, but it fits). I remember the name "Peanut Butter Conspiracy" but hadn't heard them. The female lead singer, Barbara "Sandi" Robison, in my opinion, was better than either Grace Slick, Mama Cass or Spanky McFarlane (no kidding). They sound like Surrealistic Pillow era JA minus the hype and hits. Kind of like a modern alternative band performing this type of music. One can only imagine their power in a live setting. If you like jangly Rickenbacker guitars, tasteful harmonies and a rich soulful lead vocalist, you gotta have this one. I hear the singer tragically passed away during the '80s. A real drag. Her legacy, however, lives on in these cuts. Buy it!!"