These guys are often dismissed as a footnote among the pleasant, upbeat folk/pop/rock second tier bands of the 60's - but - these guys actually wrote some ambitious corker songs - lovely vocal harmony sunshine pop/psych with exquisite vocal and musical arrangements and tight instrumentation from Tom Dawes on vocals, guitar, sitar, harmonica, bass, Earl Pickens on keyboards, Marty Fried displaying incredibley accomplished chops on drums and Don Dannemann on vocals. In fact much of this is Beatlesque Sgt. Peppers style psych-pop that in another life may have received the respect and attention they deserved and been recognised for the skills and creativity on display (in fact the band has a close association with the Beatles - John lennon suggested the name Cyrkle, they supported the Beatles on tour, and were promoted by Brian Epstein).
The songs are wonderfully produced and the band has a lot going for them. Give their music a whirl - you wont be disappointed.
[Also check out their obscure soundtrack album to the boilerplate porn movie - The Minx - that mixes folk pop, psych pop, some surf undertones, bossa nova pop, horn and progressive pop.]
Yes indeed, David. As is so often the case with groups perceived to be one or two-hit wonders. A good part of the fun of my Substack posts is to let people in on '60s artists which they might've otherwise neglected.
There was a great amount of wonderful music in all genres in that time which, due to the nature of the business then, couldn’t all be properly appreciated. But now it can be appreciated in more ways now than it ever could then.
You're absolutely right. What with a plethora of reissues as well as easy accessibility via streaming services, YouTube, and online radio shows, the music has never been easier to delve into.
I love that I get new music today and can get turned on to new music from the 60s. Amazing musical time to be alive!
These guys are often dismissed as a footnote among the pleasant, upbeat folk/pop/rock second tier bands of the 60's - but - these guys actually wrote some ambitious corker songs - lovely vocal harmony sunshine pop/psych with exquisite vocal and musical arrangements and tight instrumentation from Tom Dawes on vocals, guitar, sitar, harmonica, bass, Earl Pickens on keyboards, Marty Fried displaying incredibley accomplished chops on drums and Don Dannemann on vocals. In fact much of this is Beatlesque Sgt. Peppers style psych-pop that in another life may have received the respect and attention they deserved and been recognised for the skills and creativity on display (in fact the band has a close association with the Beatles - John lennon suggested the name Cyrkle, they supported the Beatles on tour, and were promoted by Brian Epstein).
The songs are wonderfully produced and the band has a lot going for them. Give their music a whirl - you wont be disappointed.
[Also check out their obscure soundtrack album to the boilerplate porn movie - The Minx - that mixes folk pop, psych pop, some surf undertones, bossa nova pop, horn and progressive pop.]
Thank you for your enthusiastic comments on the Cyrkle, Geoff. They deserve such love.
Great piece on a great band — I'm especially fond of the Neon LP.
Also, I'd toss "Groovin'" by the Young Rascals into that bag of great mid-sixties pop songs about doing as little as possible.
Thanks for your feedback, Dan. Much appreciated! Yes, how could I neglect to add "Groovin'" to that bag? Love that song!
Great article by a very neglected group. Well done!
Thanks so much, Floyd!
There was a lot more to this group than I ever imagined.
Yes indeed, David. As is so often the case with groups perceived to be one or two-hit wonders. A good part of the fun of my Substack posts is to let people in on '60s artists which they might've otherwise neglected.
There was a great amount of wonderful music in all genres in that time which, due to the nature of the business then, couldn’t all be properly appreciated. But now it can be appreciated in more ways now than it ever could then.
You're absolutely right. What with a plethora of reissues as well as easy accessibility via streaming services, YouTube, and online radio shows, the music has never been easier to delve into.
…and write about, obviously.
The first album I ever “owned”, age 7, was RRB. Still on the playlist and still giving me a little thrill 59 years later!
I hear Red Rubber Ball every time the sun sets 😆