While they only had two big hits, the Beau Brummels were one of the most important and underrated American groups of the 1960s. They were the first U.S. unit of any sort to successfully respond to the British Invasion. They were arguably the first folk-rock group, even predating the Byrds, and also anticipated some key elements of the San Francisco psychedelic sound with their soaring harmonies and exuberant melodies. Before they finally reached the end of the string, they were also among the first bands to record country-rock in the late '60s.
This 18-song collection has, amazingly, never been undercut for content or range in nearly two decades of release; it is probably due for an upgrade in sound quality as of 2005, and ought to serve as the guide to putting together a truly comprehensive double- or triple-CD set devoted to this San Francisco-based band, but it still holds up as either an introduction to, or survey of the band's history. Starting with the huge hits "Laugh Laugh" and "Just a Little," it carries the listener up through the gorgeous yet unaccountably failed follow-ups "Sad Little Girl" and "Don't Talk to Strangers"; from there we go to a few of the highlights from the outtakes later issued by Vault Records, and into the group's studio years at Warner Bros. and some of the better tracks from Triangle and Bradley's Barn, as well as a handful of single sides and other rarities from the Warner Bros. vaults. Bill Inglot supervised the remixing from multi-track tapes of the songs for which usable masters couldn't be found, and he's kept the sound on those sides true to the originals. The annotation is very good as well, and is supported by great artwork. Casual listeners will probably love this CD, but after a few listens, they may join the serious fans in wishing that a more expansive survey of the Beau Brummels' work -- along the lines of Rhino's double-CD anthologies on the Association and the Turtles -- encompassing a deeper sampling of their two official Autumn Records albums and their outtakes, along with the hits and perhaps some of the better solo stuff from Ron Elliott and Sal Valentino, could be assembled.

Track List:

01. Laugh Laugh
02. Still In Love With You Baby
03. They'll Make You Cry
04. Just A Little
05. You Tell Me Why
06. Don't Talk To Strangers
07. In Good Time
08. When It Comes To Your Love
09. Sad Little Girl
10. Gentle Wandering Ways
11. One Too Many Mornings
12. Here We Are Again
13. Fine With Me
14. Don't Make Promises
15. Two Days Till Tomorrow
16. Magic Hollow
17. Are You Happy
18. Deep Water

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