THE GROWING CONCERN “ST” NEW REISSUE OF PSYCH POP

THE GROWING CONCERN “SAME” (LABEL HONEY PIE) SEALED ORIGINALLY RELEASED ON THE COLLECTIBEL MAINSTREAM LABEL IN 1968. HERE WE HAVE A NICE LIMITED REISSUE. Terrific album. What always struck me the most about it was the cynical, sad lyrics over ultra-catchy sunshine pop. A unique combination. I love this album, a jangly cross between early Byrds, Surrealistic Pillow and a psychedelic electric Peter, Paul and Mary, souped up with tumbling drums, sweet groovy Doorsy organ and the wild unfettered lead of Ralph Toms. The intro/outro of “Edge of Time” prefigures the pure cathedral tones of Maddy Prior, and we get some harpsichord in spots also. Their hearts are on their sleeves, as in earnest cuts like “Tomorrow Has Been Cancelled” and “Mister You’re a Better Man Than I”. Cast yourself back into that time when mums and dads were into Frank Ifield, play LOUD, and it’ll rock you baby! “When the end has come/ be ready like some.” A classic serve of vintage West Coast psychedelia.