Scroll down for a review of a reissue of Curved Air

The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band
Part One

(Reprise 1967/Sundazed 2001)

http://members.ams.chello.nl/cvanderlely/wcpaeb.html

Though none of their five albums or two singles managed to dent the national music charts, the WCPAEB were just as much a part of LA’s 60s scene as cherry coke or miniskirts. In retrospect, the WCPAEB seem like one of those groups whose records looked so interesting in the racks, yet you just couldn’t bring yourself to buy one. Oh well, maybe next week if it’s in the cutout bin, right? Although the records didn’t get much exposure, they are regarded by many as low-key classics of LA pop/rock. Part One, their first album for a major label, is a great sample of what West Coast rock was all about in 1967. The album finds the music scene and reflectively, the band, in a period of transition from the well-crafted harmony pop of the Beach Boys to the new ‘consciously underground’ psychedelic rock of the Doors. Particularly reflective of the former group’s influence is the fine vocal harmonies on songs like “1906”, “Here’s Where You Belong”, and “Transparent Day”. The last song especially is an example of the well-produced, AM-friendly pop/rock the group was capable of. At the same time however, the group lived up to their name by being experimental. “I Won’t Hurt You” features a heartbeat which serves as percussion, unusual lyrical allusions, and slightly insecure vocals which lead the listener to question the singer’s sincerity. Likewise, the band’s cover of Zappa’s “Help I’m a Rock” naturally couldn’t NOT be experimental, though perhaps the WCPAEB’s version lacks the lunacy and earnestness which made the original disturbing and funny at the same time. “Shifting Sands” is a dreamy, melodic song complete with fine distorted lead guitar runs which add a mystical quality to what was once a simple country song. Other songs on the album are straight-ahead sophisticated pop pieces, such as the “Morning Dew” rip-off “Will You Walk With Me” and the sharp “If You Want This Love”. Much of the album is folk-rock, with chiming electric guitars and distant, McGuinn-esque vocals. Part One is good, and interesting. The group manages to try new things musically while maintaining interest and pop credibility. This new CD reissue from Sundazed is the first legitimate CD issue of the album, and features fine sound quality and two single mixes as bonus tracks.

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Curved Air
Air Conditioning

(Warner Brothers 1970/Collector’s Choice 2000)

http://www.curvedair.com/

One of the most interesting and promising groups on Britain’s late 60s progressive scene was Curved Air. Their debut album Air Conditioning, released in 1970, is a fine example of early progressive rock. Typical for the genre, the album displays a classical influence, obvious not only from Darryl Way’s fine violin playing, but also from two songs whose titles mention Vivaldi. The album’s opener “It Happened Today” is a nice melodic number complete with fine lead guitar work and excellent lead vocals from Sonja Kristina. Other highlights on the album include the catchy and atmospheric “Blind Man” and the rock-flavored “Propositions”. The seven minute long instrumental “Vivaldi” manages to maintain interest well by changing direction musically several times. This song is also exceptional for displaying excellent instrumentation and classically inspired songwriting. Many of the songs have hooks which keep the listener’s attention while the group experiments. The melodrama which characterizes the songwriting of the progressive genre is present, but it distracts neither from the quality of the arrangements nor the ingenuity of the songwriting. Air Conditioning is an interesting album. This reissue from Collector’s Choice is somewhat modest, featuring no liner notes whatsoever and not even a photo of the group. The sound quality also lacks a bit of depth at times. Still, those who enjoy early progressive rock will like this album.

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