Christopher Cloud

In 1973, Tommy Boyce (sans Bobby Hart) teamed up the the band Aim (see entry below) to record this glam-rock album. Perhaps he was trying to distance himself from his bubblegum past, because this record has a meatier edge to it, and Boyce billed himself merely as "Tomme."

DIG IT

Aim

Here's an obscure '70s pop-rock record that features guitarist and singer Michael W. Overly who, along with Tommy Boyce, was part of the group Christopher Cloud (which I'll post soon).

DIG IT

Nancy Michaels

Found this one at a crate dig yesterday. Nancy definitely sounds influenced by Joni Mitchell, which more than likely is why she was on Warners. Alas, "First Impressions" would be her last impression. The vinyl is pretty noisy, but I did my best to clean it up.

DIG IT

Smokey and His Sister

Before White Stripes, there was this brother snd sister act.

DIG IT

Dreamland

This was an attempt to make an album in singular style (in this case, a mostly acoustic record), rather than hopscotching all over the map stylistically, as I tend to do. I wouldn't exactly say that this is a mellow record; rather, like the title, it's more dream-like. A couple of the songs - "How Can Anybody Get Anything Done 'Round Here," "Late Night Companion" and the title track - are among my all-time personal favorites. I also like "Turtles All the Way Down," which came about after watching an episode of the long-ago cancelled series "Awake." If you are having trouble sleeping, I suggest putting this one on the ol' hi-fi.

DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM

Spirit of Rock

Here's yet another choice sampler that was released on Probe, which was an offshoot of ABC/Dunhill.

DIG IT

Jacob's Ladder

A mystery surrounds me
Like none I've ever known
And I don't know the meaning
As it spins 'round me like a cyclone
I have spent whole my life searching
Trying to figure out just why I'm here
But try as I may and try as I might
I don't think I've ever come near

DOWNLOAD AT BANDCAMP

Friend & Lover

Music from a seemingly more innocent time.

DIG IT

Don Kirshner

In which dandy Don lets his hair down (so to speak). A prime slice of exploito, from a guy who really knew how to cash in on the craze of the day.

DIG IT

Michael McGinnis

Here's another wonderful record I picked up at In Your Ear. Check the comments for a link for Michael's third album, "Hobo's Holiday."

DIG IT

The Bully Boys Band

Not sure who the Bully Boys really were, but since this was recorded in the late '60s and because it is on Dunhill, it likely has some of the Wrecking Crew on it. In any event, this is a minor treasure.

DIG IT

The Aquarians

There's a breezy Latin vibe about this record that makes me think of spring. Hope it does the same for you.

DIG IT

Original Caste

Update: Check the comments for a link of this obscure Original Caste album.