Jun 7, 2009

ASSOCIATION - BIRTHDAY (WARNER BROS 1968) Jap mastering + 3 bonus




Birthday is a strong record. Vocally, the intricate harmonies shine, and there is a lyrical depth on some songs that challenge the Association's reputation as a mere pop group. Granted, there are some light moments, such as the opening cut, "Come On In" (though the vocals do stand out on this cut). And "Toymaker" and "Hear in Here" show the vocal limitations of the lead singers. But "Like Always" does an excellent job of wryly commenting on the loss of a relationship, with the usual fine vocal interplay. "The Time It Is Today" mixes the political and personal in an effective way. And "Everything That Touches You" (their final Top Ten ) is one of their finest love songs, if not one of their best songs, period. The vocals are as intricate as the arrangement, and the sincerity of the lyrics is very apparent. Production by Bones Howe gives the record a very commercial, clean sound that fits well with the material presented. ~ Michael Ofjord, All Music Guide
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Released in March 1968, Birthday was probably the Association's most pop-sounding album, as producer Bones Howe and the group polished their trademark harmony sound to a brilliant sheen. And, like on Insight Out, studio musicians extraordinaire Blaine and Larry Knechtel lent expert accompaniment. This album spawned the top 10 hit "Everything That Touches You" and another top 40 hit in "Time for Livin'". Later that year, the group released a self-produced single, the harder-edged "Six Man Band". This song is also one of the three bonus tracks here...
Here

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks Much. I Love This Album.
Zim

Vincent the Soul Chef said...

Another great choice. I love those harmonies. It'll be good to hear some of the deeper album cuts here since I only have greatest hits comps. Thanks much for sharing :)

Peace and blessings.

Feel free to visit my blog for lots of mixtapes... two years worth of archives. Enjoy.

Anonymous said...

Hi from Cy
Thanks for the Association, you'll find my views on close harmony brilliant work like this in the other postings.
Cy from Pck.

Palanca Feet said...

it was so hard for me to get this record, the best track for me is by far, "Barefoot Gentleman", it's intense, glowing

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have a link to the Association album with a drawing of Stonehenge on the cover, from 1969? Many thanks ~

Anonymous said...

Hi Georgie,
many thanks for this. Please could you post other Association albums?
Thanks again.

Georgie Hirezola said...

Only these two(3rd & 4th) are on Jap pressings at the moment...
I have all the Association albums but I don't want to post the C.C. reissues for some reasons...
we will see....
Georgie+++++

ASDLR said...

Hey Comrade! This needs a re-up.

Thanks much.

ASDLR from France