THE ROYAL PURPLE "Instant Analysis" 2005

This one's a real treat from an unlikely place for 60s pop - Englishtown New Jersey. "Instant Analysis" finds THE ROYAL PURPLE tambourine-shaking their way through 15 tracks (mostly covers of obscure 60s bands) suitable for the next Austin Powers movie. The production is very consistent, placing particular emphasis on the backing vocals and melodies, unifying the flow from track-to-track and consequently leaving the impression that these guys really know their stuff.
Many times, albums like this come off as a hurried, slapdash affair. The covers almost never hold a candle to the originals, and oftentimes indicate that the band didn't have enough of their own stuff in the can for a full disc of originals. THE ROYAL PURPLE has the opposite effect. These songs are all indelibly stamped with the band's flair for execution and melody, and the disc serves as an inspiration for young impressionable record collectors to seek out originals. Standouts include their Revolver-esque treatment of SILVER APPLES "Oscillations", the MONKEES vibe of DILLARD & CLARK's "Lyin' Down the Middle", and their showstopping version of THE HONEYCOMBS "Something I've Got to Tell You", featuring an outstanding vocal performance from guest Bibi Farber. The couple of original tracks represented here are also impressive, particularly the fingersnappin' fun of "Stereo Phonograph". It makes one curious to hear what these guys could do with a disc of originals.
Suffice to say that this is an excellent introduction into the world of 60s pop for anyone lacking in funds or a record player. Go to the band's MySpace page below, and they'll send you a couple of their discs for free. It doesn't get any better than that, now does it? I only hope they make it down to Baltimore one day so that I can yell out requests for my favorite BACHS and OPEN MIND jingles. Smashing, baby! (Peacedogman Blog Site)trax:
1. You Ain't Gonna Bring Me Down To My Knees 2. Who's Wrong? 3. Stop, Look And Listen 4. Something I've Got To Tell You 5. Till You Find Out 6. Time Won't Change My Mind 7. Take A Look At Her 8. I Don't Want To Follow You 9. Glad And Sorry 10. Daddy's A Millionaire 11. If I Could 12. Lyin' Down The Middle 13. Stereo Phonograph 14. Oscillations
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