Stark Reality – Now. 1970. The early days of the Public Broadcasting Service were quite literally a trip. Perhaps through hours of gazing at The Electric Company or Zoom or the dozens of Quebec short films (in non translated French no less), or hearing Kraftwerk’s ‘Ruckzuck’ for one of their science shows, everyone of my generation should have become psychedelic infused hippies through osmosis (at least that’s my excuse – I was 5 in 1970). Even the majors chimed in with the weed fueled HR Puffinstuff and The Banana Splits. But none of these topped the Boston PBS station’s Stark Reality (perhaps the Timothy Leary / Harvard connection was still in full force). What we have here is simply a great set of stoned children’s songs. Fuzz guitar and, even better, fuzz vibes (FUZZ VIBES???). This is the hippest group to ever get major airplay on vintage TV. Nobody learns their ABC’s like this anymore! No wonder this was such a highly collectable prize for collectors. Awesome CD reissue on Stones Throw, done the right way with detailed history, insights and relevant bonus tracks. Thanks to Mike for recommending it!
The Free Design – Sing For Very Important People. 1970. While on the topic of children’s songs, here’s those considerably more harmless hippies The Free Design performing original songs for children. The band is so doggone innocent, you can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy when hearing these little ditties. Stark Reality they ain’t! Probably the greatest harmony group from the 60s, even besting The Beach Boys in their most psychedelic phase. If only American Idol was looking for this kind of vocal talent. File under extinct.
G.F. Fitzgerald – Mouseproof. 1970. We’ll make it a 1970 trifecta. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised to find Fitzgerald in the kiddie business during this era as well. He mixes some Brit jazz, through the Canterbury filter, on to Zappa, through some folk bits while throwing in dashes of zany humor. My goofball meter was in the red zone for some of this. Eclectic, and rates pretty high with most in the project, but my tolerance for silliness in song is quite limited. Good record, but not consistent or satisfying throughout for me.