In California, by Compton and Batteau

In California

by Compton and Batteau

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1.	Laughter Turns To Blue 03:22	buy track
2.	Silk On Steel 03:30	buy track
3.	Honeysuckle 03:07	buy track
4.	Narration 00:12	buy track
5.	Elevator 01:43	buy track
6.	Narration 00:13	buy track
7.	Homesick Kid 04:46	buy track
8.	Proposition 03:40	buy track
9.	Narration 00:14	buy track
10.	Grotto Farm 03:45	buy track
11.	Essa Vanessa 03:09	buy track
12.	Zephyr 02:16	buy track
13.	Narration 00:12	buy track
14.	California 03:24	buy track

about

In California by name, in California by nature. You’ll struggle to find 14 songs more drenched in lazy West Coast sunshine than Compton and Batteau’s only album (recorded in 1971 before promptly falling into the abyss of wonderful, overlooked recordings). Fans of Gene Clark, John Phillips, Fraser & Debolt and the like will be well served here, with many of the tracks leaning towards the cowboy balladry these artists share. Completing the line-up with the likes of Randy Meisner (The Eagles, Poco) and Jim Messina (Loggins and Messina, Buffalo Springfield) ‘In California' understandably has an additional proto-yacht rock feel, evoking ‘Late For The Sky’ era Jackson Browne - though it’s the more up-tempo offerings that really showcase the duo’s ability to write a tune.

Album highlight ‘Homesick Kid’ is the perfect example of the addictive, melody-led songwriting which really should have earned them stardom, while ‘Honeysuckle’ and ‘Essa Vanessa’ bring texture in the form of immaculately orchestrated percussion and additional instrumentation (harpsichord, cowbell). On these occasions the album veers magnificently towards the psychedelic, bringing to mind The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band.

“‘Compton And Batteau In California’ remains enthused about in quiet corners, by Amazon buyers, on sites like Vinyl History and Small Town Pleasures. It’s a forgotten piece of baroque folk caught in time; 47 years after the fact it somehow sounds timeless. Like Cat Stevens with Nick Drake’s strings.” - Dave Henderson, MOJO
1. Laughter Turns to Blue
2. Silk On Steel
3. Honeysuckle
4. Narration
5. Elevator
6. Narration
7. Homesick Kid
8. Proposition
9. Narration
10. Grotto Farm
11. Essa Vanessa
12. Zephyr
13. Narration
14. California

credits

released July 14, 2017

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