LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Recorded and originally released in 1969, A Group was effectively the final album by the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, although it appeared under the shortened Markley name. Bob Markley was again joined by Danny Harris, Shaun Harris and Michael Lloyd, bringing the group’s unusual recording career to a close.

The album moves away from the darker experimentation of the band’s earlier records towards compact psychedelic pop, soft rock and occasional bubblegum influences. Rich vocal harmonies and carefully layered arrangements give songs such as “Next Plane to the Sun,” “Elegant Ellen” and “Little Ruby Rain” an immediately melodic character, while Markley’s eccentric lyrics ensure that the material remains distinctly unconventional.

Country-rock touches appear in “Truck Stop,” while “Sarah the Sad Spirit” and “Outside/Inside” retain some of the dreamlike atmosphere associated with the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. This Aurora CD edition restores the complete twelve-track album and includes background notes.

1. Booker T & His Electric Shock – 2:23
2. Next Plane to the Sun – 2:14
3. Roger the Rocket Ship – 2:45
4. Elegant Ellen – 2:19
5. Little Ruby Rain – 3:01
6. Message for Miniature – 0:27
7. Sarah the Sad Spirit – 2:35
8. Truck Stop – 3:20
9. Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! – 2:11
10. Sweet Lady Eleven – 2:19
11. The Magic Cat – 2:59
12. Outside/Inside – 2:39

Edition: UK CD reissue with background notes