LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Originally released by Capitol Records in 1969, the only album by The Common People is a distinctive mixture of psychedelic rock, garage pop and darker late-1960s orchestration. Denny Robinett’s vocals and guitar are joined by John Bartley III on guitar, William Fausto on keyboards, Michael McCarthy on bass and Jerrald Robinett on drums.

The opening “Soon There’ll Be Thunder” immediately establishes the album’s melancholy psychedelic atmosphere through swirling keyboards, guitar and dramatic string arrangements. “I Have Been Alone,” “Those Who Love” and “Land of a Day” continue in a melodic, introspective direction, while “Go Every Way” and “Feeling” reveal the group’s more direct garage-rock side.

1. Soon There’ll Be Thunder – 2:21
2. I Have Been Alone – 3:09
3. Those Who Love – 3:14
4. Go Every Way – 2:23
5. Why Must I Be? – 2:20
6. Take From You – 2:51
7. They Didn’t Even Go to the Funeral – 2:47
8. Feeling – 2:18
9. Girl Said – Know – 1:36
10. Land of a Day – 3:51
11. This Life She Is Mine – 2:09