1968 THE SUNDOWNERS CAPT NEMO POPSIKE Psych BEATLES

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RARE 1968 POPSIKE GEM ORIGINAL PRESSING!!                                

         THE SUNDOWNERS

           CAPTAIN NEMO 

                                   USA - DECCA Records  75036

Original 1968 first pressing of a hard to find album that well ,ay interest more than just a few collectors...On the highly collected DECCA Records label complete with the original prionted Decca inner sleeve to the pressing.... 

A brilliant selection of blissed-out Californian popsike. Track One, the Sundowners’ cover of Roger Nichols’ Always You, was a nailed easy monster: a lucious arrangements-driven hallucination of a violet sunset over Malibu Beach, with a girl in a big bikini running your way. It quickly fostered a craving for more.

The Sundowners, it now transpires, hailed from New York and there were six of them. Stylistically, they mashed up the usual Beatles, Beach Boys and Byrdsisms – but these cats boasted symphonic ideas, an edge, a complexity, and a six-way ego clash. Playing Ciro’s on Sunset Strip in the spring of 1967, Michael Nesmith wandered backstage and asked them, “So, how would you like to go on tour with the Monkees?” They ended up supporting Hendrix as well. Then they imploded and disappeared. Finding Nemo, indeed.

Captain Nemo is an album of many different flavours. It often combines contemporary pop with more psychedelic, experimental elements. The songs written by The Sundowners themselves are characterized by unusual chord changes and surprising melodies.

Sunny Day People

• A bold way to start off the album, with a peculiar, dissonant chord progression beneath the verse melody. The chorus, slightly reminiscent of The Beatles's Good Day Sunshine, is more conventional pop and highlighted by nifty arrangements. Released as a single in a punchier mix.

Edge Of Love

• An amiable mid-tempo acoustic song. Features some interesting guitar work, particularly on the intro. The laid-back, somewhat restrained execution - particularly in the nice vocal harmonies - offers a welcome alternative for the otherwise mostly very energetic (occasionally loud!) performances on the rest of the album.

• Appears on volume 2 of the Morning Glory Daze: Universal Soft Rock (1997) compilation along with Always You.

Let It Be Me

• The Sundowners's take on this rural (!) classic, previously recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1959, and a hit for Bobby Gentry in 1969.

• The most quiet and sedated song on the album, it feels a bit out of place. Of course, the group can't help but add a little psychedelia to their otherwise surprisingly conventional rendition: they mess with the tempo a bit during the instrumental bridge, and the guitar player, who adds guitar fills throughout, throws in the occasional dissonant note.

• Released as a single together with Blue-Green Eyes.

Dear Undecided

• According to some, 'the best song the Beatles never wrote'. Indeed, the tune has a very Beatlesque, Mersey Beat quality to it, with a catchy chorus and steady beat. This standout, also released as a single, segues directly into Ring Out Wild Bells.

Ring Out Wild Bells

• Interesting up-tempo pop tune, with acoustic rhythm guitars and a jangly electric on top. Also features a horn part and excellent group singing throughout. Listen to the acapella false ending and the chant-like coda.

• An older song, previously released as a single (see above). The album version is a re-recording. Ring Out Wild Bells can also be found on volume 3 of the Soft Sounds For Gentle People compilation.

Plasters Casters

• This instrumental, with a stuttering rhythm, heavy bass, organ, and fuzz guitar, closes side one of the  LP. Quite funky and energetic, but not on par with the rest of the material.

Captain Nemo

• The title tune is the most experimental song on the record. Sound effects lead into a heavy, thick arrangement of multi-tracked fuzz guitars and organ. An ominously sounding chorus is alternated with more friendly, quieter sections. Influences of The Beatles's more psychedelic work are evident throughout.

Always You

• This is generally considered the highlight of the album. Written by Roger Nichols (music) and Tony Ashr (lyrics - of Pet Sounds fame), it is unlike any other song on Captain Nemo. Beautiful, fragile arrangements by Bill Holman leads into a wonderful up-tempo pop song, with bass, drums, guitars, piano, and The Sundowners's vocal harmonies creating a sophisticated whole. Asher's heart-felt lyrics add to the timeless quality of the tune.
• The song was also recorded by The American Breed, in a stripped down, vastly inferior (almost amateurish) version;.  

Easy Does It

• The contrast with the previous song couldn't be greater: whereas Always You is a meticulously crafted, polished pop song, this is a raw, high-energy rocker sung by drummer Kim Capli. It is not unlike The Beach Boys's How She Boogalooed It or Got To Know The Woman. Listen to the funny, deliberately hesitative ending.

• Released as a single, in a slightly different mix: the guitars are more prominent on the intro; the bass is more pronounced; and the original ending is substituted for a fade-out.

Blue Green Eyes

• The Sundowners turn in one of their best performances on this incredibly dynamic song that's constantly uplifting and surprising. Listen to the playful bass part, soaring electric leads, high harmonies, and most of all the energetic drums, and prepare for an instant energy-boost.

• Released as a single together with Let It Be Me - a rather odd pairing!

So Sad

• The group slows things down for this fitting majestic closer. Organ, strings, and a crying lead guitar provide a slightly haunting atmosphere.                       

CONDITION: The cover is solid and collectible with just small shelf wear (hardly noticable) on the front only, VG++ and the back cover is M- no split seams, no bends and no writing...

The vinyl is shiny smooth and clear M-  

      A cool addition to anyone's music library!

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record