Rating: ****
(4 stars)
Title: Greetings
Children of Paradise
Company: Verve
Forecast
Catalog: FTS-3059
Year: 1968
Grade
(cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: minor
ring wear
Available: 1
Price: $30.00
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Produced by Appletree Theatre's John Boylan,
Bear featured the talents of keyboardist Eric Kaz, singer Steve Soles and
guitarist Artie Traum (backed on their album by Autosalvage bassist Skip
Boone and drummer Darius Davenport). In spite of the cheesy cover and title
(thank Mr. John's Palace of Fashion for the cover photo), 1968's "Greetings
Children of Paradise" was actually pretty good. With all
three prime members writing (Soles penning most of his material with brother
Michael), the ten tracks were varied, including competent stabs at
country-rock ("The Hungry Dogs of New Mexico"), fairly
conventional pop ("Don't You Ever Want To Think About Them?"),
rock, psych and even jazz ("What Difference?"). Soles had a nice
voice (occasionally recalling Squeeze's Chris Difford - we're not kidding,
check out "It's Getting Very Cold Outside"). (Actually, on
reflection, the set's quirky charms actually compare nicely with Squeeze.)
Sure, it won't change your life, but it's an album we keep in the occasional
play pile. A commercial non-entity, the band quickly called it quits, with
Kaz reappearing in a series of bands, including The Blues Magoos, American
Flyer, Mud Acres (with Traum) and with a solo career (see separate entries).
All three members also became in-demand sessions players.
"Greetings Children of Paradise" track listing:
1.) Greetings (Michael Soles - Steve Soles - Eric Kaz - Artie Traum) - 2:30
2.) So Loose and So Slow (Michael Soles - Steve Soles) - 2:17
3.) Like Cats (Michael Soles - Steve Soles) - 3:17
4.) Happy Days (Eric Kaz) - 2:12
5.) What Difference? (Artie Traum - Silber) - 6:24
6.) It's Getting Very Cold Outside (Michael Soles - Steve Soles) - 3:08
7.) I Won't Be Hangin' 'Round (Eric Kaz) - 3:00
8.) Don't Say a Word (Michael Soles - Steve Soles) - 2:37
9.) Don't You Ever Want To Think About Them? (Eric Kaz - John Boylan) - 3:24
10.) The Hungry Dogs of New Mexico (Artie Traum) - 3:56
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