Genre: psych
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Title: Phases and Faces
Company: Forte
Catalog: 80461
Year: 1968
Country/State: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: stereo sticker on cover (see picture)
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4980
Price: $600.00
Cost: $66.00
Here's one of
those obscure bands that had more than their share of talent, but simply
disappeared into the rock and roll footnotes ...
One of Grand Rapids, Michigan's contributions to mid-'60s rock, The Frederic
featured the talents of keyboardist Ron Bera, guitarist Bob Geis, drummer
Dave Idema, singer Joe McCarger and guitarist Steve Thrall. Formed in 1967,
the band debuted with an instantly obscure single for the small Evolution
label ("5 O'Clock" b/w "Red Pier" (Evolution catalog
number 1001). While the 45 disappeared without a trace, it brought the
slightly larger Michigan-based Forte label calling. Forte promptly reissued
the band's debut single, subsequently agreeing to finance an LP.
Produced by Phil Roberts Jr, we've seen various reference works describe
1968's "Phases and Faces"
as flowery pop, leaving the impression these guys might be little more than
Association clones. Having listened to the LP a dozen times, that's not
exactly an apt description. With all five members contributing material (McCarger
was the main songwriter), the set's actually quite diverse, much of it
exhibiting a weird pseudo-English feel. While tracks such as "The Girl
I Love" and "All About Judi" are rather commercial pop, the
opener "Federal Reserve Bank Blues" and "Morning
Sunshine" sport distinctive psyche influences. Elsewhere, "Taggin'"
and "My Yellow Tree" offered up great slice of fuzz
guitar-propelled garage rock. Strong melodies, some great harmonies
("Born In Fire") and surprisingly impressive production
(particularly for a small label), make for an impressive package. Probably
not worth the $400-$500 asking price we've seen it listed for on various
dealer lists, but in our price range it's a steal !!! In case anyone cares,
this one's listed in Hans Pokora's 1001 Record Collector Dreams as a four LP
rarity.
"Phases and Faces" track listing:
(side
1)
1.) Federal
Reserve Bank Blues (Joe McCarger) -
2.) The Girl I Love (Joe McCarger) -
3.) All ABout Judi (Joe McCarger) -
4.) Henry Adams (Joe McCarger) -
5.) Morning Sunshine (Dave Idema - Steve Thrall) -
6.) Taggin' (Joe McCarger - Steve Thrall) -
(side 2)
1.) Cousin Mary
Knows (Joe McCarger - Dave Idema - Steve Thrall - Rob Geis - Ron Bera) -
2.) My Yellow Tree (Jo McCargere) -
3.) Red Pier (Steve Thrall) -
4.) Old Fashioned Guy (Rob Geis)
5.) Born In Fire (Dave Idema) -
6.) Saturday Morning with Rain (Joe McCarger) -
Several members subsequently regrouped as Rock Garden, followed by a one
shot single as Garden (see separate entries).