(1969) from the virtually unknown and short-lived sextet is practically the definition of an obscure sleeper album. One primary reason that it never gained significant status at the time of its creation was a built-in collectability. This was a result of the no-budget band only pressing up a mere 99 copies of the album to avoid having to pay a purchase tax that was applicable on any orders of 100 or more. At least one of the platter's eventually did resurface in the late '80s and on sheer mystique and cache alone -- as so few had actually ever heard the endeavor -- bootleg vinyl and eventually CDs began to surface among traders. These eventually circulated far and wide enough for to land in a countdown by a glossy music fanzine who trumpeted it as "one of the dozen best British pop albums of the late '60s." The story of in some ways reflects the unrequited relationship depicted in the project's unified narrative and is divided into seven distinct stages. In a decidedly unorthodox combining of talents, the author and arranger was not actually a member of the Cambridge-based combo. Prior to adopting the moniker of 's racy novel , the group played the lucrative local cover band circuit of private parties and the like as "the Country Cousins". The Cousins' manager became the liaison between the band and . Made for around $200.00, the 16-track was documented in a mammoth 19-hour recording session in September of 1969 at the D.I.Y. in Hitchin, England -- who likewise ran the small label. The music is a melange of Brit-pop and psychedelia, with considerable folkie overtones. Immediately, the wispy and reflective ballad sets the tune stack's tenor. The suitably frolicking is steeped in a discernible giddiness reflecting the sheer joy of a budding affair. is one of several brilliant sonic time capsules. The tender tune defines both the lovesick context while also standing on its own merits as an affecting '60s British pop song. The reflective as well as the Baroque leanings of directly contrast the overt psychedelia of and heavier freakbeat stylings heard on the catchy The cheery is followed by 's primary trifecta: the stylish psych rave-up the Northern Soul influenced and the propulsive rocker As the two parties depicted in the lyrics dissolve their interaction, titles such as the melancholy and clearly reflect the sadness of a receding romance. concludes with a final bit of inspired songwriting by way of the haunting and introspective by efficiently infusing a bit of whimsical folk and producing yet another memorable masterwork. In 2007, was finally issued on CD under the auspices of who contributed to the CD booklet and even added eight re-recordings -- circa 1978 -- of key cuts from the outing. ~ Lindsay Planer