Move A Little Closer: The Complete Recordings 1963-1970

Singer, songwriter, and vocal arranger Tony Rivers had a hand in two unjustly overlooked bands in the 60s. He first led Tony Rivers & the Castaways, a group who were there at the beginning of the beat boom, then branched out to become the U.K.s foremost band of beached boys. When they ran out of steam, he formed Harmony Grass, the islands best answer to the wave of American harmony pop bands like the Association and Harpers Bizarre. While both groups music has been reissued before, Move a Little Closer: The Complete Recordings 1963-1970 is the first time theyve shared a collection. To make matters even sweeter, the set includes a bonus disc of live songs and radio performances from both outfits. The disc devoted to the Castaways is a treat for lovers of beat groups as Rivers and co. dole out a nice mix of rockers and ballads with sparkling vocal harmonies. When they shift to a more West Coast, harmony-soaked approach, the results give the Beach Boys a run for their money. "Til We Get Home" is a marvelous drag racing song and their covers of Beach Boys tracks like "Salt Lake City" and "Girl Dont Tell Me" add even more harmonies and come the closest of almost anyone to capturing their spirit. From there the band went in all sorts of directions in search of the golden ticket, trying out cabaret, folk/rock, soft psychedelia, and on "Einer Kleiner Miser Musik" they mashed up Mozart, the Who, and the Four Seasons into something magical. Despite moments of brilliance, the band never broke through. Harmony Grass had better luck with their first single, 1969s showy, orchestral pop nugget "Move a Little Closer," but their sound was as always just a little off. Despite releasing a great album full of top-notch sunshine pop, Baroque psychedelia, and even some Laurel Canyon sounds called This is Us, they were never appreciated during their very short career. The disc of radio session and live tracks is a delightful addition to Rivers recorded legacy. Early sessions find the Castaways to be a charming bunch of lads able to romp through a wide variety of oldies from "Little Darlin" to "Abilene" without slipping off-key. Later 60s recordings by both the Castaways and Harmony Grass are just as fun if a little less rambunctious. They do some wonderful things with their voices and arrangements, though, in particular on their pass at "Walk On By," which takes the songs at a surprisingly brisk tempo and ends up as perfect elevator pop. Rivers fans who have already picked up earlier reissues might find this one worth it just for the third disc, while those who have never heard the name but love 60s-style vocal harmony, innocence, and smooth tunes, might find the compilation an essential addition to their collection. ~ Tim Sendra