The Yellow Balloon

ソフトロック・ファン絶対必携盤!
69年西海岸サンシャイン・ポップ大名盤がCDリイシュー!
もう一つの『PET SOUNDS』と呼びたい西海岸産のサンシャイン・ポップの傑作(1967年)。 FUN&GAMESやCLIQUEなどのグループで作曲家としての腕を振るっていたゲイリー・ゼクリーの仕事としてソフトロック好きに高い評価を得ている1枚で、ブライアン・ウィルソン～フィル・スペクターからの影響を湛えた心弾むポップ・フィール満載のサウンドが楽しめます。実際ジャン&ディーンと友人関係にあったゲイリーですが、今ひとつビーチボーイズにはなりきれないミニチュア感も含めて愛すべき1枚と言えるでしょう。ソフトロックを知る上で間違いなく避けて通れない基本盤!

The Yellow Balloon was Don Grady's (Robbie on TV's My Three Sons) rock & roll group, but even more important, the brainchild of California producer Gary Zekley. Not unlike a Gary Usher, Zekley could grab a bunch of musicians and -- filling in the needed holes with his own talent -- produce sessions that rivaled Phil Spector or Brian Wilson for big sound and teen spirit. Grady had already been recording for the same label with his own group, the Windupwatch Band, when Zekley started climbing the charts with "Yellow Balloon," creating a need for a new group to go with the hit. Grady became the drummer and other members were recruited from various bands around the country, but in the studio, it was still Zekley's show all the way. This 20-track compilation brings together the 11 tracks from the Yellow Balloon's 1967 album, along with the Don Grady with the Windupwatch Band singles (also released on the same Canterbury label), a couple of unreleased demos, and an interview with the late Gary Zekley putting it all in perspective. ~ Cub Koda