Along Comes Tandyn

Renowned for writing the hit "Along Comes Mary" recorded by the Association, Tandyn Almer was ahead of his time and couldn't manage to keep that creative hit momentum going. Since then he has become known as one of the lost pop geniuses of the '60s. Sundazed released Along Comes Tandyn, which contains 15 unreleased demos that capture the early L.A. blend of sunshine and psych pop of the era. The tracks contain elements of the hallucinogenic jangle of the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band's first Reprise album, the early Mamas and Papas -- Almer hung out with John & Michelle Phillips -- Brian Wilson (Almer co-wrote "Sail on Sailor" and "Marcella" for the Beach Boys), Curt Boettcher, and even, on the track "Face Down in the Mud," a combination of the Mothers of Invention and the Association! These demos were recorded quickly and the quality is very good, but, more importantly, the obvious thought and effort that were put into both the musical and vocal arrangements makes you wonder what could have been. As usual, Sundazed delivers the full package with rare photos, the cover has the colors and lettering of a Warner Bros LP circa 1966, and there are excellent liner notes by Almer devotee Parke Puterbaugh. ~ Al Campbell