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 island's 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 they've 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 Don't 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, 1969's 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
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