The Further Adventures of Charles Westover

by Del Shannon

Overview

This lesser-known cult favorite is not only one of the most musically ambitious outings of Del Shannon's career, but also one of his most all-around consistent albums. The Further Adventures of Charles Westover finds Shannon embracing psychedelia in a personalized way: Instead of imitating the whimsy of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, or the creepy freak-outs of Their Satanic Majesties Request, he uses the cinematic quality of psychedelic pop to provide a vivid backdrop for his songwriting. For instance, "Silver Birch" uses a swirling mass of horns and densely layered backing vocals to add a haunting quality to its tale of an abandoned bride, and "Color Flashing Hair" uses vertiginous string motifs and churning horns to re-create the feelings of obsessive love described in the lyrics. Shannon's work on this album also differs from usual psychedelic fare because it mixes some earthier textures into its sonic brew: "Be My Friend" enhances its lusty plea for feminine companionship with wailing harmonica and gospel-tinged female backing vocals, and "River Cool" laces its swinging beat with some deliciously soulful organ licks. The overall effect is stunning, managing to fit the tag of psychedelic pop but still retaining the haunting, emotional kind of songwriting that distinguished Del Shannon's music. ~ Donald A. Guarisco

Product Details

Release Date:	12/16/2014
Label:	Trouble In Mind
UPC:	0700686987922
Rank:	52878

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Del Shannon   Primary Artist
Don Peake   Conductor

Technical Credits

Sharon Sheeley   Composer
Andrew Loog Oldham   Producer
Bobby Hart   Composer,Producer
Clyde Otis   Composer
Donald Peake   Orchestration
Del Shannon   Composer,Producer
Joy Byers   Composer
Max Crook   Composer
Brian Hyland   Composer
Tommy Boyce   Composer,Producer
Ron Koslow   Liner Notes
Woody Woodward   Art Direction
Bernard Yeszin   Cover Photo
Jim Pulte   Composer
Jonathan Perkins   Composer
Doug Brown   Composer,Producer
Dan Bourgoise   Producer
Beau James   Composer
Don Peake   Arranger,Recording Arranger
Art Greenslade   Recording Arranger