If there was ever a group capable of teaching the world to sing in perfect harmony (apologies to the Hillside Singers and the New Seekers), it would definitely be the Association.
Equipped with spellbinding vocal power that married natural beauty with detailed complexity, the Los Angeles band amassed a clutch of high-charting singles between the years 1966 and 1968. But contrary to most extremely successful bands, the Association had the benefit of walking down the street unrecognized.
Comprised of several musicians, the group blended together as a solitary force, eliminating the situation where performers are targeted as individual stars. Neatly groomed locks and preppy threads further assisted in providing the Association with a sense of anonymity. The band simply didn’t look like rock and rollers.
Although an assortment of Association retrospectives are available, The Complete Warner Bros and Valiant Singles Collection (Now Sounds) is the brightest bloomer in the bouquet. True to its title, the two-record set features both the A and B sides of each single the band released for the labels.
Formed in 1965, the Association began life as a full-fledged folk rock band. Navigated by a blizzard of chiming guitars and captivating choruses, the group’s spirited cover of Bob Dylan’s “One Too Many Mornings” revealed a serious kinship with acts such as the Byrds, the Grass Roots and the Turtles. The Association didn’t strike oil instantly, but once they did the hits came fast and furious. Embracing a sophisticated pop stance, the band delivered a consecutive string of winners, including “Along Comes Mary,” “Cherish,” “Never My Love,” “Windy,” “Everything That Touches You” and “Time For Livin,’” which needless to say, all appear on this anthology.
A slick and sharp pop band they were, but by no means were they immune to toying with other styles. For example, “Pandora’s Golden Heebie Jeebies” projects a quirky psychedelic air, and the fuzztone tremors of “Six Man Band” ably nails grainy garage rock leanings to a wall of cool soul-scented sparkle.
Organized arrangements, beaming with polish and precision, crowned by rich and regal melodies, mix faultlessly with the Association’s stunning vocal somersaults. “Bring Yourself Home,” “No Fair At All,” “Your Own Love” and “It’s Gotta Be Real” dial in as only a quick mention of additional goose-pimple greats to be enjoyed.
A sorely underrated and underappreciated band, the Association were far more than the mushy romantics they were frequently pegged to be. Dig deep into The Complete Warner Bros and Valiant Singles Collection and you’ll hear strains of humor and social awareness carved within the grooves as well. Master architects and craftsmen of harmony pop and then some, the Association were just as inventive as the Beach Boys or the Beatles in terms of writing songs and making them sound timelessly fantastic.
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