GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS – Hits Again! – (Liberty) – 1966

What can I say about Gary Lewis that I haven’t already said in this blog?

In fact I think I’ve even said that before.

Google this blog for other comments on Gary Lewis & the Playboys.

Lewis albums are always interesting because the covers chosen and the originals (usually written for them) do capture time and place. The covers are usually recent hits (though Lewis does also stretch back to the late 50s for material) and the originals are very much capturing the sound of current hits.

”Place” figures substantially in Lewis’ music as it is hard to imagine music like this being recorded anywhere but California. Even covers of songs from England end up sounding a little Californian – the musicianship is top notch, the production is clean and sharp, the arrangements are well thought out and the musical philosophy is generally happy, cheery and even when dwelling on the negative, touched with optimism. That pretty much is California in the mid 60s. No?

This album fits in with Lewis’ hit making period which is not always his best period. His “sunshine pop” albums of a couple of years later were perhaps more interesting but there is no doubt denying the toe tapping hit making on this album.

Interestingly, producer Dave Pell is a jazz saxophonist who has played with Les Brown, Red Mitchell, Marty Paich, Art Pepper, Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Benny Goodman, and Gene Krupa and many others. He produced albums for Martin Denny, Si Zentner, the Ventures, Trombones Unlimited, and others. Clearly his forte is in delivering smooth exotica and jazz with one eye on sound “fidelity”. Perfect for Lewis.

Leon Russell, as per usual, arranged, and his contribution to popular music would be longer than this entry. See link below …

Some sources list this album as “compilation”, probably given the title. That doesn’t appear to be the case.

Tracks (best in italics)

Look Through Any Window – (Gouldman, Silverman) – Very British invasion – not surprisingly given it’s a cover of a Hollies song. Interestingly Lewis and the Playboys change the rhythmic feel a little. Not too bad but slight.
It’s Too Late – (Goldsboro) – Bobby Goldsboro’s special brand of teen pop (1 #23US in 1965) is perfect for Lewis
Face In The Crowd – (David Gates) – David Gates, later of Bread, wrote this song of teen alienation. With it’s tinkles and melodrama it is quite persuasive….
A Well Respected Man – (Ray Davies) – the Kinks song ( a #13US hit in 1966) is given a less pointed interpretation which is still good because the song itself is magnificent.
Rubber Ball – (Orlowski, Schroeder) – a #6US hit for Bobby Vee in 1961. This version is so sweet that’s it may be a little bit of a piss take.
Green Grass – (Greenaway, Cook) – Greenaway and Cook were members of the English rhythm group The Kestrels who wrote songs for others as a sideline. Lewis got hold of this first …and it’s very California, despite its English origins.
Autumn – (Sloan, Barri) – Written by the great PF Sloan and Steve Barri this song was originally done by The Thomas Group, featuring another drummer son (as was Lewis) of a California celebrity, Tony Thomas (the son of TV personality Danny).
One Track Mind – (Colley,Colley) – originally recorded by an American British Invasion Band from New Jersey, The Knickerbockers. This is a catchy little stomper.
You Baby – (Sloan, Barri)- a #20 for The Turtles in 1966. It doesn’t compare to the folk pop Turtles version.
I Can Read Between The Lines – (Johnson) – an original. Very catchy.
Daydream – (Sebastian) – John Sebastian’s hit (#2US 1966) with The Lovin Spoonful. Another great song. I’m not sure why you would try to cover the definitive original …well, live perhaps but not on record, and not so soon after the hit. Maybe music punters didn’t distinguish as much then? Aybe the sing was more important that the singer?
Sure Gunna Miss Her – (Russell) – the only song on the album produced by Lewis’ regular producer Snuff Garrett. A original written for Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Pure mid 60s pop, and well done.