THE CYRKLE – Neon – (Columbia ) – 1967

I first found out about The Cyrkle about two years ago and they were a pleasant surprise. They will never become critical darlings or rediscovered “lost” artists of the 60s but they certainly put out music which is well above average and even memorable.

By way of bio, from allmusic:

The Cyrkle didn’t seem like much more than a two-hit wonder in 1966 when they charted with "Red Rubber Ball" and "Turn Down Day." Their pleasant, upbeat folk/pop/rock sound, coupled with the fact that they got to record two complete LPs, speaks volumes about how good music was in the years 1965-1967 as even second-tier groups like this were a delight to hear. Ironically, for a group remembered for just a pair of singles, the Cyrkle were considered a promising and choice signing, and were, to different degrees, wired into the management and creative circles surrounding the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel.

In another review on this blog I said this about their first album from 1966: This is lyrical folk rock with a nod to MOR pop or electric folk done through a pop regulator. However, in the mix The Cyrkle have made nods to all the styles around at the time as well as new emerging sounds – baroque pop, sunshine pop, folk pop, English Beat, R&B, garage – and this definitely sets it in time and place. But all these separate sounds are given a pleasant on the ear pop sheen. More importantly, and as a result, no song "jars" and each songs fits in with the whole. Moreover, and this is interesting, there is some instrumental experimentation going on – sitar, reverbed guitars, a calliope, harpsichord – all of which stimulates the ears.

All of that still applies. It was a winning formula on the first so why not follow it?

A lot of bands do follow that logic and find themselves short on material for the follow up similar sounding album. The Cyrkle have the material, and the album is a fine companion piece to the earlier album. In fact, it’s weaker songs are stronger than the weaker songs on the debut album… if that makes sense.

The group have also moved further down the electric folk come sunshine pop path into (wonderful) psych pop. The album is, perhaps, a little darker but that just gives it another dimension. It’s this added dimension that actually makes this album quite endearing. The harmonies are beautifully delicate and the sounds are, when needed, suitably fluffy without being saccharine. As was the spirit of the times there are some nice quirky moments also.

Whether they could have done a third album is a moot point as this was their last album.

The only downside to this album, as is usually pointed out, is that there are no hits on this LP.

That matters not.

If a point of reference is needed then the best comparison would be a more folk version of The Hollies in their psych period.

The Cyrkle play all the instruments.

Tracks (best in italics)

Don’t Cry, No Fears, No Tears Comin’ Your Way – (Tom Dawes, Don Danneman) – (lead vocals: Tom Dawes) – a song very much of its time. Beautifully so. Twanging sitars, beautiful harmonies.
The Visit (She Was Here) -(B. Chandler, E. McKendry) – (lead vocals: Michael Losekamp) – a gentle mid tempo ballad. Almost melancholy, certainly a “autumn” romance song.
Weight Of Your Words – (Tom Dawes, Don Danneman) – (lead vocals: Don Dannemann (with Tom Dawes))- a slight (very slight) British feel on this folky pop number.
I Wish You Could Be Here -(Paul Simon, Bruce Woodley) – (lead vocals: Don Dannemann) – A Paul Simon-Bruce Woodley collaboration that Simon & Garfunkel never put out but Woodley’s Australian folk popsters, the Seekers, did. There is more Simon in this tune than Woodley. Gentle, evocative and yes melancholy.
It Doesn’t Matter Anymore -(B.Bacharach, H.David) – (lead vocals: Tom Dawes (with Marty Fried)) – Grown up males in their 20s I don’t think you could get away with singing this nowadays. Everyone’s too tough or sexy. This is innocent, naked and nerdish in that sophisticated Bacharach way. . …
Two Rooms – (Marty Fried) – (lead vocals: Marty Fried) – a gentle child like lullaby
Our Love Affair’s In Question – ( Tom Dawes, Don Danneman) – (lead vocals: Don Dannemann (with Tom Dawes))- a perfect example of slightly off kilter MOR pop circa 1967. Pleasant.
I’m Happy Just To Dance With You – (Lennon, McCartney) – (lead vocals: Don Dannemann)-a weird take on the Beatles tune that The Cyrkle have at least tried to make their own. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty good.
Problem Child -(C.Bater, T.Wine) – (lead vocals: Tom Dawes) – weird …the 60s infatuation with circus ommm pah pah sounds. Life is a circus?
Please Don’t Ever Leave Me -(S.Haber) – (lead vocals: Don Dannemann) -ye olde worlde music – much like the Hollies and perhaps a smidgen before the Hollies.
I’m Not Sure What I Wanna Do-(Chip Taylor)- (lead vocals: Don Dannemann (with Tom Dawes))- Chip Taylor is quite the legendary songwriter (google him on this blog). This song is the usual mixed up teen questioning everything tune of the times. Quirky instrumentation helps.