Lollipop Shoppe singer Fred Cole is a rock lifer, having been in and out of garage bands for more than forty years now (with the exception of a short stint in the ’70s when he went to Canada to avoid the draft). His dedication hasn’t made him rich or famous, but it’s left behind a trail of records that still sound cool today, regardless of their release date – like 1968’s Just Colour. Aficionados know “You Must Be A Witch” from the first Nuggets boxset, but most don’t realize it was part of an album, Just Colour, that also stands the test of time. The band’s biggest influence was Love, which is readily apparent in the psychedelic garage-folk music and especially in Cole’s voice, which sounds like Arthur Lee’s, but delivered with Roky Erickson’s intensity. The liner notes call it an “acquired taste” but it’s pretty palatable to me. What impresses most about Just Colour is that it sounds like the late-’60s, but not trapped in that time, nor does it subscribe to any of the psychedelic conventions of the day. This is no Sgt. Peppers wannabe, nor is it a San Fransisco hippie relic – it’s a fiery, and inventive collection of songs that punks and psych-heads alike should seek out. Two bonus tracks are included from the band’s final single, released in 1969, and while the band disowned them for being too soft, they’re decent attempts at a Forever Changes-esque sound. No matter, Just Colour’s worth was already proven in its original 12 songs – there isn’t a dud in the bunch, and this is a highly recommended release.
Tracklisting:
01 – You Must Be A Witch
02 – Underground Railroad
03 – Baby Don’t Go
04 – Who’ll Read The Will
05 – It’s Only A Reflection
06 – Don’t Look Back
07 – Don’t Close The Door On Me
08 – It Ain’t How Long
09 – It’s Makin’ It
10 – I’m Gonna Be There
11 – You Don’t Give Me No More
12 – Sin
13 – Someone I Know
14 – Through My Window
Midnight To Six 