Compton & Batteau In California Vinyl LP New 2017

1. Laughter Turns to Blue
2. Silk On Steel
3. Honeysuckle
4. Narration
5. Elevator
6. Narration
7. Homesick Kid
8. Proposition
9. Narration
10. Grotto Farm
11. Essa Vanessa
12. Zephyr
13. Narration
14. California

In California by name, in California by nature. You ll struggle to find 14 songs more drenched in lazy West Coast sunshine than Compton and Batteau's only album (recorded in 1971 before promptly falling into the abyss of wonderful, overlooked recordings). Fans of Gene Clark, John Phillips, Fraser & Debolt and the like will be well served here, with many of the tracks leaning towards the cowboy balladry these artists share. Completing the line-up with the likes of Randy Meisner (The Eagles, Poco) and Jim Messina (Loggins and Messina, Buffalo Springfield) In California' understandably has an additional proto-yacht rock feel, evoking Late For The Sky era Jackson Browne - though it's the more up-tempo offerings that really showcase the duo's ability to write a tune. Album highlight Homesick Kid is the perfect example of the addictive, melody-led songwriting which really should have earned them stardom, while Honeysuckle and Essa Vanessa bring texture in the form of immaculately orchestrated percussion and additional instrumentation (harpsichord, cowbell).