As summer wanes and misty autumn creeps up on us you can retain just a little summer sun via a wonderful new compilation from Ace Records –‘Happy In Hollywood’. The generous 24 tracker is a tribute to top US producer GARY USHER. Usher, who died in 1990, was a hot West Coast music producer in the 60s and 70s and the music on the disc represents some of his very best creations.
For sure, you won’t find any soul here but for discerning music lovers there’s always time for classy, harmonic pop and embryonic West Coast rock – a musical sound that will take you away to the surf riding beaches, broad freeways and sun swept valleys of California!
Best known artists on the album are the Byrds and Brian Wilson. The head Beach Boy’s contribution is a rare solo track, ‘Let’s Go To Heaven In My Car’ but the music from the “lesser names” is every bit as rewarding for fans of the genre. There are tunes from people like the Hondells, the Surfaris, Gene Clark and UK duo Chad and Jeremy .Their track is ‘Sunstroke’ – one of their records that was more popular Stateside than in the UK. In the US they were seen as the epitome of “Englishness”. Amongst the varied highlights is an atmospheric Righteous Brothers pastiche, ‘I Wish You Didn’t Treat Me So Well’ from Chuck and Joe while there are a couple of Carole King co-authored songs that will please Brill Building collectors.
HAPPY IN HOLLYWOOD – the productions of GARY USHER is out now via ACE.
