RARE BIRD [AKA: SYMPATHY]

"Rare Bird" is the eponymously titled debut full-length studio album by UK rock/progressive rock act Rare Bird. The album was released through Charisma Records in late 1969. Rare Bird was formed in in 1968, originally working under the Lunch monicker, but in late 1969 they changed their name to Rare Bird and soon after signed a recording contract with Charisma Records and recorded their debut album. The release of the album came only a month after signing the contract with Charisma Records. That´s how fast things went back then. Rare Bird released the "Sympathy" single from the album, and it was a highly successful single, worldwide selling more than a million copies.

Stylistically Rare Bird play an organ/electric piano dominated type of rock/progressive rock music, featuring no less than two keyboardists in the lineup, and a powerful, organic, and technically skilled drummer/bassists/guitarist duo to support them. Lead vocalist Steve Gould handles both guitars and bass on the album. The music is predominantly rooted in 60s psychedelic rock rather than looking forward to the 70s progressive rock sound, although the structures and some of the more progressive oriented songwriting ideas do point in that direction (especially a track like "Iceberg").

The album is well produced, featuring an organic, analog, and overall well sounding production. Upon conclusion it´s a good quality release from Rare Bird, featuring memorable songwriting, strong musical performances, and the above mentioned well sounding production job. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.