GYPSY

GYPSY were a six piece band out of Minneapolis who rose from the ashes of a garage band called THE UNDERTONES. They were a popular live band existing from 1962 to 1968. Three of the members from that band formed GYPSY, then they moved to LA to seek their fortune. They released four studio albums from 1970 to 1973. The first two are worth hearing but the final two were about selling out with bubblegum pop music I understand. When they did relocate, they shortly became the house band for A Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood for almost 2 years! Those must have been great memories for these guys, moving from the frigid north to California and living out your dreams.

I must admit I'm surprised at the high ratings for this their debut released in 1970. A double album worth about 67 minutes. Ambitious is the word. Very much a vocal dominated recording with three of the guys singing, and there is a lot of harmonies. Very commercial and melodic sounding. Dated for sure. I mean this sounds like the late sixties sound, and of course it's 1970, so of course it has that sound to it. So yes a six piece with two guitarists and a keyboardist, and they all sing. Plus we get a drummer, a percussionist, and a bassist. The opening track was released as a single reaching to #62 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

To be honest there's not a lot to hang my hat on here. The longest track "Dead And Gone" at 11 minutes works, and maybe "I Was So Young" but not much else. Just my taste in music really. These guys were talented. In fact I watched some of their reunion shows in Minneapolis celebrating their 50 years as a band. And they are still a great sounding band. There's a fair amount of guitar, not flashy by any means. The organ leads often as well, but it's the vocals that dominate. I like that "Dead And Gone" has an ALLMAN BROTHERS/ ARGUS-like sound to it. Not as good as either of those bands, but this song impresses me the most.

While this debut is 3 stars in my world, it is well worth checking based on most fans opinions.

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