Definitely my favorite Astronauts album. The only record in their discography where most of the material on it was penned by the band members. If only these guys had written more of their own stuff instead of being slaves to outside writers (which they unapologetically where), then they would've developed into a real fine group.
ReviewA rarity in The Astronauts' catalog is this mostly original set of Beatles-meets-Beach Boys pop and rock songs with two of their signature instrumentals as part of the shindig. These guys have a terrific sound and their efforts to write in the vein of Lennon & McCartney or Jagger & Richards are solid--even if their influences do show in spots. Dig how "You Gotta Let Me Go" uh, um, "borrows" from the melody of The Beatles' "I'll Be Back." Yet they're so good they get away with this wholesale plagiarism and make it riveting.
Their shoulda-been-a-hit version of "I'm A Fool" and its Stones-flavored original flip "Can't You See I Do" are highlights, but every track has something of value. Their surf-guitar take on Les Baxter's exotica anthem "Quiet Village" is clever and compelling, and on vocal sides like "Little Lover," the almost-psychedelic title track and the smartly written "My Sin is My Pride," their skill in harmony singing is impressive, as is their sharp instrumentation.
With a clean, clear sound common to RCA Victor LPs of the mid-1960s, this is 26 minutes and change of first-rate pop-rock, with some touches of folk-rock and a reminder of their capability as surf instrumentalists. This is all-round entertainment at its best. I wouldn't lose a track on this album--a claim I cannot make about many of their other 12-inchers. Sounds powerful and compelling in mono!