The Finchley Boys - Everlasting Tributes (Reissue) (1972/2010)

Here's an album that nobody seems to agree on. Lots of name collectors rate this one as a classic (and price it accordingly). Others think it's over-hyped crap (though they still tag it with a high price). I'll tell you the truth lies in the middle ground. While it's not a "must own" psych classic, the LP still has plenty going for it. Curious? Read on.

First, here's what little I know about the band. Singer George Faber, guitarist Garrett Oostdyk, drummer J. Michael Powers and bass player Larry 'Tabe' Tabling originally formed in 1963. Based in Champaign, Illinois they spent the next five years playing college campuses and local clubs.

Based on information obtained from the limited liner notes, the eight tracks were recorded at Chicago's Chess Studios and Golden Voice Studios (?) over a ten month period between September 1968 and June 1969. The tapes were shelved and only released three years later. Co-produced by guitarist Oostdyk and Genevra Shirley, the results were energetic, if rather raw (the band clearly didn't have the resources required for a great deal of post-production work). Musically "Everlasting Tributes" was rather dynamic. Probably a reflection of their surroundings (Chess studios), much of the album sported a heavy electric blues feel ('Who's Been Talkin'' and 'Restrictions'). That may not sound like a promising description, but the results were actually surprisingly accomplished. Backed by Faber's growling voice and harmonica and Oostdyk's feedback soaked guitar leads ('Hooked'), it may not have been the year's most original offering, but these guys generated considerable energy. At the other end of the spectrum, tracks such as the fragile 'Swelling Waters', 'Outcast' (with another great guitar solo) and a cover of The Kink's 'I'm Not Like Everyone Else' offered up a more conventional, rock-oriented sound. (You probably already guessed, but this is one of those albums that sounds better with the volume cranked way up ...) Pressed in miniscule quantities, the set's rather rare and sought after.