The Five Americans - Western Union (Remastered) (2006)

While overshadowed by its euphonic earworm, this is a remarkably deep & diverse album. With saccharin saturated jangly pop that verges on bubblegum (“If I Could”), infectious Vox organ propelled grooves (“Sound Of Love”), fuzz-driven garage (“Reality”) and the splendid & inventive sonic atlas “Big Cities”! Come for the single, stay for the album!

The Five Americans were five guys from Texas who were equally adept at playing tough rock tunes, folk-rock-influenced ballads, and sweet pop confections; their biggest hit, "Western Union," a number five charter from 1967, even edges toward bubblegum. Their second album, Western Union/Sound of Love, features a batch of fine songs like the sparkling rocker "Big Cities," the almost funky "Sound of Love," the sticky sweet "If I Could," and of course the excellent title track that show off their rich vocal harmonies, spirited playing, and sure-handed melodies. Producer Dale Hawkins (of "Suzie Q" fame) could have kept things a bit looser, as the sound is sometimes a touch too slick and they had absolutely no business covering Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell on You," but otherwise this is a fine example of solid craftsmanship from a band that gets overlooked far too often when the really good bands of the '60s are mentioned.