The Free Design - The Best Of The Free Design: Kites Are Fun (1998)

The Free Design was the product of the Dedricks, a group of former folk singing siblings who left folk behind in the suburbs of Delevan, NY, and headed for the Big Apple in 1966. By 1967, they hooked up with lightweight big-band maestro Enoch Light, who promptly signed them to his Project 3 record label. The best of their recorded output is available on this fine collection from Varese Sarabande. The Free Design were excellent vocalists, able to handle a variety of pop styles. The vocals are reminiscent of the Swingle Singers and Lambert, Hendricks & Ross (although that may be a stretched analogy). The material is decidedly lightweight, and obviously aimed at the preteen market. Fans of groups like Harpers Bizarre and the Association will probably find the music enjoyable, although the material does not have the edge of those fine groups. This is a bit more in the Brady Bunch/Partridge Family arena, but its fine production and engineering make it quite enjoyable. An invaluable gift for the younger brother or sister, provided they are under 12.