Begin

Millenium | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 4, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sundazed Music Inc.
• ASIN: B001EQP9TG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,159 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The Millennium looms large in the hearts of fans of the '60s sunshine pop genre. The studio group was the creation of legendary tunesmith/studio genius Curt Boettcher, who had previously been instrumental in the formation of the fabled '60s cult acts the Ballroom and Sagittarius. In 1968, Boettcher assembled a group of talented California singers and musicians (including singer/guitarists Lee Mallory, Sandy Salisbury, Joey Stec and Michael Fennelly and Music Machine drummer Ron Edgar) to record the Millennium's sole album, Begin.

Begin, produced by Curt Boettcher and Keith Olsen, with assistance by California rock legend Gary Usher, is an exquisite progressive pop opus, combining breezy melodies, ambitious baroque arrangements, stirring psychedelic touches and angelic vocal harmonies to create a suite-like concept album that perfectly captures the optimistic mood of the time in which it was made.

At the time the most expensive rock album that Columbia Records had ever financed, Begin proved to be too melodic for the emerging underground FM radio format and too avant-garde for AM Top 40. Although it didn't find a large audience at the time of its release, Begin is now acknowledged as a landmark work and a sunshine-pop cornerstone. It retains a loving place in the hearts and minds of its fans, who hold it in the same high esteem as the works of such harmony-driven '60s acts as the Beach Boys, the Left Banke and the Mamas and the Papas.

Begin is an absolute must for any fan of '60s pop and vintage psychedelia. Sundazed's CD edition of the album adds two rare bonus tracks and extensive liner notes to the original album. Sourced from the original stereo masters.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The late 60s side project of the Association is perfect pop!, October 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Begin (Audio CD)

The Millenium is a pop/rock band that was around in the late 60s, hailing from California. Their songs are catchy a la Peter and Gordon (and beatles, monkees, etc) and production is smooth like "pet sounds" or many of Phil Spectors project. The leader of the band was a one time player in the more popluar band, the Association. The songs are tightly knit 3 minute at most burst of thought out fun and edearing thoughts. They add a touch of exotica/bossa nova percusion to songs such as 5 am. For any fan of good guitar based, smooth pop music or any 60s music, this will be a great addition to your musical world. Enjoy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Too hip for the room, March 2, 2011

By 

skubrats - See all my reviews

This review is from: Begin (Audio CD)

Wow, how bloated can one get when reviewing a simply great album.
I couldn't stay silent after reading WT Hoffman's review of this superb album. Granted, there is a lack of cohesion on the album, and admittedly, Boettcher's songs do shine more brightly. But one has to realize what an amazing achievement was this album for then or any time.
I was blessed to actually attend one of the sessions for this album, having worked for Gary Usher for many years. Everyone
in the room knew they were creating something that would stand the test of time.So it didn't sell well? Is that the album
or the public's fault? Ever heard of Jane Siberry? She doesn't sell well, but she makes amazing music.
I count myself very fortunate to have this gem on CD.
Compared to most of the well-produced garbage today that "sells well", I would take this album any day.
Just saying.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Milestone in the History of Psychedelic Rock, December 24, 2011

By 

Michael "Michael" (Hamburg, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Begin (Audio CD)

This album is simply a must-have, a fantastically produced psychedelic artifact that, to my ears at least, never falls into that slushy kind of kitsch bandwagon-psych that filled the airwaves then too, and which reviewer Mr Hoffman must be referring to. Psych fans can rest assured that this is an album without embarrassing moments, maybe with some rather extravagant overdubs, but these are all both creatively and tastefully used. Get this while you can, the dull cover does not all reflect the colour and beauty of this album.