Customer Reviews

Intercourse

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not something one might expect from the doo-wop group that made "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", this wonderful little album shows that the Tokens had a lot more creativity than they were given credit for. The band cites "Pet Sounds" and "Sgt. Pepper" as influences on the sound, but "Intercourse" most closely resembles the bizarre Beach Boys release "Smiley Smile". There are a lot of short song fragments, weird sound effects and Mellotrons linking full fledged songs with a decidedly goofy, druggy sense of humor, such as "Bathroom Wall" and "Animal".
Yet, there are other surprises - the atypically hard-edged "You Loser, You Fool"; the haunting closer "Some People Sleep" and the exuberant vocal fanfare which opens the album, "It's Amazing to Be Alive". All this is drenched in the Tokens' stock in trade -- amazing multitracked vocal harmonies. Again, reminiscent of the Beach Boys in approach, but with that "New York" sound.

Unfortunately, the band's record label at that time, Warners Brothers, refused to release it -- probably because it was too far out for a group like the Tokens. It's very much of its time, but for people who really like late 60's psychedelic pop like the Beach Boys, the Beatles, the Hollies or the Association,"Intercourse" will indeed by a wonderful addition to their CD collection. The only drawback is that it's too short. At under a half hour, it sort of seems like a bit of a rip-off in the CD age. On the other hand, the new Oglio re-release evidently restores the original, beautiful LP cover painting. So, if you're nostalgic for a little spacy pop, pick this one up.

If ever a lost musical classic exists ... it is Intercourse. While I am sure the title of the album is a substitution for the real name given how Warners records apparently screwed over the group, this is truly innovative. It has rich harmonies and very interesting lyrics. Lead singer Jay Siegel was never better and the group is extremely tight. If you love the very best of the later day Beatles or the retrospective Beach Boys, then you must get this CD. It captures the energy of those other groups and leads them into brand new territory. Classics shine regardless of time ... you have got to hear this CD.

In 2008 the single "Be Nice" by Mitch Margo hit MySpace on a page called "brounit". For some odd reason it vanished from MySpace but can still be found on YouTube on a page called "lazaka"; like Intercourse once again the edgy work of Mitch Margo magically disappears, then re-appears! When you compare his outrageous "Be Nice" to songs like "Some People Sleep" and "Its Amazing To Be Alive" you find the common thread that Mitch is someone who isn't afraid to write about life itself--even the delicate fragility of our nature! For Warner Brothers the material of Mitch may have been too hard to swallow, but I say it is the work of pure genius. Find out where it all started by listening to Intercourse by The Tokens, then the haunting and even rarer LP entitled Cross Country.

On this album the group comes up with a gem that is a cross between St. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and Pet Sounds. A re-issue recorded in 1969 it is more relevant today than ever. It is a work of art for all fans to enjoy.