Customer Reviews

So Glad I Found You

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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

For a band whose entire output adds up to just one single, a 21-song collection could be a bit much to take on. Surprisingly, The Mystery Trend's SO GLAD I FOUND YOU will make you so glad you found it. Given their apprehensiveness in the studio, the tracks (although noticeably underproduced) showcase the MT's strengths. A strong melodic structure, curious instrumentation (pairing clavinet with dry guitar...), Ron Nagle's yearning vocals, and perfectly imperfect harmonies all result in starkly beautiful two-minute gems. Significant are the hit-worthy CARL STREET, the country-tinged SO GLAD..., the bright and sunny pop of ONE DAY FOR TWO (which could be a sibling of the Monkees' THE GIRL I KNEW SOMEWHERE), and the hauntingly sublime MAMBO FOR MARION, just to name a few. In addition to the MT's full studio output, SO GLAD I FOUND YOU gives a glimpse into their practice sessions for a truer look at the band (the rave-up EMPTY SHOES is a stand-out)and provides some beautiful Ron Nagle solo demos (LET ME SEE WITH MY EYES sounds contemporary over 30 years later). There's a sense of honesty that comes through on these recordings. There's no mindless jamming or psych-outs, nor any of the posing that often came with other groups of the mid-late sixties. In fact, the Mystery Trend didn't look much like pop stars at all. (Check out the photos on the CD for validation.) This disc provides countless hours of listening pleasure, and serves as the sole reference of "what could have been" ... at least until we are graced with a re-issue of Ron Nagle's 1971 LP, BAD RICE.

Unknown psychedelic / pop / folk band that myself, as well as other long time fans of such obscure collectives as such - I've asked around and no one (that I know) have never even remotely heard of this band. Mystery Trend had reportedly released one 7" vinyl 45 in their initial existence around 1966-67 and I'm guessing they were never heard from there after. So with that one single, you're getting the group's entire twenty-one song repertoire on this Big Beat Records pressing. Tunes I Found to my liking were the title cut "So Glad I Found You", "Johnny Was A Good Boy", "Ten Empty Cups", their Who cover "Substitute", "House On The Hill" and the catchy "Empty Shoes". Plus I also sort of like both edits of "Carl Street". Line-up: Bob Cuff - vocals, John Gregory - guitar, Larry Bennett - bass and John Luby - drums & vocals. Might draw in fans of Quicksilver Messenger Service, Great Society, Blue Cheer and Spirit.

How these guys rose to cult standing is beyond me. They recorded three pretty good songs, but most of this material is boring, indulgent tripe.