1966 - June: The Association “And Then...Along Comes The Association”

The Association released their debut (and most successful) album, And Then...Along Comes The Association in June 1966.  They had received some success with non-album releases prior to this, but the album itself would become one of the best selling albums of the year.  

The Association was known as sunshine pop, which incorporated elements of both folk rock and psychedelic music.  The group was formed originally by Jules Alexander (guitar) and Terry Kirkman (wind instruments, percussion) who met in Hawaii in 1962, then reconnected in Los Angeles in the mid-60's.  They joined with Russ Giguere (rhythm guitar, percussion), Brian Cole (bass, woodwinds), Ted Bluechel, Jr. (drums, rhythm guitar, bass), and Jim Yester (rhythm guitar, keyboards) to make this album.  All group members contributed to vocals, and the group was known for their harmonies.

The Association was first known as The Men, and played as the house band for The Troubadour where they would play with musicians such as Mama Cass Elliot and David Crosby. The Association would continue touring for decades, though with over 20 members throughout the time. 

 

Enter the Young This deep cut is the lead song from the album.  It gives a good sense of the harmonies of the group.  The lyrics are an ode to the younger generation.  "Enter the young, yeah.  Yeah, they've learned how to think.  Enter the young, yeah.  More than you think they think."

Your Own Love Another deep cut seems representative of the sounds typical of television shows of the time.  Russ Giguere takes the lead vocal duties on this one.  

Along Comes Mary This is a hit from the album.  The phrase itself was somewhat controversial, because "Mary" was a euphemism for marijuana, though the band never confirmed this.  Either way, Mary improves the life of the singer - "When we met I was sure out to lunch, now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch."  Jim Yester was on lead vocals for this hit.

Cherish A ballad would be the biggest hit off the album, and would have decades-long staying power.  Kirkman and Giguere share lead vocal duties.  The single runs 3 minutes and 13 seconds, but it was listed as "3:00" because radio programmers discouraged songs over the 3-minute limit.

 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “The Dick Van Dyke Show” This comedy would end its run in June 1966.

 

STAFF PICKS:

“Opus 17 (Don't You Worry "Bout Me)” by The Four Seasons Bruce features the Jersey Boys in their prime.  This is the second single released after the title song from the album "Working My Way Back to You."  The song was written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, who also wrote "Let's Hang On."  There are 5 key changes in this 2-1/2 minute song.

“Dirty Water” by The Standells Wayne's staff pick mocks the city of Boston, Massachusetts and it's then infamously polluted Charles River and Boston Harbor.  Some elements of this song from the Los Angeles garage band were inspired by a Mugging of their producer, the women's curfew at Boston University, and even a mention of the Boston Strangler.  Fans of the Bruins and Red Sox will recognize this tune from hockey and baseball games.

“Red Rubber Ball” by The Cyrkle Rob's staff pick was written by Paul Simon and Bruce Woodley, and reached number 2 on the charts.  Simon offered the song to the band when they were opening for Simon and Garfunkel on tour.  It’s a fun, positive song - "The morning sun is rising like a red rubber ball."

“Kicks” by Paul Revere & the Raiders Brian finishes off the staff picks with a minor key song.  This is the first anti-drug song of the rock era.  It was  written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil as a warning to a friend about the dangers in drug use.

 

COMEDY TRACK:

“You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd” by Roger Miller This comedy track finishes off our session this week.  Stay away from those buffalo herds, but you can be happy if you want to!

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