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Reviews

John Bromley — Sing
(Bandcamp Think Like a Key TLAK 1168, 1971/2024, CD / DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2024-09-15

Sing Cover art

British singer-songwriter John Bromley made a quiet exit from the music scene in 70s. He recorded his one and only album, Sing, in 1969, and now 55 years later, Think Like A Key is reissuing this remastered collection of 60s Brit pop psych songs, augmented by single A- and B-sides and demos with one song “Leave a Man Alone” being previously unreleased. Sing is expanded now to 25 songs spanning 64 minutes, so all in the two to three minute range. Sing is definitely a snapshot in time of twee late 60s sunshine pop bubblegum music that you would have heard on TV variety shows like The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour or the Sonny and Cher Show. In several cases the music is overpowered by 1001 strings, not to be confused with the 101 Strings Orchestra. This music has no lasting value, unless you are fascinated by the nostalgia of late 60s pop. There are a couple of moments of note on the album: “I’m Gonna Love You Till I Die” is an edgy song with shimmering guitars, “The World’s an Apple” is a bluesy pop psych song, and then there is “Leave a Man Alone” that has a hint of Syd Barrett. The other lightweight flower power songs at times evoke comparisons to early Bee Gees songs, but cannot offset the sappy syrupy nature of the lyrics and music. There must be a fan base for this music, but probably not those of you who regularly read Exposé.

Filed under: Archives, 2024 releases, 1971 recordings

Related artist(s): John Bromley

More info
http://thinklikeakey.bandcamp.com/album/sing-remastered-2024

 

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