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Chocolate Watchband — Judgement Day / Secret Rendezvous
((Not on label) , 2018, 7")

by Jon Davis, Published 2018-09-15

Judgement Day / Secret Rendezvous Cover art

This California band is best known for their song “Let’s Talk about Girls,” a track from their 1967 debut album that also appeared on the first Nuggets compilation. Their history is convoluted and confusing, with members coming and going, producers presenting session musicians as the band, and almost as many breakups as they had albums. All of that was a long time ago, and these two new songs are brand new recordings featuring original lead singer David Aguilar and drummer Gary Andrijasivich (who was in the 1968 version of the band) along with newcomers Tim Abbott (lead guitar, sitar, backing vocals), Derek See (guitar, backing vocals), and Alec Palao (bass). “Judgement Day” starts with a sitar and acoustic guitar, shortly joined by a harmonica, and builds into a rollicking bluesy psych tune with the surprising addition of a pipe organ sound that comes about halfway through. It’s a great song with topical lyrics that are general enough that it won’t sound dated in a few years. “Secret Rendezvous” starts out with a much more garagey sound, but also features keyboard sounds that wouldn’t have been possible in the 60s — no matter, as it’s a good tune on its own merits. It’s a pleasant surprise that these two songs exist, let alone the fact that they’re so good.

Filed under: New releases, 2018 releases

Related artist(s): The Chocolate Watchband

More info
http://www.thechocolatewatchband.com

 

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