Gary Usher - It's A Lie - Capitol (1965)

I recently got on a Gary Usher kick after hearing the amazing Just Walk Away by the Castells. The man behind the knobs was Gary Usher, famous for his work with the Beach Boys and late 60s psych projects. Usher was responsible for a number of mid-60s gems. Because I tend to gravitate towards pop songs neatly compressed in under 3 minutes, songs like It's A Lie are right up my alley. The song suggests a subtle move away from surf into folk rock territory, with chiming guitars and Beatles For Sale inspired complaints. 

Gary Usher - It's A Lie - Capitol (1965) 

Gary Usher - It's A Lie - Capitol (1965) 

The Lettermen - She Don't Want Me (mono & stereo) from Warm - Capitol (1967)

Song: She Don't Want Me

Writers: Dick Addrisi-Eddie Chandler

Recorded: 1967

Producer: Steve Douglas

My father saw the Lettermen in concert in the early 60s and said that the show was magical. My parents didn't spin them around the house during my childhood, favoring Simon & Garfunkel, the Moody Blues and the Beatles. As a result, my knowledge of the work of the Lettermen is fairly limited. I have been surprised to discover that the Lettermen recorded in some styles outside of the soft harmony pop that they were known for. She Don't Want Me nearly sounds like a Left Banke song, with gorgeous baroque pop touches. 

The Lettermen - She Don't Want Me (mono & stereo) from Warm - Capitol (1967)

The Lettermen - Warm - Capitol (1967)