Search - Addrisi Brothers :: Never My Love: The Lost Album Sessions

Previously unreleased late-60s/early-70s pop gem

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 07/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's rare to discover a fully realized album that's never been released. Rarer still to find one that's worth listening to; one that is so wonderfully musical and evocative of its era. In many ways this previously unreleased album is like the "new old stock" so treasured by car nuts and collectors of many types. Such items are vintage in origin, but mint in condition. They're kept pristine in their original packaging, unused by others, yet retain the original, vital stamp of their era.The Addrisi Brothers, Don and Richard, recorded this album hot on the heels of their songwriting breakthrough (courtesy of the Association), "Never My Love." With their tune topping the charts they were able to land a recording deal and waxed (well, taped, actually) a full album of original songs. Though the sessions were artistically successful, personnel changes at their record label stranded the results in the vaults. Until now.The Addrisi's end-of-the-60s palate shared the sort of carefree happiness and melancholy sadness found on top-40 hits like "Smile a Little Smile for Me," "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Grows)," and "Hitchin' a Ride." Their music ranged from Left Banke baroque pop to Magical Mystery Tour psychedelia, with imaginative hints of steel guitar and Burt Bacharach-esque (or perhaps "Love American Style") horn charts thrown in for good measure. Their vocals borrowed harmonies from both the Beach Boys and the Everly Brothers, and included some moments that bring to mind Davy Jones (and perhaps Paul McCartney's) more theatrical sides.There are numerous daydreams running through their lyrics, including hippie meanderings, happy home lives (not unlike Graham Nash's "Our House"), and the utopian view of a blind woman's companion. It might all seem a bit precious if it didn't capture a certain 1970 vibe so perfectly. Ironically, their souled-up version of "Never My Love" may be the least interesting track on the album - not bad, but not on-par with that which the Association produced.With the release of this missing LP, one can more clearly view the Addrisi's transition from Everly Brothers styled teen-pop singers of the late 50s (for Del Fi, available on the "Cherrystone" CD) to chart-topping songwriters and early-70s minor-hitmakers (with the single, "We've Got to Get It on Again"). The arc of their performing career may have been cut short by the random hirings and firings of the music industry, but the art of their work is here for all to hear. It's a shame this album didn't get a contemporary release and promotional push, as there are some beautiful songs here that would have fit early 70s playlists perfectly. Now, instead of remembering these as hits from another era, listeners can discover them as new."

The stories behind success...

D. Smith | Baton Rouge, LA United States | 11/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Everyone knows there's no such thing as "overnight success". The back stories are legendary now, but that's the story of this album. Don & Dick Addrisi were recognized songwriters who were one their way to better recognition as artists in their own right. However, the vaults at record companies are filled with the last president's projects that the new president doesn't want to handle. These demos languished for too long, but now see the light of day. Those interested in these fine songwriters will find the initial demos of interest and some of the other unreleased songs. Those only interested in the 'hits' will be better off buying the "Got to get it on again" album."