Search - The Flying Machine, Pinkerton's Assorted Colours :: Flight Recorder

The sad 60's casualty - these are some fantastic songs ...

E. J. Sawdey | Galesburg, IL United States | 02/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the 60's, the Beatles ruled everything. They made classics in popularity. The Velvet Underground went and made classics in obscurity. The Flying Machine made a classic that is simply forgotten.That isn't to say the group would/could/should have changed the course of 60's music, but they were good at what they did. First of all, the same group had two incarnations: the first was Pinkerton's Assorted Colours, which scored a Top 10 hit with their first song, "Mirror Mirror" (written by founding group member Tony Newman). Sadly, the group never reclaimed any chart ground, and dwindeled in obscurity. The last song that was released as a single was a cover of Neil Diamond's "Kentucky Woman." Then, a flourishing new studio session endowed new confidence on the band and label Pye Records, so they got a new name and released "Smile A Little Smile For Me", about as much a Beatles-sound-alike song as ever was made, and it made it to #5 on the Billboard chart (rubbing up with two Beatles songs, the 5th Dimension, and Stevie Wonder). The group had little chart success after that, and eventually released their final single, "Yes I Understand" in 1971, disbanding shortly afterwards.What's amazing about the 2-disc compilation is just HOW GOOD the music is. Some of the early Pinkerton's singles blend into anonymous psychadelic slush, but some of the songs, B-sides in particular, are quite good. Most notably include the catchy-as-hell "Duke's Jetty" and what may be a precursor to disco - "Behind the Mirror". Take the riff from "The Flying Machine", re-record it, and you have an instant Modern Rock radio hit! Lyrically, "Pages of Your Life" and "Hanging on the Edge of Sadness" are actually quite good.The second disc, which includes all the tracks of the Machine's only album, Down to Earth, is astonishingly well produced and fresh sounding. Nearly every song is a highlight. Then, aside from the 3 demo versions of Pinkerton songs (which all are superior to the originals), the unreleased material is nothing but highlights, topping with a drum & guitar cover of "Fools Rush In", which is nothing short of incredible.It's sad that a group like this is now relegated to "60's Gold" compilations, because they could have been the top of their game. While you may recognize one (or maybe two) songs overall, this is still an excellent compilation if not just to show off to friends but also to enjoy - 60's classics that you've never heard before."

Flight Recorder

Scott Bolger | Canada | 12/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Flying Machine (originally called "Pinkerton's Assorted Colors"), was rock 'N' roll band from the late 60s-early 70s. Essentially, most would call them a one hit wonder with their song "Smile A Little Smile For Me," from 1969. When I bought this 2-disk collection of songs by them, I was very pleasantly suprised. Many of there overlooked songs, Such as "Mirror, Mirror", or "Maybe We've Been Loving Too Long," are excellent, for any kind of fans that like the Beatles style of Rock 'N' roll from the 60s. This is a great way to get most of this bands work, as well as a few added bouns songs. In All, a great collection.
Also includes a small pullout cover with information about the band, which is also very intresting to read."