Search - Mystery Trend :: So Glad I Found You

Excellent collection of an overlooked gem

C.Tilder | Pennsylvania | 06/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a band whose entire output adds up to just one single, a 21-song collection could be a bit much to take on. Surprisingly, The Mystery Trend's SO GLAD I FOUND YOU will make you so glad you found it. Given their apprehensiveness in the studio, the tracks (although noticeably underproduced) showcase the MT's strengths. A strong melodic structure, curious instrumentation (pairing clavinet with dry guitar...), Ron Nagle's yearning vocals, and perfectly imperfect harmonies all result in starkly beautiful two-minute gems. Significant are the hit-worthy CARL STREET, the country-tinged SO GLAD..., the bright and sunny pop of ONE DAY FOR TWO (which could be a sibling of the Monkees' THE GIRL I KNEW SOMEWHERE), and the hauntingly sublime MAMBO FOR MARION, just to name a few. In addition to the MT's full studio output, SO GLAD I FOUND YOU gives a glimpse into their practice sessions for a truer look at the band (the rave-up EMPTY SHOES is a stand-out)and provides some beautiful Ron Nagle solo demos (LET ME SEE WITH MY EYES sounds contemporary over 30 years later). There's a sense of honesty that comes through on these recordings. There's no mindless jamming or psych-outs, nor any of the posing that often came with other groups of the mid-late sixties. In fact, the Mystery Trend didn't look much like pop stars at all. (Check out the photos on the CD for validation.) This disc provides countless hours of listening pleasure, and serves as the sole reference of "what could have been" ... at least until we are graced with a re-issue of Ron Nagle's 1971 LP, BAD RICE."