Roger Nichols amp the Small Circle of Friends - The Complete Roger Nichols the Small Circle of Friends (19 tracks) +Album Reviews

Timeless Sunshine Pop

ben phillipson | London, England | 11/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard this album just a couple of years ago and was immediately blown away by its beauty. Roger Nichols` melodies are captivating and memorable whilst the harmonies are awe-inspiring and the arrangements have that sophisticated edge typical of the best in late 60s US soft rock. Roger Nichols` name is probably most well-known for his contributions to The Carpenters` reportoire, but the likes of Just Beyond Your Smile and Don`t Take Your Time fully deserve your attention. Anyone who already posseses the original 12-track LP should be aware that this new edition includes seven bonus tracks from Small Circle 45s all of which are similarly superb. This album has been neglected for long enough - let the sunshine in!"

Ah, lovely!

ben phillipson | 04/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the best soft rock-albums of all time. Almost as good as "pet sounds" (Tony Asher produced this one too). Nichols interpretation of the bacharach-song "Don't go breaking my heart" is the best one recorded in musichistory. I wonder why it didn't show up on the 3CD "Look of love"-box released in 1998? It's too good to be missed. The intro-song, "Don't take your time" is also a classic. Classic stuff. Buy!"

A newly discovered treasure

Harry Gene Neyhart | Sunny Central Florida, USA | 07/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As an A&M Records fan for many years, I was very pleased to 'discover' this album recently. Upon acquiring a Japanese pressing of a Burt Bacharach compilation that included Roger Nichols & Friends version of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," I was favorably impressed with the sound of this group. Also, as one who's enjoyed Roger Nichols compositions over the years, I thought that I'd splurge and try this album. Wow! It's quickly become one of my favorites. If you like sixties pop -- if you've ever liked the Carpenters or Burt Bacharach recordings, I highly recommend this disc."

The "Quiet" Genius: Roger Nichols

The Blue Baron | Los Angeles | 10/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rarely do I agree with all the reviews posted for a CD...But I do here. I have been listening to the great music of Roger Nichols since the mid 1970's. You see my favorite songwriter is Paul Williams. I heard him in an interview in the 1970's talk about his writing partner, Roger Nichols. I then sought out to find all the songs they wrote together. In a word their songs are beautiful, and well written "story" songs. Also they are great to sing. In fact it was Paul and Roger who inspired me so much that I moved to L.A. because I knew it was their "homebase". I started writing songs because of them. Heck, I wanted to BE them, so strong their impact. Anyway, I first discovered this record in a used record store on Melrose Ave. back in 1983. I bought it the minute I saw the name Roger Nichols on it. In fact I bought it every time I came across it. Since the record store was just down the street from A&M Records (who released it) I was lucky enough to get several "white label" promo copies of the LP as well as regular brown label copies. I value them greatly because I know what a great LP it is. In fact IT WAS Roger group who inspired Paul Williams to write the great songs he has written over the years. Upon hearing one of Small Circle Of Friends songs Paul wondered if he would ever be able to write such as beautiful songs. He succeeded many times over. One more thing, if Melinda MacLeod reads this, please know I love you. I think your voice is brillant (listen to Melindas "soulful" voice in the songs especially "The Drifter") and I wish you would have continued singing after the group broke up because I think you would have been a big star. Roger Nichols and the small circle of friends will have it's circle of fans forever."

Note for note bliss!

B. McGowan | dublin, ireland | 06/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends is an easy listening oddyssey pleasure,unsurpassed. The Macleods' (brother and sister?/husband and wife?) duets are outstanding. I can't help but think that the B-52s had access to this album sometime in the late 70's. Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson sound suspiciously similar to the Macleods' voices. As for the over-all sound? It's soft rock that you may have heard in many a dentist's office, but it isn't overtly loungey or muzaky. It has that Beach Boys Pet Sounds quality to it. Very California circa 66-67 before full blown Reaganism and Mansonism. Kind of innocent sounding and very fresh and optimistic! Give it a try despite the hefty import price tag!"

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