Merrell Fankhauser & H.M.S. Bounty ‎– Things (Goin' Round In My Mind) (LP)

Merrell Fankhauser and HMS Bounty went for a more consistent pop-psych sound on late ‘68’s Things. While it’s not as thrillingly odd-yet-accessible as earlier record Fapardokly, it projects more of the good-natured warmth at which he could excel. Some songs (like the title track) approach straightforward L.A. late-‘60s pop-rock; some surprising bluesy hard rock-psych tension, however, makes its way into “Drivin’ Sideways (On a One Way Street).”

But it’s at its best at its most psychedelic, like “A Visit with Ashiya,” which recalls Donovan’s Indian-informed work at its best; the wistful “Ice Cube Island,” more proof that Fankhauser couldn’t seem to avoid some oddball lyrics even when he was obviously aiming for the most melodically accessible vibe he could; and the quietly sinister “Madame Silky.”

Label: Guerssen

Country: Spain

Media Condition: Mint (M)
Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)

Reissue. Remasterd. 2008.