Association Greatest Hits CD

Live Recording

The Association: Terry Kirkman (vocals); Russ Giguere, Jim Yester (vocals, guitar); Ted Bluechel (guitar, drums); Gary Alexander (guitar); Brian Cole (bass).
Producers: Bones Howe, The Association, Curt Boettcher, Jerry Yester.
Beyond representing the best in '60s California pop, the Association blazed trails in album production and the folk-psychedelia genre. With the guidance of L.A. producers Bones Howe, Curt Boettcher, and Jerry Yester, the band deftly mixed airy harmonies, unobtrusive rhythm tracks, and subtle "Age of Aquarius" accents from harpsichords, Farfisa organs, fuzz-box guitars, trumpets, and bongos -- at times, the sophisticated blend was held together by L.A. session players. And while the group successfully expanded their harmonic horizons on "Requiem for the Masses," they also went a bit beyond their strengths with Jefferson Airplane-esque rockers like "Six Man Band." Luckily, the majority of this hits collection focuses on the band's dreamy combination of polished folk, limber vocal arrangements, and wide-screen instrumental backdrops. The summery program also includes chart-toppers like "Windy," "Cherish," "Along Comes Mary," and "Never My Love," along with progressive pop-and-harmony tracks like "No Fair at All," "Everything That Touches You," and "Time for Livin'." A great introduction to the band's prime work from the latter half of the '60s. ~ Stephen Cook
Quite possibly the finest harmony group of the '60s and one of the best light pop bands ever, Los Angeles' The Association had an unbeatable string of hits in the mid-60s. All of those hits are included here. From the mildly controversial and psych-tinged "Along Comes Mary" and "Windy"--both of which contain not-terribly-subtle drug references--to the innocuous but heartbreakingly beautiful ballads "Never My Love" and "Cherish," The Association's stock in trade was their precise four- and five-part harmony. Most often, these beautiful multi-part vocals are topped by Terry Kirkland's expressive leads. Although their years spent recording for Valiant and Warner Brothers Records produced many more gems than are included here, The Association's GREATEST HITS is a perfect starting point for this wonderful band.