Sixties Psychedelic Pop, Rock: Graffiti - Graffiti 1968 (1998 Lyrical Sound Device)

Graffiti's sole album was in some ways typical of numerous obscure psychedelic one-shots on fairly big labels in the late '60s: over-ambitious lyrics, a kaleidoscope of styles that butted heads as often as it blended, emulation of several passing psychedelic trends pioneered by bigger groups, and an absence of really good songs.

All that said, as such albums go, it's better than average, though hardly noteworthy. That's kind of faint praise, but at least Graffiti were less ponderous than many such bands, with a sort of gossamer lightness to much of their material. As for what styles they mined, they're hard to pin down, though they're fairly influenced by West Coast psychedelia of the era, with some of the vocal harmonies so high that one can mistakenly think there was a woman in the group (there wasn't).

Bits of jazz, classical guitar, blues-rock, psychedelic effects, and vocal harmonies both sunshine pop and Gregorian seep through from time to time as the band floats through ever-shifting melodies and styles. The songs and instrumental solos do tend to go on too long, however, and the songwriting isn't memorable. (Richie Unterberger, allmusic.com)

If a band gets such a critique from Mr Unterberger, it's almost positive, lol. I'm just kidding. But of course I have as so often a slightly different opinion about the album. The band shows that they are (was) able to write good melodies. Also the arrangements sounding interesting. Certainly the album is not a milestone of pop music, but in my opinion it is a pretty good and never boring piece of music. Enjoy.(Frank)
 

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