In California

In California by name, in California by nature. You’ll struggle to find 14 songs more drenched in lazy West Coast sunshine than Compton and Batteau’s only album (recorded in 1971 before promptly falling into the abyss of wonderful, overlooked recordings). Fans of Gene Clark, John Phillips, Fraser & Debolt and the like will be well served here, with many of the tracks leaning towards the cowboy balladry these artists share. Completing the line-up with the likes of Randy Meisner (The Eagles, Poco) and Jim Messina (Loggins and Messina, Buffalo Springfield) ‘In California’ understandably has an additional proto-yacht rock feel, evoking ‘Late For The Sky’ era Jackson Browne – though it’s the more up-tempo offerings that really showcase the duo’s ability to write a tune. Album highlight ‘Homesick Kid’ is the perfect example of the addictive, melody-led songwriting which really should have earned them stardom, while ‘Honeysuckle’ and ‘Essa Vanessa’ bring texture in the form of immaculately orchestrated percussion and additional instrumentation (harpsichord, cowbell). On these occasions the album veers magnificently towards the psychedelic, bringing to mind The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band.