« Back to Top Level | Fapardokly

Fapardokly - Fapardokly (1967)

Track listing:
  1. Lila 3:25
  2. The Music Scene 2:38
  3. Sorry For Yourself 2:03
  4. Glass Chandelier 2:13
  5. Tomorrow's Girl 2:30
  6. Suzie Cryin' 2:25
  7. Mr. Clock 2:28
  8. Gone To Pot 2:02
  9. No Retreat 1:57
  10. Too Many Heartbreaks 2:30
  11. When I Get Home 2:49
  12. Super Market 2:14
  13. The War 2:36
  14. Yes I Love You (Bonus) 2:42
  15. Run Baby Run (Bonus) 2:21

Notes

Though they were considered an enigma in the world of '60s rock collectibles, there was never a group called Fapardokly; the 12 songs on their self-titled album were recorded by Merrell & the Exiles, a Southern California group headed by legendary cult folk-rocker Merrell Fankhauser. That group cut several singles for the tiny Glenn label before heading off in a psychedelic direction and mutating into H.M.S. Bounty. The equally tiny UIP label decided to gather a few of the Glenn singles, add a few more psychedelically oriented tracks that Merrill and his group had recorded, and release the package as the work of a group called Fapardokly. Although it was not recorded or intended as a unified work, it stands as one of the great lost folk-rock classics of the '60s. Fankhauser went on to make more excellent obscure recordings with H.M.S. Bounty in the late '60s and Mu in the early '70s.

One of the most sought-after rock rarities of the '60s, this album was stylistically uneven, as can be expected from an LP cobbled together from recordings spanning a few years. About half, however, is sparkling psychedelic folk-rock, recalling Fifth Dimension Byrds with its shimmering twelve-string guitars, multipart harmonies, and occasional trippy lyrics. Although the early material is more pop-oriented and doesn't fit in as well, it's pretty solid, recalling the Zombies and (in the very earliest tracks) Ricky Nelson. "Lila," "Tomorrow's Girl," and "Super Market" are genuine lost '60s treasures, and much of the rest of the album isn't far behind. (All Music Guide AMG)