One popular noun used in songwriting is “Rain”, expressing a wide range of feelings and emotions. Here, I’m using this concerning a band, and there are a number of groups who have chosen to take this as their moniker. Be this Rain, the ‘90s indie band who achieved minor success with their song ‘Lemonstone Desired’. Or the Basingstoke band The Rain, another indie-pop band who began their activity, even earlier, in 1986. Another group who predated both of these are Rain, the band unearthed by Cherry Red and imprint Grapefruit, on the release of Tomorrow Never Comes: The NYC Sessions 1967-1968. This Beatles-meets-West-Coast vibe comes from a band who played at both the Gilmore and Whiskey a Go-Go, in the early ‘60s, but failed to make headway or achieve a recording contract. An early US-only single was issued under the name One, but the band renamed themselves Rain, after their favourite Beatles B-side. No complaints from me, both The Beatles and their track are favourites, but what about this West Coast band. Will they deserve to have their music held with the same esteem as both of these?
Well, early on, I can confirm that the 16 tracks here both surprised and fed my wish for great sounds, albeit with a hippy-trippy vibe. This single CD package comes complete with reproductions of some of the vintage handbills and posters the band advertised their appearances with, as well as photos from New York friend, Linda Eastman, perfect for these fans of The Beatles. This is the first-ever release of this lost psychedelic pop album, which both pleases and leaves me questioning why it is only now that TNC has been made available. Maybe it’s that ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’, but enough of my frippery, let me press play.
Wow, now this is music sprinkled with some fairy dust, as the first track ‘Sapphire Skies’ makes its debut. Music that is not the same as, but certainly inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and his Experience, this track kicks ass. With musical effects laid on the vocal and instrumentation, it has the feel that it has consumed a dose of LSD before recording. But if this opening track was a little full-on for you, then the second track ‘One Is All, And All Is One’ might be a little more to your flavour. A country-tinged number, although this may be down to the instruments used and how they are played. The melody is extremely moreish and when the vocalist pronounces that “…Love will change your mind…”, it’s a number that speaks of Flower Power and its ethos. There is nothing to dislike about this track, that you might find yourself taking it home at the end of the evening. Followed by ‘No Deposit, No Return’, another song I liked its message. The line “…Is it true, that when you give your love to someone, you are never ever all alone…”, continuing “…Cause when you give your love to someone, you will always get love in return. No deposit, no return, you don’t get something you don’t earn…”. Yes, some would say hippy-trippy, but Rain is expressing a wish that life be much simpler. As this number plays out, the guitarist uses a bottleneck, to allow the guitar to express laughter, or maybe it’s descending through the scale. Whichever way, a nice touch.
This first-time release of an album that was laid down over 50 years ago feels something special and sounds as fresh as ever. Although as I have suggested it is filled with elements that speak of the day it was produced, the mastering and production feel new. From track 4 is ‘Sundrops’ with its lo-fi string arrangement, the harmonies from this Anglo-American trio are simply perfect, although briefly the recording does show production anomalies. Track 5 is ‘So Unhappy’, which proves far from it. With an upbeat tempo played in what comes across as a West-Coast Byrds-style moment. Again harmonies are used when it comes to the track ‘Didn’t Lie’, in its very Beatles-style delivery, this album is just so easy to accept and goes down like your favourite milk shake.
During these 10 tracks, recorded for the album, I have to say that I felt nothing less than exhilaration, this is indeed a great lost album. Although is the first time the album has seen the light of day, or cry in the morning and coming complete with bonus tracks to make an album of 16 tracks, increasing the original 34 minutes to 54 and making a more acceptable 21st Century release. This is a wonderful album, for anyone who appreciates music coming from the 1960s and the birth of pop. But when you’re looking for the band, these are Rain, not to be confused with Rain – a tribute to the Beatles, are an original band and not a tribute band. I could play this album to death and still go back for more.
But before I leave you, I want to clarify that track 15 on the album ’She’, is not the Charles Aznavour song. Slightly different in tone and time, the opening line runs “Everybody’s got to have themselves a woman, to love and keep him company…”, so before equality I guess, but a song projecting its own message. Seriously though, this is a great album, once lost, now available to all. Rain, a band I’m very glad to have made their acquaintance.
