Click on this link to free the chickens... Rotom Ruoy Pots Overall Album Score: 7.7 out of 10 Well, these poor old guys weren't exactly willing to do much to regain their commercial composure, but I suppose they were ready to be on their merry ways. The Association certainly haven't changed their styles at all. In 1971 most bands moved onto roots-rock or, alternately, Carpenters-esque AM radio pop. I could imagine an alternate reality in which this band might have taken either routes, but they just sort of seemed content with doing the same old thing. That doesn't necessarily bother me, but it's pretty much why this album was a total commercial flop. It would turn out that this would be their last contribution for the Warner Brothers record label, and they would just release one more album after this, Waterbeds in Trinidad! with Columbia Records. I don't want to say that I think this album is dated for 1971 audiences, because I don't get the general impression that it's dated whatsoever. The problem with it is the same as many of their previous albums: They were never one to be able to boast about their songwriting skills. I'd say this is of the same middle-of-the-road caliber of their eponymous album of 1969. Stylistically, they are quite similar, except this one's a tad less charming. They have the nice tendency to try a number of different styles here although it's not too adventurous. "That's Racin'" is a sort of Dylan-esque song with some old-time country stylings, "Traveler's Guide (Spanish Flyer)" is a vague attempt at Latin, "Along the Way" has an operatic feel ....... Though the diversity is noted, every song still has that underlying Associations aura. This isn't exacly a White Album. There are a few minor gems I'd like to point out and then I'll end the review section. The best song is the thunderous opener "Bring Yourself Home." Stylistically, it's the same thing as "Goodbye Columbus" and it's nearly as well done. Their established packed vocal harmonies sound as glorious as ever! Also, "The First Sound" and "Along the Way" both work as convincing pieces of drama. Sure, it's not always effective for bands to pen ultra-serious songs, but these guys tend to know how to inject the proper moods in them. Overall, this is mildly entertaining. I wouldn't buy it or anything, but it's a legitimately solid and sometimes enjoyable work. Overall Album Score: 7.7 out of 10 (This is a largely unimpressive work but with a few good moments.) Average Song Score: 8.1 (Their songwriting is fine, but it's clear that they weren't going to try as much as they used to.) Album Tilt: 7.5 (I'm not sure why, but this album doesn't seem to do much even though it's quite pleasant.) Artist Rating: 7.5 (They weren't willing to advance or do anything different. This seems weaker than their previous album.) Track Reviews Bring Yourself Home 9.5/10 Here is a pleasant song in the same old spirit that they've always managed to exuberate. It's filled to the brim with great moods and packed with their signature style of packed-vocal harmonies. The instrumentation is simple and organic consisting of a piano, acoustic, bass guitar and drums. It sounds exactly like something they would have penned in 1966, but that's not so bad listening to them with '00s ears. Hey, it's pretty! I love the chorus. It's like "Goodbye, Columbus" all over again! Funny King of Song 7/10 Well, this one isn't so great. When they don't have their finger on a melody with potential, it becomes a little too obvious! The instrumentals are as solidly performed as the previous track, but this is just dull. There's no excuse for a dull song!! That's Racin' 8/10 This is their tribute to old-style country I guess. Oh how out of touch they were! Everyone was doing country-rock by now... you know Lynyrd Skynyrd and that nonsense. Anyway, this song features lyrics rattled off like a Bob Dylan song from 1965 and well it's not too bad. A little too cutesy for my taste, but I like those hoe-down violins they incorporate! P.F. Sloan 7.5/10 This is rather dull unfortunately... Despite that it has their usual sense of spirit, but not the sense of melody that I know they've been capable of. The instrumentation is quite nice. They sure know how to play their instruments! That doesn't save my incredibly lackluster feeling toward this... Silver Morning 8.5/10 I like this song. It has quite an orchestral quality that I like. They introduce a thunderous brass section in the middle that briefly makes it very exciting. Not that the rest of it's not good! Yeah, it's duller, but it has nice flow and a sweet though unmemorable melody. It's Gotta be Real 8/10 Geez, it's so nice that they're still writing these happy sunshiney songs, and I enjoy what they did to the "chorus" of sorts. It's not so great that their melodies are just middle of the road and so is the instrumentation this time, to be honest. The First Sound 9/10 This is one of those ultra-dramatic, classical oriented songs that generally makes their music fun to hear. It seems like they're most effective when they're being ultra pretentious. If they believe in themselves, then maybe they're more convincing that way. The melody is fine, but it's the mood that's the real selling point for me. Along the Way 9/10 Now this is pretty. It's features a sweet melody and some very pretty, operatic vocals. It sounds like it could be a show tune or something. It features a full scale orchestra, and the arrangements were especially well-done. I won't say it's soul-shattering, but it'll leave an impression I'm sure. Traveler's Guide (Spanish Flyer) 7/10 Geez, after that previous song, it's a shame they're reverting back to these goofy type songs. I suppose they were trying to adopt a Spanish edge to this one, but it's just silly and obnoxious. The instrumentation is too clunky although the brass section was a nice touch. Seven Virgins 7/10 Seven virgins? This song is more rockin' and it's kinda nice getting into the spirit, but the hook is pretty bland and they seem to repeat it an awful lot. I'm afraid I can't be too constructive. This is so middle-of-the-road that the band members' attempts to sound spirited seem kind of silly. Maybe some virtuosity would have helped here, but I think that live album firmly established that no one was really capable of guitar solos or anything. He's ripe with eagerness to hear your comments here.

All reviews are copyrighted by the author, Michael Lawrence. He pickles his onions.