TCCDM Pulls One Out..."The Split Level (Divided We Stand)" - The Split Level (1968)

"The Split Level (Divided We Stand"" - The Split Level (1968)

I had never heard any of the songs from The Split Level, but I was aware it had a somewhat pop-psych reputation.  The music is more pop-folk than psych, but the psych is definitely there.  The songs are mature, clever, and nicely eclectic with vocals that shy away from falling into the sunshine.  There is some sitar and occasional gregorian chanting going on.  A little fuzz, albeit light, is thrown in the mix, as well.  Overall, The Split Level's only album has a kind of innocent weirdness that keeps everything afloat.  And it's good for what it is.
  
"The Split Level (Divided We Stand)" - The Split Level (back)

Favorites include the deep track "Looking At The Rose Through World Colored Glasses."   The gregorian-filled "Speculator" is a heady anti-war spin.  The very cool "Equipment" is about having to plug in and turn knobs.  And the single culled from the album "Right Track" has a tinge of a Grace Slick vibe.

I found The Split Level misplaced in the "P" section of a record shop.  It was one of those days when I just wasn't finding much but wanted to walk out with something.  This is usually a low-dollar album with a bit of a psych-tail to go with it.  "Support is as support does."   

Dot Records

Cat #
DLP 25,836
SIDE A  DEADWAX
DLP-25836 A  LPS 76621  1  1  A1
SIDE B  DEADWAX
DLP-25936-B  LPS 76622  1  A1  1

"Looking At The Rose Through World Colored Glasses" - The Split Level/ The Split Level..." (1968)

TRACKS:
A1  "Hangin' Out (In Someone Else's World)" 3:28
A2  "Speculator" 2:24
A3  "Think Of Rain" 3:20
A4  "Children Are Bored On Sunday" 2:57
A5  "You Can't Go" 2:14
A6  "Hymn" 1:05
B1  "Right Track" 2:39
B2  "Rose Garden" 3:19
B3  "Equipment" 2:45
B4  "Russ" 0:32
B5  "Can't Complain" 2:22
B6  "Looking At The Rose Through World Colored Glasses" 3:07
B7  "Do Not Speak But Sing" 1:16

PERSONNEL:
 Michael Lobel - guitar, recorder, flute, thumbtack piano
 Liz Seneff - vocals, tambourine, nerves
 Lenny Roberts - vocals, guitar, the subtle no-string guitar
 Al Dana - vocals, bass, sitar, volume control
 Herbert Lovelle - drums

Good stuff.

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