Roger Nichols and the Small Circle of Friends [Original recording remastered]

Product Description
Essentially the very holy grail of L.A. soft pop, this 1968 album is a must own for fans of this highly collectible genre. 20 remastered tracks. Rev-Ola. 2005.

Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends,Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends,Rev-Ola,AM Pop,Baroque Pop,Environmental,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Psychedelic Pop,Rock/Pop,Sunshine Pop

Average customer rating: Small Circle of Friends A Gem wonderfull

Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends Manufacturer: Rev-Ola ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists General | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music New Age | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Midsummer's Day Sandy Mortimer Rainbow Rockin' Chair: The Definitive Collection 1969-1971 Someday Man ASIN: B0006U8DQM Release Date: 2005-02-07

Tracks:

1. Don't Take Your Time - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
2. With a Little Help from My Friends - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
3. Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
4. I Can See Only You - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
5. Snow Queen - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
6. Love So Fine - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
7. Kinda Wasted Without You - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
8. Just Beyond Your Smile - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
9. I'll Be Back - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
10. Cocoanut Grove - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
11. Didn't Want to Have to Do It - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
12. Can I Go - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
13. Our Day Will Come [*] - Roger Nichols
14. Love Song, Love Song [*] - Roger Nichols
15. Just Beyond Your Smile [*] - Roger Nichols
16. I'll Be Back [*] - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
17. Let's Ride [*] - Roger Nichols
18. Drifter [*] - Roger Nichols
19. Trust [*] - Roger Nichols
20. St. Bernie the Sno-Dog [*] - Roger Nichols

Album Description

Essentially the very holy grail of L.A. soft pop, this 1968 album is a must own for fans of this highly collectible genre. 20 remastered tracks. Rev-Ola. 2005.

Album Details

Produced by the Legendary Tommy Lipuma, the Album was Largely Co-written by Roger with Paul Williams (His Future Co-writer on Scads of 1970's Megahits) and Tony Asher (Fresh from his Collaboration with Brian Wilson on "Pet Sounds") with a Couple of Selected Cover Versions, a Rare Take on Carole King's "Snow Queen", which She was to Record with her Short Lived Band the City Standing Out in Particular Sung by Roger with Murray and Melinda Macleod Backed by a Virtual Who's who of California Pop of the Time, the Likes of Lenny Waronker, Van Dyke Parks, Bruce Botnick and Randy Newman.

Customer Reviews:

Small Circle of Friends.......2007-03-26

Perhaps you will take my 5 star rating and review with a grain of salt but, as co-writer with Roger of "I Can See Only You" I was thrilled when I first heard the Small Circle of Friends version. As an old songwriter, it is one my favorite works, as is the whole CD. So, all I can say is, "Give it a listen and decide for yourself."
The entire CD is a kind of soft-jazz/pop Classic, from the selection of songs to the arrangements and vocalizations of Roger, Murray and Melinda.
Murray and I, ("Smokey Roberds"), with Jerry Riopelle, also wrote and recorded together, as The Parade, with Sunshine Girl, and others. What a blast from the past.

A Gem.......2006-09-16

I believe this originally came out in early 1968. Roger Nichols went on to collaborate successfully with Paul Williams but before that came this teaming with siblings Melinda & Murray MacLeod. Produced by Tommy LiPuma, arranged by Bob Thompson, Nick De Caro, Marty Paich and Mort Garson, this is music immaculately made. Their languid, oh so sexy version of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" does Bacharach & David proud. I'm sure Carole King also stood proud with "Snow Queen", one of her early compositions. The group Swing Out Sister used elements of "I Can See Only You" for their song "When the Laughter is Over". Their version of the Lovin Spoonful's "Didn't Want To Have To Do It"(which Jackie De Shannon also recorded, magnificently) is exquisite, sad & beautiful. The liner notes and history (by Steven Stanley) are informative. Tommy LiPuma produced many great, tuneful LP's in the late 60's. This is one of them, a true, lost gem.

wonderfull.......2005-10-05

wonderfull music and songs, including the good version of "with a little help from my friends". Incredible songs, incredible production. I was listening the cd and thinking of "pet sounds".

Average customer rating: The "Quiet" Genius: Roger Nichols note for note bliss! Timeless Sunshine Pop A newly discovered treasure Great sound, in an album no one knows about.

The Complete Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends Manufacturer: Universal/a&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000ILSD Release Date: 1999-03-18

Tracks:

1. Don't Take Your Time
2. With a Little Help from My Friends
3. Don't Go Breaking My Heart
4. I Can See Only You
5. Snow Queen
6. Love So Fine
7. Kinda Wasted Without You
8. Just Beyond Your Smile
9. I'll Be Back
10. Cocoanut Grove
11. Didn't Want to Have to Do It
12. Can I Go?
13. Our Day Will Come [*]
14. Love Song, Love Song [*]
15. Just Beyond Your Smile [Single Version][*]
16. I'll Be Back [Single Version][*]
17. Let's Ride [*]
18. Drifter [*] - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
19. Trust [*] - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends

Customer Reviews:

The "Quiet" Genius: Roger Nichols.......2006-10-29

Rarely do I agree with all the reviews posted for a CD...But I do here. I have been listening to the great music of Roger Nichols since the mid 1970's. You see my favorite songwriter is Paul Williams. I heard him in an interview in the 1970's talk about his writing partner, Roger Nichols. I then sought out to find all the songs they wrote together. In a word their songs are beautiful, and well written "story" songs. Also they are great to sing. In fact it was Paul and Roger who inspired me so much that I moved to L.A. because I knew it was their "homebase". I started writing songs because of them. Heck, I wanted to BE them, so strong their impact. Anyway, I first discovered this record in a used record store on Melrose Ave. back in 1983. I bought it the minute I saw the name Roger Nichols on it. In fact I bought it every time I came across it. Since the record store was just down the street from A&M Records (who released it) I was lucky enough to get several "white label" promo copies of the LP as well as regular brown label copies. I value them greatly because I know what a great LP it is. In fact IT WAS Roger group who inspired Paul Williams to write the great songs he has written over the years. Upon hearing one of Small Circle Of Friends songs Paul wondered if he would ever be able to write such as beautiful songs. He succeeded many times over. One more thing, if Melinda MacLeod reads this, please know I love you. I think your voice is brillant (listen to Melindas "soulful" voice in the songs especially "The Drifter") and I wish you would have continued singing after the group broke up because I think you would have been a big star. Roger Nichols and the small circle of friends will have it's circle of fans forever.

note for note bliss!.......2003-06-26

Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends is an easy listening oddyssey pleasure,unsurpassed. The Macleods' (brother and sister?/husband and wife?) duets are outstanding. I can't help but think that the B-52s had access to this album sometime in the late 70's. Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson sound suspiciously similar to the Macleods' voices. As for the over-all sound? It's soft rock that you may have heard in many a dentist's office, but it isn't overtly loungey or muzaky. It has that Beach Boys Pet Sounds quality to it. Very California circa 66-67 before full blown Reaganism and Mansonism. Kind of innocent sounding and very fresh and optimistic! Give it a try despite the hefty import price tag!

Timeless Sunshine Pop.......1999-12-01

I first heard this album just a couple of years ago and was immediately blown away by its beauty. Roger Nichols` melodies are captivating and memorable whilst the harmonies are awe-inspiring and the arrangements have that sophisticated edge typical of the best in late 60s US soft rock. Roger Nichols` name is probably most well-known for his contributions to The Carpenters` reportoire, but the likes of Just Beyond Your Smile and Don`t Take Your Time fully deserve your attention. Anyone who already posseses the original 12-track LP should be aware that this new edition includes seven bonus tracks from Small Circle 45s all of which are similarly superb. This album has been neglected for long enough - let the sunshine in!

A newly discovered treasure.......1999-07-30

As an A&M Records fan for many years, I was very pleased to 'discover' this album recently. Upon acquiring a Japanese pressing of a Burt Bacharach compilation that included Roger Nichols & Friends version of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," I was favorably impressed with the sound of this group. Also, as one who's enjoyed Roger Nichols compositions over the years, I thought that I'd splurge and try this album. Wow! It's quickly become one of my favorites. If you like sixties pop -- if you've ever liked the Carpenters or Burt Bacharach recordings, I highly recommend this disc.

Great sound, in an album no one knows about........1999-07-20

I discovered this album circa 1970, and the songs have been in my mind ever since. The original LP is long gone, but now I have this CD and can enjoy the sounds -- the harmonies, the syncopation -- once again. I have been skiing to "Can I Go" for thirty years! Where are these artists now?

Average customer rating: Roger Nichols sound preceded The Carpenters on A&M

Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends Manufacturer: Universal/Polygram ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000072K0 Release Date: 1996-05-27

Tracks:

1. Don't Take Your Time
2. With a Little Help from My Friends
3. Don't Go Breaking My Heart
4. I Can See Only You
5. Snow Queen
6. Love So Fine
7. Kinda Wasted Without You
8. Just Beyond Your Smile
9. I'll Be Back
10. Cocoanut Grove
11. Didn't Want to Have to Do It
12. Can I Go?

Customer Reviews:

Roger Nichols sound preceded The Carpenters on A&M.......2003-05-09

Know how a good song sometimes sticks in your head? This entire album does.

Roger Nichols (not the Steely Dan engineer) created this wonderful album of "sunshine pop" music by two men and one Karen Carpenter-like voice. Fellow A&M artist Richard Carpenter was soon to begin The Carpenters by latching on to Nichols and Paul Williams' We've Only Just Begun and later recorded many more of their songs for hits. Don't categorize this as easy listening (or anything else) as critics did. Geniuses make things seem easy and often inspire the artists willing to pay the price of fame.

And for those of you who buy albums based on credits, the musicians on this album are still changing American music:
Randy Newman
Lenny Waronker
Nick DeCaro
Van Dyke Parks
Tommy LiPuma
Mort Garson

Only a class-act label like A&M could produce this kind of album -- the music came first during the late 1960's creative period that was rocking Hollywood.

Average customer rating:

Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends Manufacturer: Japanese Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music New Age | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005R0VX Release Date: 2006-10-09

Tracks:

1. Don't Take Your Time
2. With a Little Help from My Friends
3. Don't Go Breaking My Heart
4. I Can See Only You
5. Snow Queen
6. Love So Fine
7. Kinda Wasted Without You
8. Just Beyond Your Smile
9. I'll Be Back
10. Cocoanut Grove
11. Didn't Want to Have to Do It
12. Can I Go?

Album Description

Full title - Roger Nichols & The Small Circle Of Friends. Japanese 24 bit digitally remastered reissue of 1968 album, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

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