Search - Free Design :: Cosmic Peekaboo

Welcome Back Dedrick Family Singers!

Bob Wylde | New York, NY | 04/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I guess true genius never fades. Similar to Brian Wilson's first solo album from 1988, "Cosmic Peekaboo" is evidence that a beloved sound can evolve and mature while retaining many of the characteristics that one would expect from pop legends.All the sounds and vibes that Free Design fans know and love from their 60s' recordings are still present - listen to the fade out refrain on "Peekaboo", or Bruce Dedrick's "McCarran Airport" and "Springtime" and experience the type of pop thrill that today's Free Design fans (i.e. Stereolab, Saint Etienne, High Llamas, etc.) try to replicate. The melody and class have always been there - now there's "experience" in the Free Design formula. Many of Cosmic's songs couldn't have been written by a 20 year old Chris Dedrick. A melancholic, mature vibe (it was always there - even in a children's song like "Daniel Dolphin") is evident in a number of the tracks on the new record. "Day Breaks" is a genuinely moving experience.Chris Dedrick has written an introduction to the cd that explains where they've been and what prompted the release. Like the music contained within, the CD is packaged in a way that reflects The Free Design in 2001. It's on Marina - a label that has become increasingly familiar to those who look for quality.Highly recommended."

O Brother Bruce, Where Art Thou?

04/09/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"There are two stellar tracks on this: "McCarran Airport," sounding like a lost Jimmy Webb classic, and the wistfully gorgeous "Spring Time." A quick look at the credits show they're the only two from the pen of brother Bruce. As for the rest -- think Kenny G meets H/D/H. Sadly, that stands for Hallmark/Doggerel/Hallmark. And that's too bad, as the vocals and sparse arrangements are right on the money. If there's to be a follow-up, give Bruce free reign."

Thank you, free design!

Bob Wylde | 05/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Oh well, this record is simply gorgeooooous. I loved the original sixties recordings by the Free Design, and this brandnew album features all their classic trademarks: stunning vocal harmonies, unusual & unique songwriting, great thoughtful lyrics and truly mindblowing arrangements. A favourite track on this album is the great "Springtime", already a classic song in its own right (if you ask me). Think of Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks trying to write a hit single - and then SUCCEED. In a better universe this would be a smash hit. This album is a treat for each fan of classic, well arranged pop music in a Beach Boys/Harpers Bizarre vein. Beautiful albums like this are so rare, don't hesitate to buy it. This is really worth all your cash!"