Search - Kensington Market :: Avenue Road

Long-Waited CD Release of 60s Toronto Group

Mark Thomas | Canada | 07/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally we have a CD release of this fantastic 60s Toronto band. This was their first release of two albums. The sound is typical of the Toronto Queen Street West scene of the 60s - a little of the soft sound of the British invasion and little edge of American rock as with the a similar sounding group - the Paupers."

Overlooked for good reason

Kevin D. Rathert | Carbondale, IL | 09/15/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, I reviewed Kensington Road's two albums in reverse order. For good reason. All references I used in deciding to purchase these cds led me to believe that "Aardvark" was far superior to the bands debut release. After several listens, I would have to say that I disagree. Both albums seem so pedestrian and full of pop fluff that its difficult to find redeeming value in either. I purchased the cds based on the Amazon reviews, the fact that Felix Pappalardi produced the lps, and the somewhat optimistic review of the albums in Vernon Joynson's wonderful reference work "Dreams, Fantasies, and Nightmares." I'm confused as to how Kensington Market's albums even made it into Joynson's books. And if anyone has good things to say about these two albumss I wonder if they have really given either a listen in the 40 years since their original release. The shortcomings of "Avenue Road" are much the same as "Aardvark." A horribly short run time of 29 minutes, pop pablum performed in pedestrian fashion by a band obviously not the most talented in Canada. After listening to many very interesting, contemporary Canadian releases I was extremely letdown by both albums. I can't honestly say which I prefer. My initial response is to say neither. I'm amazed that Pappalardi, the talented producer that he was, wasted his time on Kensington Market. And I'm equally amazed that a major label, Warner Bros. would sign the quintet. Perhaps if the lps had been released on a 2 on 1 it wouldn't hurt so bad. No, that wouldn't help. Bad music is bad music. Perhaps if non-lp single sides had been added I would have some hint as to why these albums were released in 1968 and 1969 respectively, and why Wounded Bird took the time and effort to reissue them in 2008. The entry in the Joynson tome was not exactly upbeat, but even its mildly optimistic review is in my mind overstated. Avoid the Kensington Market cds. There is way too much good Canadian music of the day available to waste your time and hard earned money on these throw away lps. No wonder they hit the cut out bins shortly after release. Pick up Plastic Cloud, the 49th Parallel, and any number of Canadian lps of the same time frame. They are full of wonderful tunes from north of the border. Don't make the mistake I did of spending $6 on each of the Kensington Market cds. They may have been cheap, but I still feel slighted. I have no idea why I gave the cds 2 stars. That is far too generous. A more honest review would be 1 star, or if possible, 0. Yes, these lps are actually that bad. Don't make the mistake I did. Take my advice and save your money and your ears. These are by far the most cruel reviews I've ever written, but I'm just being honest. And that's what reviews are all about, isn't it?"

Sadly Overlooked Music

Tom H. Stegehuis | 12/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kensington Market came out with 2 albums in the late 60's. Don't know too much about styles, or "what type of music" this is. The first album contains some haunting songs that defy decription. The second one, Aardvark, is a gem. Both these albums need to be listened to a few times before you "get it", and the music will stay with you. Kind of strange in a subtle way. Can't explain it in words. I bought Aardvark around 1970, converted it to CD, and still listening."