Search - the Wondermints :: Kaleidoscopin': Exploring Prisms of the Past

Exploring Prisms of Wondermints' Past

D. MCCABE | Boonville, MO | 01/17/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the mid to late 1990s in Los Angeles, there was a small cadre of bands and musicians who specialized in an underground pop music style that not only borrowed from the 1960s and `70s but also made those influences fresh. Among those bands were Baby Lemonade, The Negro Problem, and Wondermints. Fans of those three bands now know that Mike and Rusty of Baby Lemonade later wound up as part of Arthur Lee's Love, Stew and Heidi from The Negro Problem went on to Broadway success and a Tony Award for their "Passing Strange", and Wondermints spent the last eleven years as the core of Brian Wilson's recording and touring band.



However, when practically all of the songs on Kaleidoscopin' were recorded, Wondermints were just getting known among LA pop aficionados. Between 1995 and 2002, the band released three albums of original material, one album of covers, and one EP. Prior to that and in between those releases the band recorded songs that were released on various compilation albums, tribute albums, and even one soundtrack, as well as their self-released "colored tapes". It is from these releases that most of the tracks for Kaleidoscopin' were culled.



Instead of Kaleidoscopin` being just a "best of", this newly released disc offers hints at an alternate musical history for Wondermints. The band never rocked as hard on any of their studio albums as they did on Galactic Patrol. Wondermints' studio albums are a mix of power pop, lounge, and jazz, but with And Penny Knows, No One's Girl, and the cover of The Hollies' You Need Love, Kaleidoscopin' brings Wondermints' power pop side to the forefront. It also has the distinction of being their most stripped down release, as evidenced by Nick Walusko's Runnin' Through the Night, a charming folk song about UFOs and aliens.



Songs such as the Turtles-esque Invisible Paint would have fit perfectly on the debut album, and the story relayed by Nick about Invisible Paint in the liner notes adds to the overall enjoyment of the album. Included in the liner notes is a track by track commentary by the writer or lead singer of that particular song. A generous helping of previously unseen photos of the band and various Wondermints concert posters from the `90s are also provided. Add to that some terrific graphics work by Darian and Steve Stanley, the label owner, and you have a wondemintfully complete package.



This is a carefully put together collection that serves as both a compliment to Wondermints' stellar musical output and a tribute to an overlooked band from an overlooked musical community. The only complaint I have about the album is that it leaves the listener wanting more and I personally don't think I can wait another seven years!"

Two words: ABOUT TIME!!!

Katie | Pennsylvania, USA | 01/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since the band's last effort "Mind If We Make Love To You," I am sure there has been plenty of fans begging for more. Well finally, they have thrown us a bone! This compilation is fabulous with some songs released for the first time taken from their early years, and as well as songs that were on multiple compilations. It is nice to have them all in one place and I have to say my favorite of this is the rejected Christmas messages. They are more then just part of Brian Wilson's touring band, and for any doubters out there, just hand them this CD!"