Released 1970 Sing For Very Important People is something of a children’s album, replete with songs about cowboys, Sesame Street, familiar Free Design pastimes of kites, bubbles and even a short lullaby at the end. According to Bruce Dedrick (who would leave the band following this record), the album was partially inspired by Mary Travers becoming a mother (she of big folk-pop players Peter, Paul & Mary)– if that seems twee, just remember Belle & Sebastian named themselves after a French kid’s show. Chris Dedrick’s opener “Don’t Cry, Baby” uses lightly melancholy, but just as exquisitely placed vocal harmonies to impart its message of perseverance and love. Again, if the message matters to you, you might find yourself balking at the total lack of irony or edge. Yet, as on “Children’s Waltz” and “Lullaby”, the wave of pastel, hymnal harmonies are hard to deny on aesthetic grounds. About half the record contains previously released songs, which could take steam out of its impact for fans (or collectors), but even then, songs like “Kites Are Fun” and “Bubbles” are some of the best the band produced. — Dominique Leone, April 06, 2005
Discography
Chris Dedrick | Vocals, Arrangements |
Jason Dedrick | Vocals |
Sandy Zynczak (née Dedrick) | Vocals |
Ellen Dedrick | Vocals |
Rusty Dedrick: Trumpet, Marvin Stamm: Trumpet, Buddy Morrow: Trombone, Bill Watrous: Trombone, Din Butterfield: Tuba, James Buffington: French Horn, Phil Bodner: Woodwind, Don Ashworth: Woodwind, Bob Tricario: Woodwind, Paul Griffin: Keyboard, Dick Kyman: Keyboard, Jay Berliner: Guitar, Gene Bertoncini: Guitar, Ralph Casale: Guitar, Bob Mann: Guitar, Vinnie Bell: Electric Sitar, Richard Davis: Bass, Russ Savakus: Bass, Bill LaVorgna: Drums, Phil Kraus: Percussion, Joe Venuti: Percussion, George Devens: Percussion
Stars Time Bubbles Love
The Free Design
Full Album | $ 12.00 | ||
Bubbles | $ 1.30 | ||
Tomorrow Is The First Day Of The Rest Of My Life | $ 1.30 | ||
Kije's Ouija | $ 1.30 | ||
Butterflies Are Free | $ 1.30 | ||
Stay Off Your Frown | $ 1.30 | ||
Starlight | $ 1.30 | ||
Time And Love | $ 1.30 | ||
I'm A Yogi | $ 1.30 | ||
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head | $ 1.30 | ||
Howdjadoo (Fly My Down) | $ 1.30 | ||
That's All, People | $ 1.30 | ||
To A Black Boy [Previously Unreleased] | $ 1.30 | ||
Butterflies Are Free [Single Version] | $ 1.30 |