This double-CD set, , should be a no-brainer of a purchase for anyone who is an admirer of ' , ' two collaborations ( and ), 's classic '60s albums, the extant fragments of 's previously lost album, or any of the other classic examples of ornate late '60s -- not that what's here is exactly , so much as , with lots of elaborate, occasionally "out-there" arrangements that luxuriate in their own ornate weirdness, sort of like or The 's two albums are both represented (in superb sound) on the first CD, but the real treat is the 58-minute long second disc, which encompasses the group's singles -- once one gets past the four cuts lifted off of , most of the rest is comprised of some very pretty and nicely produced non-LP single sides that are some of the most enjoyable unknown of the period, and, as , the annotator of this set observes, virtually a third LP in breadth and content. sound like lost productions circa 1967, and is such a radiantly upbeat piece of that it's amazing it didn't do more for the act as a single; the disc finishes with a string of radio promotion spots for the group. Not all of singles are as inventive or impressive as those tracks -- a lot of it would make one think of what might've happened had been given a budget and the job of generating upbeat music without the services of his sister around, say, 1970 -- and some of what's here shows signs of marking time, but the overall vibe of this music is still seductive thirty-some years later, if not quite as compelling as the very best work in this genre. Additionally, the annotation is so extensive and fascinating as to seriously enhance the value of the set -- what it tells us about the music business and the era in which this music was generated makes it essential reading, almost more than some of the 's music is essential listening. ~ Bruce Eder