IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY

The late sixties have so much to offer, when it comes to early progressive music. 'It's a Beautiful Day's debut is one of these album that captures what the music of the time is about. Organ-chord progressions, folksy arrangements, some mild & heavy electric guitars, psychedelic vocals and duets and of course some exciting and atmospheric song-writing. The combined vocals of David Laflamme and Pattie Santos are really a winner, as they seem to complete each other perfectly in these melodic songs. The violins of David Laflamme give the music it's folksy sound (at times) whilst his sister Linda Laflamme does a great job on all key instruments.

The song-writing of this album is the main attraction here, but the musicianship is also strong. 'White Bird' is a melodic folk song with beautiful duo vocals. It is said this song became a big hit at the time. 'Hot Summer Day' reminds me a bit of the The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, but with less extrovert vocals. 'Wasted Union Blues' is at least as heavy as Led Zeppelin with it's very heavy distorted guitar licks that sound amazing. 'Girl with no Eyes' is an atmospheric, psychedelic song with nice ghost-house vocals and classy harpsichord sounds. On side two 'Bombay Calling' is easy recognized as the song that Deep Purple would jam on and eventually wright the all-time classic Child on Time on. The main theme and melody is however written by It's a Beautiful Day. The song itself is a bit folk-like, a bit like White Bird. The instrumental parts are particularly strong on this one. On 'Bulgaria' and 'Time is' the band has less focus on song-writing and we get to listen to some improvisations, solo's and the like.

My only complaint about this album is slightly flat sound, but it's recorded in '69 so I can't be to harsh on it. On my stereo the music really becomes alive when I put my treble full open and I have the CBS reprint; whose later pressings usually have a great sound.

Conclusion. This is one of these great proto-prog records that are both innovative, stylish and well played. The vocals are a real treat, whilst the rest of the band catches up during instrumental passages. I would strongly recommend this to fans of early prog, late '60 psychedelic rock and folk rock. Four stars. Don't be bothered by the 'Sound of Music'-like cover!

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