The Peanut Butter Conspiracy - Spreading From The Ashes (Reissue) (2005)

In a world where you can now get cds of so many artists that had become collector items as hard-to-find lps, this cd not only offers the first re-issue on cd of hard-to-find releases of The Peanut Butter Conspiracy and it's predecessor group, The Ashes, but also gives an in-depth look into the history of the core members leading up to their great releases on Columbia Records in 1967.

Included are the songs from that rare Vault lp., "West Coast Love-In" and some single releases by The Ashes. There are other recordings made in professional studios and from private recordings where the writer/singer/players are in a rehearsal situation. As it turns out, these are some of the best recordings on the cd.

The outstanding vocals of Barbara Robison, along with the accompaniment of John Merrill and Alan Brackett at these "rehearsals" gives a sense of intimacy seldom heard. One is reminded of the comparison to sitting in on a "Peter, Paul and Mary" rehearsal.

Listen to "Enchanted World", "Naturally", and "Shuffle Tune" and you'll hear what I mean. There are studio recordings that show how experimental and unafraid to try something different this group was. There is no "re-hashing" of the same old material here - this is new fresh music even in the year 2005.

I must say that it's nice to hear music that is not a fabricated product like most of the music of today, but an honest introspect into a group during a time period in music that still is perhaps the best ever.

It is hard to say which songs are the stand-outs because I think different people will have different favorites, but mine are "Roses Gone", which features a wonderful vocal by Barbara, "Enchanted World", the great vocal arrangement on "Moment Of Happiness", their nice rendition of the Holly's song, "So Lonely", and "Foolhearted Woman".

Most of these feature Barbara and I guess I'm partial to that because she had such a wonderful voice. There are certainly others that typify the 60's and delve into styles I'd not really heard before, but find intriguing nevertheless.

I must add that it helps to be familiar with the groups previously released lps that they made and released in 1967-68, but even without that knowledge this has a potpourri of music that is sure to leave you wanting more.

The booklet in the cd is written by 60's expert Alec Palao and has many quotes from interviews he did with the group along with pictures and posters. I highly recommend this "new" release by the Peanut Butter Conspiracy to anyone like me who loves the music of the '60's and appreciates "insight" into what it was all about