Jamme

Jammë's sole, self-titled album is rather like what you'd think a late-'60s album by a group with some British expatriates produced by John Phillips might sound like. There's a lot of influence from the lighter and poppier side of the Beatles, especially in the harmonies. But the Mamas & the Papas similarities can also be heard in the sunny California pop/rock tilt of some of the vocals and arrangements, and the folkiness to some of the guitar parts. It's an attractive combination, though not one that matches the work of the best Beatles-influenced pop/rock groups, as the songs aren't as outstanding and memorable. There's a slight tension between the pensive nature of the tunes and lyrics and the upbeat flavor of the harmonies and production that doesn't always work to the group's advantage, and more variety between the tracks would have helped. It's nonetheless an effort that might please fans of the milder side of power pop and/or the more forceful side of sunshine pop. The CD reissue on Now Sounds adds eight bonus tracks, and while some of these are alternate and mono versions, they also include a few demos of songs that didn't make the LP, one of which ("Thanks to the Man in the Rabbit Hat") might have made for one of the better selections. The packing of the CD reissue is spectacular, with a 24-page booklet of their surprisingly complex and intriguing story, including vintage photos and detailed memories by several bandmembers.