zachmillerx
a lighthearted and colorful album full of great melodies and songwriting. when I stumbled upon it, I thought I was listening to one of the great bands of the 60s. Only then did I find out that it was from Pete Dello who was a part of a bunch of mildly successful projects from the 60s. It's unfortunate that none of these songs broke out, but at least they can live a new life through the interweb
Favorite track: Harry The Earwig.
Sven B. Schreiber (sbs)
If I'm asked which band was my prime introduction into rock music back in the 60's - what answer would you expect? Pink Floyd? Deep Purple? The Nice? Yes? No, none of the above... believe it or not, it was "Honeybus" with "I can't let Maggie go". I came from a classical background, and finding out that the contemporary beat music can be merged with classical chords and baroque counterpoints seemed revolutionary to me. Therefore, Pete Dello, who wrote this stunning little gem, is the biggest hero of my youth. It's interesting that he is one of the few who managed to quit the music business altogether right at the peak of his success. It's interesting as well, that the cover artwork of this album has been painted by Roger Dean, which is sort of a hallmark of excellence.
Favorite track: I'm A Gambler.
Originally issued in 1971 by Nepentha Records—presided over by Kinks/Troggs manager Larry Page—Into Your Ears is the sole full-length offering from Honeybus founder member Pete Dello (assisted by a coterie of close friends).The album is a wonderful, timeless work of incisive, plaintive folk-pop balladry and buoyant, idiosyncratic creations, led along by Dello’s honeyed voice (which eases effortlessly into falsetto) and expertly executed arrangements featuring minor orchestrations.
Into Your Ears represents the zenith of Dello’s songwriting, comprised primarily of tunes written specifically for this project (supplemented by a few tracks intended for Honeybus which were re-cut for the occasion). The songwriting reflects a jovial playfulness, but also feelings of intense lovelorn longing, hope, wistfulness and moments that could serve as a great soundtrack to a break-up (with the brightness of delivery never making them ache with depression).
Everything on Into Your Ears comes from personal life experiences, even if twisted through a unique prism, with the deep emotions, whimsical moments and orchestration that never clutters the arrangements all achieving perfect balance. But, above all, the songs resonate with a pure dedication to “pop” and beckon you to listen in repetition, until they’re at one with your very existence. There’s something present, timeless and at times nearly indescribable about this very special set of songs that can’t be pinpointed by simple equation.
Widely regarded by Honeybus fans, ‘60s-‘70s collectors and anyone who’s happened into its beatific orbit, Into Your Ears is a lost classic deserving of further exposure.
RIYL: Ray Brooks, Duncan Browne, John Cale’s Paris 1919, Ray Davies (The Kinks), Bill Fay, Nick Garrie, the early careers of Ralph McTell and Clifford T. Ward, etc.
Highlights:
•Got Kinda Lost Records continues with their series of under-heard heroes of pop with our seventh label release from Honeybus founder member Pete Dello.
•Recorded in 1971 while carrying a timeless songwriting flair sure to appeal to fans of ‘60s/’70s pop, as well as its modern indie outgrowths.
•Exhaustive liner notes (5,000+ words) culled from interviews with Jeremy Cargill (Ugly Things / Got Kinda Lost), presenting the most thorough examination of Dello’s career to date.
•Original gatefold LP artwork restored, illustrated by Roger Dean (infamous for working with British progressive groups, Vertigo Records, Uriah Heep, Yes, etc.), standing as one of the few non-progressive music projects he’s been involved in during his long career.
I was on a train travelling to Seefeld in Austria and had nothing but the Alps to look over from the windows. This was a perfect compliment to the environment I was in Robert A Johnson
Maybe the best thing David ever did, which makes me extremely sad. A Jews record in all but name, but more direct in its lyricism without losing that indescribable feeling, that beauty and sorrow and lighthearted sarcasm all rolled into one profound set of lyrics that are David Berman. Not to mention the band playing on the record is probably the best Berman ever recorded with. Rest in Peace DCB. jack_thorn16
The experimental spirit permeating this collection of Japanese acid folk foreshadowed the arrivals of city pop, the psych revival, and folktronica. Bandcamp Album of the Day Jan 25, 2024
Celtic-inspired instrumentation, delicate harmonies, and reflective lyrics abound on the sisterly indie-folk duo's debut album. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 26, 2023
A great comp to play when you are zonked. It is winter, but I wish it was fall and I could play this while sitting on my porch and watch the slow sadness of the cars that pass my house. HallandGorcey