Cowsills, The - The Cowsills + Bonus (CD)

Original released 1969
Re-issue 2009 Now Sounds
+ Bonus

Featuring The Rain, The Park, And Other Things, this really isn't half-bad mainstream late-'60s pop, with a heavy Mamas & The Papas fixation. It's not nearly as good as The Mamas & The Papas, of course, and doesn't stand up to in-depth listening.The CD reissue adds bonus tracks of their themes for the movie The Impossible Years and the TV series Love American Style. ~ Richie Unterberger

Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1967 album including eight bonus tracks. The Cowsills possessed one of the most pleasing vocal blends in all of popular music. In addition, they created-without proper credit-the blueprint for countless other singing family bands, including, the TV-created Partridge Family, who were actually based on The Cowsills. Released in 1967, The Cowsills' self-titled eponymous album was the perfect long-playing launch pad, blending Soft Pop buoyancy with Psych Pop excursions and Sunshine Pop sensibilities. The thread that tied these elements together was their undeniable vocal dexterity. This first-ever legitimate CD issue of this album from the original mono master includes the Top 10 hit 'The Rain, The Park And Other Things.' Also included are eight bonus tracks, including all the material that comprised The Cowsills Plus The Lincoln Park Zoo album. The full-colour booklet also includes rare, unpublished photos and extensive liner notes that feature the participation of original band members.Record Collector (magazine) (p.82) - 3 stars out of 5 -- 'La Rue Du Soleil' is a gentle continental stroll....'I'm The One You Need' proves that a mix of soul and sunshine could work.