The Free Design - Heaven/Earth. 1969 USA-New York

Heaven/Earth is the 3rd album from the Dedrick clan of western New York. The opening two tracks pack a wallop, and are arguably two of the best songs in their entire canon. 'My Very Own Angel', for me at least, is the most beautiful song they ever wrote. It really taps into a core childhood raw nerve that is incredibly powerful. This is followed by the energetic 'Now is the Time', one of the rare times you might think of The Free Design as a rock band. Too bad they didn't do more of that. From here it's the usual mix of covers and original material, the latter always more welcome. Having just spoke about Stereolab, you can really hear them lifting 'Where Do I Go' for any one of their albums. A brilliant album, their second best only topped by the stunning Kites are Fun.

Ownership: LP: 1969 Project 3. Acquired this online in 2012 to supplement the CD. Comes in what one reviewer hilarious calls a "bulletproof gatefold jacket". That is for sure!

CD: 2003 Light in the Attic. This was my introduction to the album. Fantastic reissue with full historical liners, the rare promo only Ellen Dedrick 45 - and The Free Design's contributions for Tony Mattola's Warm, Wild, & Wonderful album.

10//09; 5//11; 6/19/22 (new entry)

The Free Design - Kites are Fun. 1967 USA-New York

I absolutely adore soft pop like this (with psych harmonies and overtones). This contains an unbelievable innocence that is hard to recreate when you're damaged goods. This is the real thing! They're singing about kites for crying out loud! And wait until you hear the tune they crafted about their 8 year old brother Woody, playing football, climbing trees, and his sundry goofs. If the sun isn't shining in your room after listening to this album, it's time to exorcise your death metal collection.

Ownership: LP: 1967 Project 3. Wonderful thick colorful gatefold, typical of the label. Online acquisition (2009)

CD: 2003 Light in the Attic. Chockful of liner notes, vintage photos, and two bonus tracks. This was my introduction to the album (2005).

12//05; 2009; 9/25/21 (new entry)