“The Drifter” taken from the LP | Harpers Bizarre – ’The Secret Life Of’ (Warner Bros WS 1739) September 1968
Harpers Bizarre | “The Secret Life Of” | (Warner Bros) 1968 | Long before trips meant more, much more, than four and one-half hours from coast to coast and an inflight movie, a gentle writer by the name of James Thurber invented Walter Mitty, a bushy-eyed, bright-tailed chameleon who found the secret life of his dream world a hell of a lot more exciting than the Route 4 bus, a nine-to-five job, and a chicken pot pie at every Horn and Hardart.
Like Walter Mitty, all of us have secret lives. Cities to conquer. Mountains to climb. Lovers to love. Our private cloud-lined, star-dusted stairways to some kind of paradise.
At least Harpers Bizarre think so. Because that’s what this album is all about. The secret lives of Dick Yount, John Peterson, Ted Templeman, and Dick Scoppettone.
In the Sturm und Drang of everyday existence, almost anything can trigger our escape. An old song. A faded photograph. That chick down the street who looks like someone from back home. For Harpers Bizarre, even a phrase of “Feelin’ Groovy.”
So on your mark, get set, open your escape hatch, and “Follow the fellow who follows the dream . . . “
Harpers Bizarre, who seem to be in the vanguard of many of the “progressive” moments, step out again with an inventive “concept” album. Using action songs, the group weaves a tale of daydreams and nostalgia portraying their secret desires.
As usual, their work is suitable for exposure on both rock and easy listening formats and has a wide appeal. Songs on the set include “Battle Of New Orleans,” “Sentimental Journey,” and “I’ll Build A Staircase To Paradise.” (Cash Box, Sept 1968)
Harpers Bizarre continues to surprise with each outing, as they remain forever fresh and creative. They open the program with a beautiful, but brief, “Look To The Rainbow” and then go on to create four musical vignettes, encompassing such gems as “Battle Of New Orleans,” “Sentimental Journey,” and “I’ll Build A Stairway To Paradise.”
A programming must for all formats, and loaded with sales appeal. (Billboard, Sept 1968)
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