Surf Rider (unreleased track) (2:40)
Tobago (45 Rpm single version) (2:22)
The Wanderer (alternate version) (1:24)
The Crew-cuts - "Song Of The Fool" (2:37)
The Mt Hoyoke V8s - "Hey Jacque" (2:18)
Herb Jeffries - "The Shepherd" (3:12)
Jack Powers - "End Of Desire" (2:53)
Annita Ray & The Nature Boys - "Frankie's Song" (2:27)
Don Carson & The Casuals - "Jungle Bungalow" (2:30)
Bob Romeo & His Jungle Secret - "Sahara" (2:35)
Don Carson & The Casuals - "Yes Master!" (1:58)
Marti Barris - "Ahbe Casabe" (2:44)
Gene Chandler - "Lonely Island" (1:45)
Biggie Mcfadden - "Big Rock Steam Roller" (2:19)
The Big Square From Nowhere (3:13)
Robie Lester - "Green Flamingo" (2:40)
John Harris - "Monterey" (alternate version) (2:44)
Review: Eden Ahbez was a the prototypical hippie in California, writing songs and recording through the 40s to the 60s and penning Nat King Cole's hit single 'Nature Boy' amongst others. This album, his definitive 1960 opus, is a unique curio which touches on jazz, spirituality and much more besides, but ultimately sounds utterly unique, much like Ahbez himself was. There's a romantic lilt to his playing, a little sadness but also much innocence and joy in these songs. If they don't stir up the inner nature child in you, you must have a heart of concrete. Alongside the standard Epsilon reissue of the album is this stunning, wood-cover edition which gives the album a special kind of prominence, not to mention tapping into the earthly magic of Ahbez's music.
… Read more