The Beau Brummels

The search for great lost pop masterpieces can lead to bins of discarded discs and vinyl, but on occasion the search hits paydirt. Rhino Handmade’s deluxe two-CD re-issue of the 1968 Beau Brummels album, Bradley’s Barn, is just such an occasion. This quiet, deeply felt 1968 album was lost in the shuffle during its riotous year of release, and the Brummels, reduced to their two leaders, Sal Valentino and Ron Elliot, disbanded not long after. But what a fine album they made before calling it quits. Rhino Handmade has expanded the release with additional tracks laid down during Barn’s recording sessions, including memorable covers of Dylan and the Band. The production by legendary producer Lenny Waronker, in conjunction with the 2011 remastering, brings out every nuance of the music here. A vintage 1968 KMPX-FM radio interview with the Brummels is also included, and takes the listener back to those heady days when nothing but the music seemed to matter. This music may have been lost then, but it’s found now. The limited edition release is available online at Rhino Handmade.