The Fallen Angels “The Fallen Angels”
The Fallen Angels were Washington D.C.’s greatest contribution to 60s rock. They only released 2 LPs and several singles but their reputation as the area’s best act transcends this limited output.
While It’s A Long Way Down is their best offering, their first Roulette album, The Fallen Angels (1967/1968-) is packed with great songs and tight performances. Admittedly, there are a few weaker jugband-type tracks (just two) but one can’t deny the sublime psychedelic power of rocker “Room At The Top,” the moody “Love Dont Talk To Strangers,” and trippier cuts like “Introspective Looking Glass.” The group could lay down a groove with the best of them but on LP they favor songcraft over noodling. Jack Bryant’s moody vocals and the album’s interesting production tricks catch the ear first but the group’s energetic drive, personal lyrics and catchy melodies will win you over in the end. Personal favorites are the sweeping psychedelic folk-rocker “Most Children Do” and a great acid pop floater with distorted vocals titled “Painted Bird.” The first of these, “Most Children Do” is really a fabulous mellow folk cut that’s spruced up with horns and sitar. Harder cuts “You Have Changed” and “I’ve Been Thinking” lean toward the garage psych end of the spectrum but are no less essential. Also, check out the bizarre Mothers of Invention influenced “Your Friends Here In Dundersville.”
While not an all-time classic on par with It’s A Long Way Down (nor is it as moody or intense as this title), The Fallen Angels is still a good album by a psychedelic group whose music has held up quite well – they were one of America’s best unknown psych rock groups. Try to look for the vinyl reissues as the Collectables cds are marred by poor sound quality.
“Most Children Do”
Original Vinyl | 1967 | Roullette | search ebay ]
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“most children do” is the dreamiest thing. on repeat all day.
i don’t know what i’d do without this blog
“Washington D.C.’s greatest contribution to 60s rock” would be a tossup between the Fallen Angels and the Hangmen. Check out “What A Girl Can’t Do.” Coulda been a contender.
Hi! I’ve been reading this fantastic blog for quite a long time now, as I’m passionned of 60’s music. Well, hearing the two songs you put here was a total revelation for me. What a great and moody music from the Fallen Angels. I’ve ordered this at once! All the best for you, don’t stop sharing the music you love with us!
By the way, I’m from Switzerland… then excuse my poor english!
Jason, I have to tell you how much I’m digging this one. I got it a few days after your post and I’ve been playing it pretty much since then. Reminds me of a Donovan/Velvet Underground mash-up. Great write up as well.
Frank glad to hear. I always wondered why the Fallen Angels never really got the respect they deserved – no articles in fanzines or magazines (Mojo & Record Collector), half ass reissues – hard to find vinyl reissues and The Collectable cds are all we have….they are a much better group than many other American/British psych groups who have had their albums reissued many times over – example – how many reissues do we need of Andwellas Dream Love and Poetry cd – it’s average…..
I’ve been trying to secure licensing for the two Fallen Angels LP for the Tune In label, I’d love to be able to do these recordings the justice they really deserve. Collectables have a live Fallen Angels Cd out now, plus they have a collection of previously unheard recordings due out at some future time.
Would love to find Ned Davis, he was in the group for a while. He is my sons Godfathet and we lost contact when he moved to fla.
This is a far stretch and may be the oddest question you’ve ever been asked. My ,come to find birth mother dated a co-manager of your band back in, I’m guessing 1967ish. Don’t have a name of the co-manager but would love to find out. I’m trying to find my birth father and I was wondering if there was a shot he could be . My birth mothers name was Lynn. Could his name have been Trainor or Trainer ? I’m 47 years old and was born in Annapolis Md. Any info of any sort would be great.