23/06/2025
of The Dovers LP on the latest issue of
THE DOVERS -
They're Not Just Anybody (Misty Lane) LP ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Misty Lane's 10-inch Dovers mini-album appeared in 2001, a godsend for collectors who had been desperately searching for elusive originals of the band's four singles.
That album has now been expertly remastered and expanded to twelve inches.
The four singles are all we're likely to ever get, but if you missed the 10-inch version, this is the one to spring for. It reprises Mike Marke-sich's definitive liner notes from the 2001 release, since nothing new has turned up to add to the Dovers' story. Sadly, lead singer Tim Granada remains MIA, which means that Mike's superb essay contains all we know about their history.
At the risk of preaching to the choir, I contend that this is as good as mid-sixties music gets. Call it garage, teen beat, or folk-rock, each track is a polished jewel with harmonies soaring and guitars jangling in all the right places. In Granada the band had an expressive, emotional singer who oozed passion and vulnerability. "I Could Be Happy" remains a personal fave, an unutterably sad lament about lost love and regret. "The Third Eye" ventures into raga-rock territory, with terrific ensemble playing. Most regard "She's Not Just Anybody" as their best.
It's brilliant-just listen to what the rhythm section blasts out during the bridge. I actually like the flip just as much-"About Me" is sublime in the extreme, with a heartfelt yet defiant vocal and those perfectly integrated guitar harmonics.
Despite its ultra-short 18-minute plus length, They're Not Just Anybody packs a punch like no other record you're likely to hear in this or any other year. Did I mention that this is as good as it gets? (Dave Gnerre)
