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THE FREE DESIGN
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Kites Are Fun
Heaven/Earth
Light In The Attic
The Dedrick kids' first and third, repackaged and augmented.
It says a lot about The Free Design that when the only mildly rocking electric guitar on 1969's Heaven/earth sounds - on their version of Summertime - you flinch like a bomb's gone off. These albums may have been made in the late '60s, but the close harmonising Dedrick siblings were more interested in gently blending pop, jazz, folk, classical and easy listening into a lulling, candy-striped helium balloon of sound than any earthy concern. Both albums skip by with more than a hint of transcendence - Kites Are Fun's My Brother Woody, from 1967, positively shimmers with back-to-childhood sunshine - but like all the sweetest confections, too much of it could put you off your food. Those who are sold on The Association, The 5th Dimension or the entire output of the el label, meanwhile, will be beside themselves with joy. - Ian Harrison
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