I'm in my early 20s and I'm so glad I discovered this band several months ago. Their harmonies are breathtakingly beautiful and their arrangements are fantastic. "Windy" and "Never My Love" are perfect pop songs.
@@docsavage8640 If we're focusing on vocal groups from the 60s. 5th Dimension, Grassroots, Raiders, Union Gap and arguably Beach Boys etc. What made Association unique was they sang and played their own instruments live at the same time. Perhaps the only other band that did that was Karen Carpenter.
It's all perception. I grew up hearing them first run on pop radio. Their music helped shape my musical ear. Wurlitzer 200A, Wurlitzer 7300 combo organ, 12 Strings, acoustics, electrics, These guy's had major arranging and writing skills. I was fortunate enough to have seen them in the late 1970s at the Club Casino Hampton Beach NH. Literally feet from the group. On a hit of acid of course.
Wow!!! THE ASSOCIATION 6 Man Band! I grew up listening to their All of their albums!!! Since 16 years old, now at 70 years old The Association I still listen, cause brings good memories!
I was fortunate to see them in 68-69 in Spokane Washington. I took my wife to be, the concert was outside at whitworth college. Then 30+ years ago they played at the Spokane County Fair. They still had the great sound.
Brian got my friends and family and I, in to many many concerts from 1969 to 1972. My heart is still broken at the loss of Brian. The Association is the most talented band of my life time. ❤
When I heard Brian's lead vocal on "Little Road and a Stone to Roll" from Waterbeds in Trinidad I became baffled as to why he didn't sing more leads. Such effective interpretation and emotion in his delivery. Sad he died so young, especially with young children.
I recently went through the albums of The Association. I find them to be one of the best bands when it comes to harmonies. Never my Love is one of my favorite songs all time. My favorite album was Renaissance. It’s the first time I discovered the song No Fair at All and I love that song now. I’m so happy you are covering them. I’m a big fan of the 60’S folk rock scene like The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and Lovin Spoonful.
Yes, thank you. The Association’s harmonies are so good and with all those singers, they are hard to beat. There are 4 parts to my Association series and those will released soon. The Byrds, Spoonful, and plenty more are on my radar.
What I love about the Association is the intricacy of the vocal harmonies. They weave in and out of each other, creating interesting melodic intervals. I'm curious of the chords created by these vocal intervals, whether they're just straight up majors, major 7ths, 9ths, etc. I love the Association.
@@williamblair9597 I understand that Terry Kirkman’s mother played the organ in their family’s church when he was growing up in Kansas. This led to Mr. Kirkman’s interest in music and the rest is musical history.
So glad I happened upon this! I had the pleasure of meeting The Association after a concert in Providence. R. I. In 1967 at a Coffee shop . It was the first big concert I had been to and meeting them by chance was a dream come true!! Cherish is my favorite song.
One of them picked me up thumbing on the big island in the 90s..he asked me if I've heard of the association..I can't recall which guy it was..on Kona side.. Southbound.
As a 6 yr old hearing my folks Radio in late 60s England I didn’t know them from Harpers Bazaar although I only had Windy and Feeling Groovy with which to be confused with ! It was one of the thrills of YT to be able to hear these gorgeous optimistic sounds once again for the first time since my early years because the average daytime british radio seemed to ignore all but the biggest sellers of that period. Thanks for the education 👍❤️ps their version of Anything Goes was another of those tunes !
Those two first albums of theirs were beyond classic, in my opinion. I saw them in concert during those years and they were incredible. They opened their show with a comedy routine called "The Machine", as they demonstrated their instruments, which was amazing. I appreciate them more and more as time goes by. My wife still claims "No Fair at All" was our song. Ha! Well maybe :)) Thanks so much for this!
For anyone who really wants to know the complete background of this amazing group. Read the book, "The Association Cherish" by Malcolm Searles. It's 400 pages.
grossly underrated group. their song "pandora's golden heebie jeebies" is one my all-time favs. just a strange, creepy folk-esque song with world music flourishes on top.
Recently I became a fan. Hearing them on the radio, I figured that they were one of those overly produced studio "bubble gum" bands of the day. Thanks to youtube I found that they were preforming the wall of sound with their vocals. Their live performances must have been awesome!
I can't tell you how much I appreciated this series on The Association. I love music history and honestly didn't know anything about the history of their band. After watching your series, I have listened to and watched every video I could find of them and really appreciate their music so much more now. Thanks!
I was about 14 in 1967, and the first boy-girl party was at one our group of friends house. It was kind of the first time some of us had the junior high school boy-girl “crushes”. Remember dancing to The Association songs. So whenever I hear those songs, makes me think of that. Amazingly I’m still friends with many of those same people. Next year we’ll have our 50th high school reunion.
I've just discovered your channel, and am so glad you're doing these presentations on the music history of the 1960s era. I find myself listening more and more on Spotify to bands from that era, such as the Left Banke, the Guess Who, Spanky, the Association, Moody Blues, etc. etc. etc. Go man, go!
First off, thanks for even making a video about The Association. They are a very unsung group. Thanks for doing all of the research. I consider myself a big fan, have all their albums, but I didn't know much about them. Certainly the info about their producers was a revelation. So this video is terrific.
Excellent job. The best thing I ever heard about the Association was “too square for the hip, too hip for the square.” That’s the kind of trap they fell into. But they had a great sound, and I really liked them.
I loved the Association! I listen to their Greatest Hits but now I'll get some of their other albums(CD"s) and probably find a few songs that I never heard before.
I have everything they made and I love it all , everyone contributed a major part to the sound, If Terry had only written 2 songs, Cherish and Everything... he would still be considered a genius. I never get tired of them
the song Cherish has always been my favorite song because someone in the band is actually playing the door bell. Back in the 60's I lived in a home that had that same doorbell and whenever someone rang it, I would hum the Cherish tune...ding dong....ding dong....
ASSOCIATION LIVE 1970 in SALT LAKE CITY. APRIL 3 at the University.... 1970 2 disk album. The best ever live performance, of anyone !! up there with the BEST OF THE BEST.....
"Cherish" may be the only song that can stand next to "God Only Knows." "Everything That Touches You" comes close to being in that class as well. Such a classy sound. I have so many of their singles, which I purchased as they were released. They got attention in their time, but seem to have been forgotten these days. Thanks for bringing back such wonderful memories.
One of my favourite bands , beautiful harmonies , simple beautiful organic acoustic instrumentation , chill vibes and the band itself seemed really down to earth and friendly
I lived on the Big Island(Hawaii island) in the80s-90s, where by chance I met the Yester brothers at a local coffee shop. I didnt know much about the Association but we talked about music and that I was an aspiring song writer. I was invited by Jim to record one of my tunes at his home studio. Another interesting person I met was Adrian Barber. He also lived in Hawaii. I picked him.up hitchhiking. His story blew my mind. Hes from.Liverpool, built amps for the Beatles, had his own group but made his mark as an engineer working with Led Zep, Cream, Allman bros and many others.
Thanks! Matt. I was in LA in the early 60's and listened to the British Invasion ..... the Beach bands .... and the Folk Artists. You did a fantastic job during this 4-part series telling The ASSOCIATION story ..... that maybe even most ardent fans are not aware of. Thanks for the in-depth research. Thoroughly enjoyed. The ASSOCATION played the whimsical and romantic soundtrack of my high school years from 1967 to '71.
The mix of great music was taken for granted in my youth, from folk and pop like this vocal group to rock bands Cream, Stepping Wolf, Hendrix. The harmonies were as good as you can get. Check out Wes Montgomery’s guitar 🎸 version of Windy. I love his arraignment of the melody in octaves. I learned a lot from his vision.
I remember the Association on the radio 1969/70. I’m talking my 6th and 7th grade time. Beautiful songs but the scene was changing. This being the SF Bay Area where my family lived
I was born mid seventies. 60’s POP is unbelievably relevant to me. My early tv and radio still had the pieces left over from that era, are HUGELY important. Great videos and research!
The insertion of the relevant video clips and historic photos really make these band histories fun to watch. Of course, without the well researched histories (I trust) it would all be for nought. Great work!
Thank you for your appreciation and assessment of this overlooked band. You hit the nail on the head. Looking forward to watching part 2. I love what you do. Cheers.
What a great group they were. When I was growing up, they were already an oldies group. My memory of hearing Cherish was at a White Castle of all places. Great song! Along Comes Mary is another great song and Windy.
I went to see them at the Chicago Theater my best friends dad was a employee and we were going to be backstage . That didn’t happen but we did get good seats and they were great !
Thanks, Matt. The Association aren't usually considered a progressive band, but they were actually a huge influence on early Yes. And not just with the multi-part vocals. There was an element of adventure to their songs that isn't fully appreciated.
Thank you, very much! For me, The Association is one of the best bands of the sixties. Beside to have their albuns until 1969, with wonderful songs like "Everything that touches you"; "Toy maker"; "Come on in"; "Windy"; "Cherish" and others; only with your videos was posible for me to know their history.
Wow! I never knew they were recognized by Brian Wilson. That must have been quite a thrill to be acknowledged by Brian Wilson--the master of all creative harmonies.
I remember being at a middle school dance (you know...where the girls dance with each other and the boys just stand on the sidelines), and the live band played "Never My Love". It was the late 60's and I remember being knocked out by how good the song was. They said it was by The Association and the next day I took some empty pop bottles down to the grocery store to get refund/money and then bought their "best of" album. I loved it. Still do.
One of my favorite lyrics ever? I took off my watch, found I had all the time in the world: Ah, Renaissance. Pandora’s Go,den Heebie Jeebies. Love that song.
1962?! Man i wasn't born yet, but really appreciate the association - I've studied music 🎶 my whole life and played guitar over 50 years. The association we're the true mix of folk and 60s rock a solid sound like no other
Love that you released a three part Association documentary! First album, got to say the most psychedelic song (for another of your lists) is "Message of Our Love." (''They need the mess-age!') "Cherish" is fascinating: How could it be a hit? So many key modulations and different sections. And very subtle unlike "Good Vibrations" or "Bohemian Rhapsody." The RENAISSANCE album is not very strong. I'm glad you highlighted the two best tracks (and among the two best Association songs): "Memories of You" and "All Is Mine." Secretly, however, I do find "Angeline" rather amusing.
I had the honor of playing drums and background vocals with Jim Yester a few years ago. We were called Jim Yester and The YesterDaze. We're on RUclips. He's a very fine gentleman, down to earth.
Their first album cover looks like their name is the ASSOGIATION. In the mid 60's Leonard Bernstein was asked about modern pop music and he said (paraphrased) "Pop music of today is a mess. The only groups putting out anything good are the Beatles and the Association." He also said that the Beatles were our age’s Schubert. Having Leonard Bernstein place the Association along with the Beatles, especially under this description, is high praise.
I have indeed read your book Mr. Searles! I found it incredibly detailed and very thorough. Loved it. Please forgive me for not mentioning the book at the end of Part 4 - I completely forgot. Part of my channel will be dedicated to book reviews like yours so _Cherish_ is on my radar. I'd love to ask you a few questions by email if that's acceptable.
I appreciate your two part history of the Association. I have often wondered what happened to them after having 4 monster hits like - Along Comes Mary, Cherish, Never My Love and Windy. We also had the "live" album at some point. They were somewhat of a mystery - until your video. THANKS!
I know their music well. Cherish was my girlfriend and my song at the time and I saw them in concert at the U. of Md and they were a great concert band!
That song, with Jim Yester singing lead, is on the group’s live album from their concert at that University of Idaho in 1970. It is a great example of The Association’s consummate vocal talent.
Those session musicians were the great Wrecking Crew which played on thousands of LPs ranging from Frank Sinatra to The Association, Mamas & Papas, Beach Boys (especially "Pet Sounds"), Sonny & Cher, and so many more. See the documentary "The Wrecking Crew" for an incredibly good time. It is streaming on a major service.
“Cherish” was released in 1966. I started playing drums in fifth grade, Same year. Played around with my grandfathers Guitar off and on. I bought an acoustic guitar in 1972, my freshman year in college. The first song I learned from start to finish was “Cherish”. I really have no idea why I picked that song. Of course, stairway to Heaven was the second song I learned.
I was a member of The Association's road crew between 1967 and 1969. The story I always heard about the acquisition of 'Along Comes Mary' is that Jim Yester sang lead on Tanden Almer's demo. Jules could have played on the session as well, I just never heard about it.
So Zappa was in a band which featured (if I have this right) Terry Kirkman, himself, and Jackson Pollock's son? Wish they made a record, I would have loved that.
I had their first album and loved it. I remember reading on the back that one of the members had enough college credits to graduate a couple times over. I wonder if he ever graduated.
This is one of the few documentaries, if you will, on this band. It's really great to hear this information. Thank you for the thorough and detailed information on how the band evolved. I often wonder why they weren't as recognized by the beatles. I think their songwriting is equal to the beatles, they're harmonies, their performances. Obviously these were guys that were very serious about creating and performing their own work.
The Men sounds like another type of The wrecking Crew! I grew up in the 60's and loved the Association, The Young rascals, The hollies, The Byrds and of course The Beatles!! Such a musically rich time and probably never to be repeated! I'm a new subscriber and def a fan! Great job on your vids man!!
Love the Assocation and Love your presentation of them though ,for now,Ive only sat thru part 1. More tomorrow. I came here coz I wanted to see the REAL original Band and all its Members. BY the way I Love your 70's hair do/cut and you have a great voice for presentations but then again you knew this. Dug the vibes,sincerity, knowledge and again the presentation here, thank you kindly !! I was a kid that grew up in the 60's,I remember hearing the Associtions as such back then too. OH and I thought the Frank Zappa connection early on was cool too. the Association's vocal harmonies are so beautiful clean and pure! Love it. Music is the Light and healing too. Peace, Love and darn Good Music !!
Few groups absolutely define an era in your mind like The Association. You just don't hear that kind of music anymore. In fact, there's a scene in Midnight Cowboy where they are playing the radio and an Associationish "Sunshine Pop" song comes on and your like 'yeah this was made in the late 60s"... the one thing I never understood is how The Association made money with so many members
At some point when you get a chance I'd like to get your opinion of dancing bear by The Mamas & Papas... The only reason I ask is it's so different from all the other stuff and I really like it
A friend told me about your channel today. I plan to watch all of your videos! The Association bring back such nostalgia for me! I bought their first 5 albums at the time they came out - I was 13 or 14. I loved all of those albums and played them over and over. I still have those vinyl records, but they are not in good shape. I saw them in concert in 1967 or 1968. In 2002 , I was happy to see that they released a 51 song anthology CD. Just 2 months ago, I bought their first 5 albums in one of those classic album sets - really a great deal. 5 albums for around $18.00. I have never seen anything about them on RUclips. I enjoyed this first video and will be watching the rest of this series today. They had such beautiful harmonies!
I was fortunate to see them in concert twice. First I saw them with my girlfriend (now wife of almost 51 years). The concert was at Whitworth college. Years later we saw them at the SpokaneFair. Great sound and great group.
" No Fair At All " is MY personal favorite by the group. In Denver, it made it to the Top 20-----i believe, around #17 or so, but no higher, & I never understood why; it is gorgeous. -------------MJL
![The Association • “One Too Many Mornings/Everything That Touches You” • LIVE 1968 [RITY Archive]](/img/1.gif)
Never My Love, was the best Make Out song ever! Always loved these Guys, So Talented!
I jus want "Cherish" and "" Never my Love" over and over again!
I'm in my early 20s and I'm so glad I discovered this band several months ago. Their harmonies are breathtakingly beautiful and their arrangements are fantastic. "Windy" and "Never My Love" are perfect pop songs.
I'm in the same boat my favourite from them is "No Fair At All".
Wow I'm in my early 70's and lived it! Sucks growing old
What made the Association so unusual perhaps, was unlike other LA bands, they could really play live and they were very good.
Ridiculous comment given other L.A. bands could and did play well. But the Association pulling off those harmonies live is still a hell of a feat.
@@docsavage8640 If we're focusing on vocal groups from the 60s. 5th Dimension, Grassroots, Raiders, Union Gap and arguably Beach Boys etc. What made Association unique was they sang and played their own instruments live at the same time. Perhaps the only other band that did that was Karen Carpenter.
Versatile and their Melodies. Melodies count for more than the words for me.
I have always loved the Association. Brings back beautiful memories from my middle school days when life was not complicated.
I was a baby boy who slept on the floor of my daddy's 58 Oldsmobile and hearing Wendy, and the other hits. Thank you so much!!
It's all perception.
I grew up hearing them first run on pop radio.
Their music helped shape my musical ear.
Wurlitzer 200A, Wurlitzer 7300 combo organ, 12 Strings, acoustics, electrics,
These guy's had major arranging and writing skills.
I was fortunate enough to have seen them in the late 1970s at the Club Casino Hampton Beach NH.
Literally feet from the group.
On a hit of acid of course.
Wow!!! THE ASSOCIATION 6 Man Band! I grew up listening to their All of their albums!!! Since 16 years old, now at 70 years old The Association I still listen, cause brings good memories!
I’m having a new appreciation for this fantastic group. I was too young when they were around.
I was fortunate to see them in 68-69 in Spokane Washington. I took my wife to be, the concert was outside at whitworth college. Then 30+ years ago they played at the Spokane County Fair. They still had the great sound.
Brian got my friends and family and I, in to many many concerts from 1969 to 1972. My heart is still broken at the loss of Brian. The Association is the most talented band of my life time. ❤
When I heard Brian's lead vocal on "Little Road and a Stone to Roll" from Waterbeds in Trinidad I became baffled as to why he didn't sing more leads. Such effective interpretation and emotion in his delivery. Sad he died so young, especially with young children.
@@docsavage8640he was a great friend to me and his death broke many many hearts
@@monicalillich8503 including their's...(the band).
I recently went through the albums of The Association. I find them to be one of the best bands when it comes to harmonies. Never my Love is one of my favorite songs all time. My favorite album was Renaissance. It’s the first time I discovered the song No Fair at All and I love that song now. I’m so happy you are covering them. I’m a big fan of the 60’S folk rock scene like The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and Lovin Spoonful.
Yes, thank you. The Association’s harmonies are so good and with all those singers, they are hard to beat. There are 4 parts to my Association series and those will released soon. The Byrds, Spoonful, and plenty more are on my radar.
Sagittarius…..”MyWorld Fell Down (single version especially)”…Did Brian W. Work with them?
@@h.markhorton8188 My World Fell Down = Bruce Johnston + Glenn Campbell on vocals
I will be watching every, any and all “ pop go the sixties “ without fail “
What I love about the Association is the intricacy of the vocal harmonies. They weave in and out of each other, creating interesting melodic intervals. I'm curious of the chords created by these vocal intervals, whether they're just straight up majors, major 7ths, 9ths, etc.
I love the Association.
I suspect a few of these boys had some "Sunday go to Meeting" choir experience.
@@williamblair9597
I understand that Terry Kirkman’s mother played the organ in their family’s church when he was growing up in Kansas. This led to Mr. Kirkman’s interest in music and the rest is musical history.
So glad I happened upon this! I had the pleasure of meeting The Association after a concert in Providence. R. I. In 1967 at a Coffee shop . It was the first big concert I had been to and meeting them by chance was a dream come true!! Cherish is my favorite song.
What a great story! They were my first concert too but in 1983. Thanks for the comment!
One of them picked me up thumbing on the big island in the 90s..he asked me if I've heard of the association..I can't recall which guy it was..on Kona side.. Southbound.
@@foresttemple1380 it was probably Larry Ramos, Jr. he lived/grew up there...great guy.
As a 6 yr old hearing my folks Radio in late 60s England I didn’t know them from Harpers Bazaar although I only had Windy and Feeling Groovy with which to be confused with ! It was one of the thrills of YT to be able to hear these gorgeous optimistic sounds once again for the first time since my early years because the average daytime british radio seemed to ignore all but the biggest sellers of that period. Thanks for the education 👍❤️ps their version of Anything Goes was another of those tunes !
The Wrecking Crew had a lot to do the tightness of the first album.
…and the 3rd (Insight Out) and 4th (Birthday) as well.
I was going to guess that
My favorite bassist...Carol Kaye!
Those two first albums of theirs were beyond classic, in my opinion. I saw them in concert during those years and they were incredible. They opened their show with a comedy routine called "The Machine", as they demonstrated their instruments, which was amazing. I appreciate them more and more as time goes by. My wife still claims "No Fair at All" was our song. Ha! Well maybe :)) Thanks so much for this!
I'd ask my mother to play their Greatest Hits on vinyl in the 70s. I'm middle aged now and I've been listening to them ever since.
They were great! Love the association. The harmonies were impeccable.
For anyone who really wants to know the complete background of this amazing group. Read the book, "The Association Cherish" by Malcolm Searles. It's 400 pages.
Good to know. Will have to read it.
Do they talk about Bob Page at all in that book?
grossly underrated group. their song "pandora's golden heebie jeebies" is one my all-time favs. just a strange, creepy folk-esque song with world music flourishes on top.
When I hear bands like the association the Dave Clark Five it brings back memories when I was very young in the early 60s
I can't believe they didn't think much of "Cherish" at first! I loved it from the first time.
Recently I became a fan. Hearing them on the radio, I figured that they were one of those overly produced studio "bubble gum" bands of the day. Thanks to youtube I found that they were preforming the wall of sound with their vocals. Their live performances must have been awesome!
yes. they were.
Great video. Love the Association. Never My Love is one of the greatest recordings of the era. Unforgettable. Such a shame about Brian. So young.
I can't tell you how much I appreciated this series on The Association. I love music history and honestly didn't know anything about the history of their band. After watching your series, I have listened to and watched every video I could find of them and really appreciate their music so much more now. Thanks!
I'm glad you liked it! I had a great time making them.
I was about 14 in 1967, and the first boy-girl party was at one our group of friends house. It was kind of the first time some of us had the junior high school boy-girl “crushes”. Remember dancing to The Association songs.
So whenever I hear those songs, makes me think of that.
Amazingly I’m still friends with many of those same people. Next year we’ll have our 50th high school reunion.
I've just discovered your channel, and am so glad you're doing these presentations on the music history of the 1960s era. I find myself listening more and more on Spotify to bands from that era, such as the Left Banke, the Guess Who, Spanky, the Association, Moody Blues, etc. etc. etc. Go man, go!
One of my all time favorites!!!! I have listen to at least one of their songs everyday for over 30 years!!!! Thank you for this video!
First off, thanks for even making a video about The Association. They are a very unsung group.
Thanks for doing all of the research. I consider myself a big fan, have all their albums, but I didn't know much about them. Certainly the info about their producers was a revelation. So this video is terrific.
Love this group
Great video! I’ve been watching The Association videos on RUclips and recently bought a couple of their albums.
Excellent job. The best thing I ever heard about the Association was “too square for the hip, too hip for the square.” That’s the kind of trap they fell into. But they had a great sound, and I really liked them.
I loved the Association! I listen to their Greatest Hits but now I'll get some of their other albums(CD"s) and probably find a few songs that I never heard before.
I like the Association, because of their vocal harmonies, and the happy music they made. Cheers!
I still love them
The talent pool back in the sixties was incredible and school bands/music classes were so important in that 👏 "it's all over now baby blue"
Some really incredible songs and a great part of the 60s
I have everything they made and I love it all , everyone contributed a major part to the sound, If Terry had only written 2 songs, Cherish and Everything... he would still be considered a genius. I never get tired of them
the song Cherish has always been my favorite song because someone in the band is actually playing the door bell. Back in the 60's I lived in a home that had that same doorbell and whenever someone rang it, I would hum the Cherish tune...ding dong....ding dong....
ASSOCIATION LIVE 1970 in SALT LAKE CITY. APRIL 3 at the University.... 1970 2 disk album. The best ever live performance, of anyone !! up there with the BEST OF THE BEST.....
Wow! I had no idea how many big names would show up in this band's history. Zappa, interesting.. Keep the videos up. Good stuff
Thank you! More to come.
"Cherish" may be the only song that can stand next to "God Only Knows." "Everything That Touches You" comes close to being in that class as well. Such a classy sound. I have so many of their singles, which I purchased as they were released. They got attention in their time, but seem to have been forgotten these days. Thanks for bringing back such wonderful memories.
They are the best band of their type!!! Ever...every lp a dandy!!!great job
One of my favourite bands , beautiful harmonies , simple beautiful organic acoustic instrumentation , chill vibes and the band itself seemed really down to earth and friendly
I lived on the Big Island(Hawaii island) in the80s-90s, where by chance I met the Yester brothers at a local coffee shop. I didnt know much about the Association but we talked about music and that I was an aspiring song writer. I was invited by Jim to record one of my tunes at his home studio. Another interesting person I met was Adrian Barber. He also lived in Hawaii. I picked him.up hitchhiking. His story blew my mind. Hes from.Liverpool, built amps for the Beatles, had his own group but made his mark as an engineer working with Led Zep, Cream, Allman bros and many others.
Thanks! Matt. I was in LA in the early 60's and listened to the British Invasion ..... the Beach bands .... and the Folk Artists. You did a fantastic job during this 4-part series telling The ASSOCIATION story ..... that maybe even most ardent fans are not aware of. Thanks for the in-depth research. Thoroughly enjoyed. The ASSOCATION played the whimsical and romantic soundtrack of my high school years from 1967 to '71.
I appreciate the warm comment Dan - thank you!
"Everyone knows it's WINDY! I'm learning the "Windy" bass line, now! LOL! I may buy a Recorder just to play it for this song.
The mix of great music was taken for granted in my youth, from folk and pop like this vocal group to rock bands Cream, Stepping Wolf, Hendrix. The harmonies were as good as you can get. Check out Wes Montgomery’s guitar 🎸 version of Windy. I love his arraignment of the melody in octaves. I learned a lot from his vision.
Classical Gas - wow I loved that 😍 song!
I remember the Association on the radio 1969/70. I’m talking my 6th and 7th grade time. Beautiful songs but the scene was changing. This being the SF Bay Area where my family lived
I was born mid seventies. 60’s POP is unbelievably relevant to me. My early tv and radio still had the pieces left over from that era, are HUGELY important. Great videos and research!
Thank you, Michael!
The insertion of the relevant video clips and historic photos really make these band histories fun to watch. Of course, without the well researched histories (I trust) it would all be for nought. Great work!
Thank you, Dan!
Thank you for your appreciation and assessment of this overlooked band. You hit the nail on the head. Looking forward to watching part 2.
I love what you do. Cheers.
Thank you for watching, Jahn!
What a great group they were. When I was growing up, they were already an oldies group. My memory of hearing Cherish was at a White Castle of all places. Great song! Along Comes Mary is another great song and Windy.
I went to see them at the Chicago Theater my best friends dad was a employee and we were going to be backstage . That didn’t happen but we did get good seats and they were great !
Thanks, Matt. The Association aren't usually considered a progressive band, but they were actually a huge influence on early Yes. And not just with the multi-part vocals. There was an element of adventure to their songs that isn't fully appreciated.
Thank you, very much! For me, The Association is one of the best bands of the sixties. Beside to have their albuns until 1969, with wonderful songs like "Everything that touches you"; "Toy maker"; "Come on in"; "Windy"; "Cherish" and others; only with your videos was posible for me to know their history.
Thank you for the comment, Denis.
Wow! I never knew they were recognized by Brian Wilson. That must have been quite a thrill to be acknowledged by Brian Wilson--the master of all creative harmonies.
The Association was a great band. My favorite was Brian Cole. RIP
I remember being at a middle school dance (you know...where the girls dance with each other and the boys just stand on the sidelines), and the live band played "Never My Love". It was the late 60's and I remember being knocked out by how good the song was. They said it was by The Association and the next day I took some empty pop bottles down to the grocery store to get refund/money and then bought their "best of" album. I loved it. Still do.
Great story! That was my first album by them too. Thank you for the comment.
You got me to listen to Inside Out last night on vinyl. Hadn't spun it in 20 years. Better than I thought.
One of my favorite lyrics ever? I took off my watch, found I had all the time in the world: Ah, Renaissance. Pandora’s Go,den Heebie Jeebies. Love that song.
1962?! Man i wasn't born yet, but really appreciate the association - I've studied music 🎶 my whole life and played guitar over 50 years. The association we're the true mix of folk and 60s rock a solid sound like no other
Love that you released a three part Association documentary! First album, got to say the most psychedelic song (for another of your lists) is "Message of Our Love." (''They need the mess-age!') "Cherish" is fascinating: How could it be a hit? So many key modulations and different sections. And very subtle unlike "Good Vibrations" or "Bohemian Rhapsody."
The RENAISSANCE album is not very strong. I'm glad you highlighted the two best tracks (and among the two best Association songs): "Memories of You" and "All Is Mine." Secretly, however, I do find "Angeline" rather amusing.
I had the honor of playing drums and background vocals with Jim Yester a few years ago.
We were called Jim Yester and The YesterDaze.
We're on RUclips.
He's a very fine gentleman, down to earth.
Thank you for the comment, yes Jim has always seemed like a great guy.
Wow, great presentation. Thank you so much!
Their first album cover looks like their name is the ASSOGIATION.
In the mid 60's Leonard Bernstein was asked about modern pop music and he said (paraphrased) "Pop music of today is a mess. The only groups putting out anything good are the Beatles and the Association." He also said that the Beatles were our age’s Schubert.
Having Leonard Bernstein place the Association along with the Beatles, especially under this description, is high praise.
Great show - but you haven't read my biography on the band - 'Cherish (The Story of America's First Folk-Rock Band)' - by any chance, have you ?
I have indeed read your book Mr. Searles! I found it incredibly detailed and very thorough. Loved it. Please forgive me for not mentioning the book at the end of Part 4 - I completely forgot. Part of my channel will be dedicated to book reviews like yours so _Cherish_ is on my radar. I'd love to ask you a few questions by email if that's acceptable.
I was 4 years old when the song windy came out 1967 Mary ogrady
I appreciate your two part history of the Association. I have often wondered what happened to them after having 4 monster hits like - Along Comes Mary, Cherish, Never My Love and Windy. We also had the "live" album at some point. They were somewhat of a mystery - until your video. THANKS!
I know their music well. Cherish was my girlfriend and my song at the time and I saw them in concert at the U. of Md and they were a great concert band!
I wish I could have seen them back then. Thanks for the comment!
“Remember” was always my favorite from the album. A haunting ballad to be sure.
I love, LOVE that song. One of their best deep cuts.
That song, with Jim Yester singing lead, is on the group’s live album from their concert at that University of Idaho in 1970.
It is a great example of The Association’s consummate vocal talent.
My dad got me into this band last year or so and they started my love for the 60s
Those session musicians were the great Wrecking Crew which played on thousands of LPs ranging from Frank Sinatra to The Association, Mamas & Papas, Beach Boys (especially "Pet Sounds"), Sonny & Cher, and so many more. See the documentary "The Wrecking Crew" for an incredibly good time. It is streaming on a major service.
Many of the players on the Association albums were not the Wrecking Crew. I may do an video on some of these session players in the future.
Very impressive, in-depth analysis of the Association.
Thank you, Gints!
“Cherish” was released in 1966. I started playing drums in fifth grade, Same year. Played around with my grandfathers Guitar off and on. I bought an acoustic guitar in 1972, my freshman year in college. The first song I learned from start to finish was “Cherish”. I really have no idea why I picked that song. Of course, stairway to Heaven was the second song I learned.
Great group Mary
Love The Association. They are so current. Never go out of style.
I was a member of The Association's road crew between 1967 and 1969. The story I always heard about the acquisition of 'Along Comes Mary' is that Jim Yester sang lead on Tanden Almer's demo. Jules could have played on the session as well, I just never heard about it.
Very cool - you must have some great stories!
@@popgoesthe60s52 I have a lot of great memories. Whether or not they'd be of any interest to anyone else is open to question. 😉
Wow. Love this band and their influence...but have never known anything about them...until now!
Thank-You.
You are quite welcome. One of my goals with this channel is to delve deep into the catalog of famous and not-so-famous bands. Thanks for the comment.
So Zappa was in a band which featured (if I have this right) Terry Kirkman, himself, and Jackson Pollock's son? Wish they made a record, I would have loved that.
You are correct! I got this from the Malcolm Searles book on the Association: www.amazon.com/Association-cherish-Malcolm-C-Searles/dp/1789013615
I’ve always loved The Association. Thanks so much for giving the guys some love. Speaking of which, Love would be a great band for this series.
Love is on my list, so stay tuned!
SUPERB!!!! Just watched all 4 parts. Very informative. And concise. Love their music. Glorious harmonies. A great joy to watch. thankyou
Thank you, Michael - more to come!
I had their first album and loved it. I remember reading on the back that one of the members had enough college credits to graduate a couple times over. I wonder if he ever graduated.
That’s Terry Kirkman.
This is one of the few documentaries, if you will, on this band. It's really great to hear this information. Thank you for the thorough and detailed information on how the band evolved. I often wonder why they weren't as recognized by the beatles. I think their songwriting is equal to the beatles, they're harmonies, their performances. Obviously these were guys that were very serious about creating and performing their own work.
Awesome history discussion, love this band, reminds me of the oldies station playing in my dad's garage in the 80s :) Fist bumps from Canada
Welcome Canada!
The Men sounds like another type of The wrecking Crew! I grew up in the 60's and loved the Association, The Young rascals, The hollies, The Byrds and of course The Beatles!! Such a musically rich time and probably never to be repeated! I'm a new subscriber and def a fan! Great job on your vids man!!
Great group. Very underrated. Hall of fame group in my opinion.
Love the Assocation and Love your presentation of them though ,for now,Ive only sat thru part 1. More tomorrow. I came here coz I wanted to see the REAL original Band and all its Members. BY the way I Love your 70's hair do/cut and you have a great voice for presentations but then again you knew this. Dug the vibes,sincerity, knowledge and again the presentation here, thank you kindly !! I was a kid that grew up in the 60's,I remember hearing the Associtions as such back then too. OH and I thought the Frank Zappa connection early on was cool too. the Association's vocal harmonies are so beautiful clean and pure! Love it. Music is the Light and healing too. Peace, Love and darn Good Music !!
Thank you for watching and for the kind words, Keith!
Very nicely done mate, professional for sure and you have done great research!
Thank you Mark - more to come!
Few groups absolutely define an era in your mind like The Association. You just don't hear that kind of music anymore. In fact, there's a scene in Midnight Cowboy where they are playing the radio and an Associationish "Sunshine Pop" song comes on and your like 'yeah this was made in the late 60s"... the one thing I never understood is how The Association made money with so many members
I love them they were my growing up music and I sing a lot of their songs for a lot of nursing homes
Yes hi my name is Mary and I like the song along comes Mary
great job on this. Love the Association since I was a small kid.
Thank you - many more 60s bands to come!
At some point when you get a chance I'd like to get your opinion of dancing bear by The Mamas & Papas... The only reason I ask is it's so different from all the other stuff and I really like it
@@stephenroman9015 Great song. It's one of their more folk songs?
A friend told me about your channel today. I plan to watch all of your videos! The Association bring back such nostalgia for me! I bought their first 5 albums at the time they came out - I was 13 or 14. I loved all of those albums and played them over and over. I still have those vinyl records, but they are not in good shape. I saw them in concert in 1967 or 1968. In 2002 , I was happy to see that they released a 51 song anthology CD. Just 2 months ago, I bought their first 5 albums in one of those classic album sets - really a great deal. 5 albums for around $18.00. I have never seen anything about them on RUclips. I enjoyed this first video and will be watching the rest of this series today. They had such beautiful harmonies!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the other 3 videos in the series!
You cover a lot of acts who I know nothing of and I greatly appreciate it
I was fortunate to see them in concert twice. First I saw them with my girlfriend (now wife of almost 51 years). The concert was at Whitworth college. Years later we saw them at the SpokaneFair. Great sound and great group.
I love the Association i was a kid when thay were singing
" No Fair At All " is MY personal favorite by the group. In Denver, it made it to the Top 20-----i believe, around #17 or so, but no higher, & I never understood why; it is gorgeous. -------------MJL
What a shame it only hit #51 nationally. But it may have had to do with Valiant Records going out of business.. not sure.