Friday, January 11, 2008

The Free Design – Songs for Very Important People



I heard of this via the Guardian’s 1,000 Albums to Hear Before You Die – a rare example of a list that avoids the obvious choices and is clearly compiled by genuine enthusiasts.

The Free Design were the brainchild of Chris Dedrick. With his brother Bruce and sister Sandy they started playing Peter, Paul and Mary songs but somehow ended up playing beautifully arranged close harmony pop.

There's an undoubted Brian Wilson influence (not least because The Free Design are singing siblings), but it's more controlled, less dark. I don't know much about Dedric (though I mean to find out more) but he doesn't sound troubled or frightened.

With Felix’s arrival I’m seeking out music for children, so please post a comment if you can recommend any good albums.

1 comment:

Lily Dustbin said...

Chris is definitely not dark or frightened. He has a smile in his eyes that is so rarely seen...

The Free Design are probably one of the most under-rated musical groups of all time.

Thanks for sharing the magic!