The Turtles

Turtle Soup

EDSEL. CD Euphoric Summer of Love perfect poppers statement album – now doubled in size. 1967’s Happy Together, the first in a run of Alan Gordon & Gary Bonnerpenned hit 45s, brought them international fame. But The Turtles wanted their own identity. Permitted to write an album, they emerged with The Turtles Present The Battle Of The Bands, starring the group as 11 genre acts. 1969’s Turtle Soup served up a similar potpourri, but with Ray Davies producing, The Turtles at last mostly realised their sophisticated pop aspirations. Davies upheld conventional pop decorum: six tracks per side, each showcasing the group’s versatility, his touch evident on Torn Between Temptations and John & Julie. Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman are masterly throughout, their voices knitting powerfully on the moody, post-psych House On The Hill. There’s also a hidden masterpiece. Love In The City has it all – swooping vocals, drama, dynamics, mantra-like hooks, arranged and produced with architectural precision.