Gary Usher - Barefoot Adventure: The 4 Stars Sessions 1962- 1966

Cult producer’s early car and surf outings

Four stars are awarded here, more for the totality of this fine reissue rather than the consistent musical quality. Gary Usher, a contemporary and pal of Brian Wilson’s, has become incredibly collectable in the US over recent years, with his prolific singles and album output changing hands for everincreasing sums. With the help of a steady group of sidemen, Usher swiftly churned out genre product under a plethora of “group” names, to satisfy the demands of record companies jumping on the surf and associated bandwagons of the early 60s.

This set’s appeal lies in the many previously unavailable alternate/demo cuts, as often as not with leads sung by Usher. Original names include The Four Speeds (featuring Dennis Wilson on a handful of tracks), The Sunsets and The Competitors, though there are also several unissued demos of songs in other styles, such as Coney Island Wild Child, pitched unsuccessfully to Freddy Cannon. Elsewhere, girlie collectors will enjoy two tracks that include The Honeys with Usher’s then-girlfriend Ginger Blake singing lead.

The whole package has the stamp of authority by dint of being guided by acknowledged Usher expert Stephen McParland. While essential for collectors, more casual observers may raise eyebrows at some of the hasty musical concoctions.

Sundazed | SC 11167 (2-CD)

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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