The Free Design: Resigned The Remix EP Volume 2 (Light In The Attic/2004)

The Free Design were a soft-psyche, baroque pop band from Delevan, New York (which is upstate in Cattaraugus County). They were comprised of the siblings of the Dedrick family. The band released seven albums between the years of 1967 and 1972. They only managed one charting single “Kites Are Fun” which reached 114 on Billboard's charts and 33 on the Adult Contemporary Charts. However by the mid 1990's with American baroque pop of the 60's being reevaluated, they slowly acquired a cult following of people like Belle & Sebastian, Beck and The Polyphonic Spree.

By the mid 2000's all of their albums had been reissued. Along with an album of new original material - Cosmic Peekaboo – as well three EP's of remixed and “resigned”. These redesigned songs are essentially comprise a remixed tribute album of sorts with contributions from Danger Mouse, The High Llamas, Super Furry Animals, Stereolab and Belle & Sebastian. The EP I have is volume 2 (out of the the three volumes). Of the most effective and sympathetic tracks are Stereolab & The High Llamas' remix of “The Proper Ornaments” and Caribou's interpretation of “Dorian Benediction”.

All in an interesting, if diverting tribute album. If you've not heard The Free Design, by all means, check them out. The Beach Boys are the only peers to The Free Design's jazzy, complex vocal harmonies. 

Here is the video review:

Very special thanks to: Cassandra Fowler.