Album of the Day

Originally known as The Tikis, this Santa Cruz collective was rechristened Harpers Bizarre upon their signing to Warner Bros., and would become (together with The Association) the label's leading exponent of sunshine pop. The quintet had a hit right out of the box with a Simon & Garfunkel cover, “59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy),” that would provide the title of their debut album. FEELIN' GROOVY also includes another Top 40 single in opener “Come To The Sunshine,” penned by Van Dyke Parks, who also plays piano on it; others who lend their talents to this collection include arranger Leon Russell and writer Randy Newman, who contributes three songs. FEELIN' GROOVY was released 50 years ago this month, and with its buoyant harmonies and inventive instrumentation, it still feels pretty groovy.