fapardokly

• Format: CD, album reissue, mono
• Packaging: Cardboard digipak with clear plastic tray, liner notes and track annotations
• Bonus Material: Three additional recordings

Fapardokly’s sole album is one of the most sought-after recordings from the Californian psychedelic folk-rock underground. Although presented under the Fapardokly name, the material was recorded over several years by singer, songwriter and guitarist Merrell Fankhauser with musicians associated with his earlier group, Merrell & The Exiles.

The unusual group name was assembled from parts of the surnames Fankhauser, Parrish, Dodd and Lee. Rather than being conceived as a single album session, the original LP collected recordings from different stages of Fankhauser’s musical development, ranging from melodic early-1960s pop and rock ’n’ roll to increasingly sophisticated folk rock and psychedelia.

The album’s strongest tracks feature ringing twelve-string guitars, carefully arranged vocal harmonies and a clear West Coast atmosphere. “Lila” and “The Music Scene” combine reflective songwriting with Byrds-influenced folk rock, while “Tomorrow’s Girl” is one of Fankhauser’s finest melodic compositions. “Mr. Clock,” “Gone To Pot” and “No Retreat” move into more experimental territory through unusual effects, raga-influenced guitar and darker psychedelic arrangements.

Fankhauser subsequently formed H.M.S. Bounty and recorded the album Things!, before exploring heavier and more progressive music with Mu. This Gear Fab edition preserves the complete original twelve-track album and adds three bonus recordings from the same period.

Track Listing

1. Lila – 3:23
2. The Music Scene – 2:35
3. Sorry For Yourself – 2:01
4. Glass Chandlier – 2:11
5. Tomorrow’s Girl – 2:28
6. Suzie Cryin’ – 2:23
7. Mr. Clock – 2:26
8. Gone To Pot – 2:02
9. No Retreat – 1:56
10. Too Many Heartbreaks – 2:28
11. When I Get Home – 2:47
12. Super Market – 2:12
13. The War – 2:36
14. Yes I Love You – 2:43
15. Run Baby Run – 2:22

Tracks 13–15 are bonus recordings.