"And Then... Along Comes": The Association's debut LP

At the time Brian Wilson described this release as the best debut album he had ever heard. Praise, indeed, for a band which only formed a year earlier. Often regarded as music’s first folk-rock group, the strength of these six guys lay in their powerful harmony singing, plus the fact that there were several songwriters and lead singers among their ranks.

They had run into the young and soon-to-be-legendary producer Curt Boettcher during their many gigs around LA. And they had built up a repertoire of songs in their stage act, many of which would be chosen for the album. Boettcher agreed to produce the album on condition that he could use experienced session musicians. They agreed. 

The album cover featured action shots of the guys, arms and legs akimbo, yet in neat three-piece suits and haircuts that made them resemble accountants. It did them no harm, though: they had a huge Top 10 smash with Along Comes Mary (there were rumours of a marijuana subtext) followed by a glorious No 1 with Terry Kirkman’s beautiful Cherish later that autumn. Both are on this fine album.

Kirkman and lead guitarist Gary Alexander emerged as the principal songwriters, The former’s anthem, Enter The Young, opened Side 1 (it would often close their stage show) while Alexander’s tender love song Remember was just right for rhythm guitarist Jim Yester’s fragile tenor. Russ Giguere contributed I’ll Be Your Man while drummer Ted Bluechel Jr’s lovely Standing Still indicated a real songwriting talent.

In concert, they worked up a witty and entertaining stage act to link their set. And they went on to publish Crank Your Spreaders, a collection of poems, drawings, and wry observations. Long years of touring would follow, punctuated by recording sessions: eight albums over five years.

They were never considered hip, though they did open the Monterey Pop Festival a year later. And they have always been held in great affection by fans and are still touring today, more than 55 years later.