Album of the Day

With their third studio set for Warner Bros., THE SECRET LIFE OF HARPER'S BIZARRE, the Santa Cruz collective set their sights on the musical rear view mirror - though the songwriting credits include a smattering of contemporary composers (Randy Newman, Paul Williams), the emphasis is on more vintage material. Standards and show tunes by the likes of the Gershwins and Wizard of Oz lyricist E.Y. Harburg shape an eclectic set of 19 songs into a conceptual whole reflecting the daydreams of a host of everyday characters. With two future WB hitmakers at work (Lenny Waronker behind the boards and Ted Templeman in front of the microphone), the sophisticated arrangements and sparkling harmony vocals are immaculately crafted. Brimming with sunshine pop and groovy feelings, the ambitious THE SECRET LIFE OF HARPER'S BIZARRE is too good to keep secret.