The Travel Agency by The Travel Agency is a psychedelic pop/rock record from Los Angeles, a band formed in 1966. This, the band’s only album, produced by James Griffin, was released in December 1968. This is a criminally overlooked masterpiece — a raw, slightly punk-tinged psychedelic trip that stands out not only for its music but also for its striking visual presentation. The sleeve artwork, created by John Van Hamersveld, is without question one of the finest pieces of sixties album art in my collection. The music is engaging, dynamic and experimental, yet still melodic and thoughtfully written throughout. Some tracks carry a distinctly British folk influence, such as “So Much Love”, while others feel more urgent and hazy, fuelled by swirling psychedelic energy, like “What’s a Man” and “Make Love”. The variation across the album keeps it consistently fresh and unpredictable. If you ever get the chance to pick up this record, do not hesitate — it may well surprise you. Sadly, the band dissolved soon afterward and left no further classics behind. The album was largely overlooked upon release and remains seriously underrated to this day.
The Travel Agency – The Travel Agency
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