The legendary paisley underground rockers Rain Parade recently saw their lost double album Crashing Dream reissued in deluxe form, where previously unreleased tunes and alternate versions join the remastered original album from 1985.

“Depending On You” opens the listen with Will Glenn’s bright keys alongside Mark Marcum’s thumping drums, as a dreamy version of rock unfolds, and “My Secret Country” follows with Matt Piucci’s flowing acoustic guitar and smooth pipes guiding the cautious melody.

Deeper into the original album, the title track is a bit hazy, even rugged, where Steven Roback’s precise bass won’t go unnoticed. “Fertile Crescent” might be the best tune on this half of release, as a warm jangle enters the breeziness that unfolds with college rock ideas.

“Nightshade” and “Only Business” finish side B. The former uses muscular guitars and some crunch and grit, and the latter is a sunny, folk-rock moment of beauty and poeticism.

The bonus material is demos and live tracks. “Invisible People” pays close attention to mood via the mesmerizing guitar, and “Ain’t That Nothin’” has great sound quality that captures the scrappy and rhythmic delivery. “Every Morning Does” exits, a raw recording that showcases a more minimal environment.

A really eye catching release, the LP comes with a gatefold jacket and the CD is packed with extensive liner notes and photos from the ’80s. An outfit who truly had their own sound, Rain Parade offers nods to The Doors, Buffalo Springfield or the Sunset Strip, and their psychedelia parallels the greatness of the Beatles and Pink Floyd. The band regrouped in 2012 and even released a new album in 2023, which features some members of the Bangles and enlists a couple new members. I’ve heard it’s quite good, and will be finding out for myself momentarily.

Rating: A-

User Rating: Not Yet Rated

Comments