The Millennium, Begin (side A)

1968's Begin receives reverence in some sunshine-pop circles.  The Millennium's all-star cast contributes to the album's esteem.  Leader Curt Boettcher worked with everyone from Chad & Jeremy to the Byrds.  Gary Usher, who collaborated with Boettcher on those records and also wrote hits for the Beach Boys, is credited as executive producer.  Keith Olsen remains active as a record producer.  The oddest connection of all might be the rhythm section from garage legends the Music Machine.  This super-group of minor celebrities has made a tasteful, very well-crafted album.  The melodies and arrangements, to my ears, all feel a bit too methodically crafted.  Begin feels like a perfect album in a genre where human imperfections are an important quality.  Boettcher's lead vocals tastefully fit the sunshine pop genre and effectively deliver the songs, but, with the vocals in front here, he's not a magical performer carrying the music.  My reissue LP, while pressed on super-thick vinyl, is mastered with harsh high end and inadequate midrange.  The album cover, oddly, looks more like a 90s lo-fi album than a 60s pop classic.