While it's hard to get nostalgic about the music of the early 70s in the same way people tend to get about the 60s, this 15-track collection of hits, misses, and previously unreleased stuff from Canada's Bear certainly evokes that 1970-1974 period. Songs like "You, Me and Mexico," and the trilogy of "Masquerade," "Last Song," and "Close Your Eyes" (it's neat to have them back to back on this release) will either evoke fond smiles or pained shudders.
Larry Evoy's clear, simple vocals, and the easy-going melodies capture a certain innocence that sounds refreshing in these more cynical times.
Evoy provides a brief history of the group and a short blurb for each of the songs, concluding that "there are a lot more songs that couldn't fit here." Anyone for an Edward Bear revival? ~ Roch Parisien