American Baroque - Chamber Pop & Beyond 1967-1971 / Various [2LP]

Step into the lush, melancholic world of American Baroque: Chamber Pop & Beyond 1967-1971, a 2LP collection that captures the golden era of orchestral pop.

From harpsichords and woodwinds to string quartets and haunting harmonies, this compilation highlights the intricate beauty of a genre that thrived between the summer of ‘67 and the dawn of the ‘70s.

The Left Banke may have set the template with Walk Away Renée, but this set delves even deeper. You'll find gems from the Stone Poneys (Linda Ronstadt’s first band), the dreamy Montage, and Emitt Rhodes’ Merry-Go-Round, all weaving folk-inspired storytelling with grand, baroque arrangements. From the gothic drama of Russ Giguere’s "My Plan" to the delicate, music-box precision of Tom Northcott’s "Other Times", this collection showcases the range of chamber pop’s golden age.

Pressed on two beautifully curated LPs, American Baroque is a must-have for fans of melodic nostalgia, intricate instrumentation, and a touch of wistful elegance. A tapestry of minor-key wonders and orchestral ambition, this set is an essential deep dive into one of pop’s most artful, yet often overlooked, subgenres.