The Kitchen Cinq -When The Rainbow Disappears: An Anthology 1965-68

If, when searching through the used record bins in your favorite record store, you found one of the long-lost singles or, if you are really lucky, a copy of the one album released by Amarillo, Texas' The Kitchen Cinq, you would count yourself a very lucky humanoid.  Founded as The Illusions (and at one point known as The Y'alls) as a way to meet girls, the band had the playing chops, harmonies, looks, and knack for presenting the material that should have earned them a few hits, a few appearances on American Bandstand, and a longer career.  They moved to Los Angeles in the mid-60s with dreams of making their way in the industry, and attracted the attention of Lee Hazelwood, who signed them to his LHI label.  But the market was crowed with bands featuring a psychedelic sound and solid harmonies, and The Kitchen Cinq never caught the breaks needed.  Of course, at this point there is no second chance for the band, some of whom are no longer living.  But their music is getting another life in When The Rainbow Disappears: An Anthology 1965-68.

The collection consists of 28 songs, and is available on 2 LPs or CD via Seattle's Light In The Attic.  The sound reflects the guitar pop of the time.  But within that genre then covered the waterfront.  You'll hear hints of The Yarbirds, The Association, The Beach Boys, The Beau Brummels and The Byrds.  That variety, and their covers of songs by The Beatles and the Brummels, as well as renditions of "Solitary Man", "I Can't Let Go" and "Gloria", results in a album that not only chronicles the recorded output of the band, but also serves as a sort of mix tape of '60s pop.

By 1968 the band called it quits.  The members split into other bands for a while, and some did studio work.  But the quality of their music has remained a near secret until now.  If you like the music of that era, as I do, you will find this a delightful album.  Check out the link at the bottom of the post for clips of all the songs.

The Kitchen Cinq was Mark Creamer, Jim Parker, Johnny Stark, Dallas Smith, and Dale Gardner.  J.D. Souther, another Amarillo boy, was a temporary member.










Light In The Attic page for release