Monte Dunn and Karen Cruz - Monte Dunn and Karen Cruz (2008 Remastered) (2023) [Hi-Res]

Though this rare LP isn't notable, it's a nice enough slice of period folk-rock with some country influence; the material on the cusp between the folk-rock and singer/songwriter era. Some cuts, like "Never in My Life," have an understated pop-folk-rock touch with an appealing sense of longing, somewhat haunting melodies, and harmonic blends putting Cruz's clear, high voice against Dunn's slightly contrasting, earthier tones. Cruz scats along in a medieval manner like an American Jacqui McShee at points in "Order to Things." In a different mood, songs like "You Don't Smile Much" burble along with a country hoedown swing, complete with fiddle; "Loving You" has an almost bossa nova sway; "Yellow Cab" has a mid-'60s bluesy New York folk-rock feel, as if it dates from somewhat earlier than the rest of the album; and "So Much Loving" comes closest to a folk-rock-rooted California country-rock sound. The highlight is "Tip of My Mind," in which the harmonies really attain a rich, melancholy pungency. As such folk-rock collectibles go, it's certainly more musically diverse than most, and thus slightly above average within its niche.