The Poppy Family – featuring Susan Jacks “Which Way You Goin’ Billy?”

More advice for young record reviewers—I mean besides, “Get a turntable with automatic return” (especially if you like to take a drink). Don’t judge an album by the first song—it’s an album. Not that the first song, here, is bad—it’s okay, just uninspiring to me. But then, starting with the second song, we get on a pleasingly farraginous, psychedelic, pop highway, with equal amount Eastern (Sitar) and Western (as in, Country &)—if you didn’t know better, you’d say this band could only be from Canada (which is as much of a fact as anything—Vancouver). It then motors along very nicely, until the first side finally (it feels epic, though all the songs are under 3 minutes!) concludes—with a surreal number called: “There’s No Blood in Bone”—I mean surreal musically (a very good thing)—I have no idea what it’s about, but it’s not about cooking—(though, the song cooks—I hope I made that clear). Then, more of the same—though, the song, “Which Way You Goin’ Billy?” is a standout—and apparently a hit—I’m not sure if I remember it—this was 1969, and I was in love, so maybe. Also, do judge a record by its cover—but prepare to die. Well, not die, but be wrong—this looks more like an, of-the-era, Alberto VO5 ad—but no, it’s art. “Featuring Susan Jacks”—SJ, wearing the reddest pantsuit I’ve ever seen—and she might also be the most blond person in the history of hair. Talking about hair, the rest of the “family” are three fellas standing behind her, each with his own hair journey—well, one is wearing a black turban. And one, you might “beware of” on full moons—one of which is upon us as I write, plus, it’s Halloween! Kids are at the door! I’m “going” as Zacherle—as soon as I finish this. Oh, and finally, the other one, I believe, is Terry Jacks—who wrote all of these songs—and his genius is protected under that hair helmet. Good songs. The relative epic, “Of Cities and Escapes,” ushers us out with a full portion.

10.31.25