Evergreen, Vol. 2/Stone Poneys and Friends, Vol. III

Most of 1967's EVERGREEN (VOLUME TWO) is pleasantly lightweight folk-pop in the vein of Peter, Paul and Mary. About half the record was written by Linda Ronstadt's musical partners, Kenny Edwards and Bob Kimmel, whose material is well-suited to the trio's harmony vocals; the two-part title track is particularly impressive. However, the peak, not only of the album but of the Stone Poneys' entire career, is their glorious sunshine-pop cover of Mike Nesmith's "Different Drum." Produced by former Beach Boys mentor Nick Venet and featuring only Ronstadt's vocals in front of an almost orchestral spread of guitars, keyboards, and Spectorish percussion, "Different Drum" is a pure pop marvel. Unfortunately, the pressures of this uncharacteristic hit split the group during the sessions for their next album. Although one should not go into EVERGREEN (VOLUME TWO) looking for 11 remakes of "Different Drum," '60s folk-rock fans will find much to their liking.