THE ROYAL GUARDSMEN/THE RETURN OF THE RED BARON SHP 8351 (-67) UK

 Florida sextet existing between mid-sixties and late seventies, during that time surviving by touring and playing live versions of hits from British Invasion bands like Beatles, Stones, Cream and Procol Harum.  They also managed seven top 100 hits on Billboard, whereof "Snoopy vs. The Red Baron" reaching #2. It seems all their highest charters where about Snoopy and/or the Red Baron, at least that's all I'd heard from them till I spotted this in a bin a while ago. With that in mind and seeing the cute front sleeve I passed it by at first, but then the dealer, who has about the same taste as me, said - I like it, just listen and You may be surprised. I did, I was and warmed up quite a bit. Some of it still a little too cute to my taste, but there's also some good garage involved. For exemple rather perky, but still charming covers of Bo Diddley's "I'm A Man" and Spencer Davies "Gimmie Some Lovin" plus a strange instrumental version of Byrds "So You Want To Be A Rock'n'Roll Star". I also like the catchy title track. All performed with youthful glee leaving a positive feeling. To my ears maybe not the best US period album, but certainly with enough good to make it a keeper. US and Canadian originals came on Laurie Records (SLP/LLP 2039). Also released on vinyl in New Zealand on Stateside and Australia on Universal Record Club. Don't know of any other issues. First UK (also as mono HAP 8351) had label as shown here in a thin laminated cover.