Belgian outfit formed as "16th century" late sixties by former members of the defunct band Sylvesters Team teaming up with two affiliates of The Belgian National Philharmonic Orchestra. After moving to England they got a contract with Parlophone and changed their name to Wallace Collection, same as the museum situated near the EMI main office. Today often called a one-hit-wonder due to the single "Daydream" becoming a hit in many countries while the rest of their efforts didn't make that much impact. They recorded two albums for UK Parlophone, whereof this was the first. Though from Belgium they sound very British here. All cuts are self-penned and the core rather perky pop, but with enough twists and turns to make it partly arty or even psych. So advanced pop, mostly happy and quite catchy, but garnished by crotchet. It took me a while to get in, but now when I'm there it's a fine place to be. "Peru" offers nice soft psych. "Ragtime Lily" an adveturous twenties pastiche. "Misery" haunting with superb bass play. "Daydream" dreamy and catchy. As proficiently produced by Australian Dave Macay and with Geoff Emerick (who handeled most Beatles recordings) as engineer the arrangement, mixes and audio are all top of the line and very good to the ears. So if You like pop, but could do with some extra topping, it's worth a try. Originally issued like this in Europe, Downunder, Israel and a couple of Southamerican countries. US and Canadian version (Capitol ST-350) came as a ten track, omitting "Natacha", Merry-Go-Round", "Poor Old Sammy" and "Laughing Cavalier". Japan 2015 CD on Magic Records (WPCR-16742) came with the original fourteen tracks. Premiere UK (also as mono PMC 7076) had label as shown here in a structured flip/back cover. (PÖX*)
