Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

It may be difficult to believe, but it’s 30 years since the North California State Youth Choir made their first album on a twin-track tape machine for the princely budget of $250, and pressed 500 copies to raise a little cash for church funds. The story of how that album became a summer of ’69 smash hit has been recounted many times. This CD contains the eight tracks from the original ‘Buddah’ album, along with two extra ones, and the packaging is nothing short of abysmal; if you want to know all about the choir, I suggest you get the ‘The Very Best Of…’ Music Club album reviewed by Mike Rimmer in CR40, which has more music, better sleevenotes, and is better value. The timeless classicness of the music can’t make up for the overall shoddiness of this; the music’s worth six, the packaging one; so split the difference.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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