​The Cowsills (from the album Global

​The Cowsills (from the album Global

​The Cowsills (from the album Global on Omnivore Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
To some folks — or for that matter, maybe most folks — The Cowsills may seem like an anachronism, a perky Pop band whose ‘60s hits — “The Rain, the Park and Other Things”, “Hair”, and “Indian Lake” in particular — established them not only as teeny bopper sensations, but as the starry-eyed template for the TV series “The Partridge Family”. 
 
While that early image might have contradicted any impression that they were actually serious musicians, several of the band members went on to achieve a measure of success all on their own. Susan in particular established her credentials in early Americana realms as a member of The Continental Drifters, her back-up vocal roles in albums by others, and via a pair of solo efforts. John Cowsill served as part of The Beach Boys’ back-up band. Bill Cowsill moved to Canada and gained credence as a singer/songwriter. Sadly, both Bill and Barry passed away prematurely. Nevertheless, several abbreviated reunions took place over the years, eventually resulting in a comeback effort of sorts in 2022, Rhythm of the World, and a documentary titled Family Band: The Cowsills Story. 


So too, the group continues to perform on the oldies circuit as well.

The band’s new LP, Global, is actually a re-release of an album recorded in 1993 but which remained unissued until 1998. Omnivore’s decision to share it at this particular juncture is a wise one, given the fact that it was not only a belated effort, but one which largely escaped notice at the time. Moreover, it’s an exceedingly vibrant set of songs, and with much of the original line-up intact — Bob, John, Paul, and Susan in particular, along with Robby Scharf on bass and cameos from John Stamos and Peter Holsapple — it’s as striking as anything the group offered in its heyday, albeit with a sizable maturity factor added in. Those who may be dubious that a group known primarily as an oldies outfit would be capable of such craft need only experience the upbeat exuberance found in such songs as “What About Love?”, “Under the Gun”, “What I Believe”, and “Shine”, the latter of which is one of three heretofore unreleased bonus tracks presumably intended for the original album.
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While the giddy nature of that material may bring back echoes of the group’s seminal sound, they purvey a harder edge well suited to current musical environs. “Rescue”, “Free Fall”, and “Maybe It’s You” are distinctive and dynamic Rockers, further evidence that the band has the edge and intensity needed to compete in today’s more aggressive environs. In the process, they leave no doubt that, their early image aside, The Cowsills remain a viable and dynamic combo. 

It is, in short, one terrific album. Global proves The Cowsills are once again ready to take on the world. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of The Cowsills from AMAZON
For more information, please visit The Cowsills website