From the Record Shelf

Back in high school, a good friend introduced me to the music of Klaatu, a Canadian pop group who in the 70’s was widely believed to be the reincarnation of the Beatles. Klaatu’s production sounds like a combination of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band, Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra, and the Bee Gees.

“Routine Day,” above, is such a lovely pop ballad. The track below, “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft,” is Klaatu’s most famous song; it’s from the album “Hope.” The Carpenters covered it; however, Karen’s earnest, sleepy version doesn’t do the song justice.

I thought I’d share them since the group is such an unknown gem.