The California Spectrum - Sassafras

beatesmock

Review by Beate Smock

Alright, let’s dive into Sassafras by The California Spectrum. This 1968 gem from the US is one of those albums that kinda sneaks up on you. Released under Rasberry Sawfly Records (love the name, by the way), it blends garage rock and pop rock with a sprinkle of straight-up swagger. It’s raw, unpolished, and totally vibey—like the soundtrack to some hazy summer road trip in a beat-up convertible. First off, the title track “Sassafras” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s got this crunchy guitar riff that sticks in your head for days, man. The energy feels loose but tight at the same time—you know, like they’re not trying too hard but still crushin’ it. There’s something about the way the vocals blend with the drums; it’s messy in all the right ways. You can tell these guys were just jamming their hearts out in some smoky studio back in the day. Honestly, every time I hear it, I wanna grab my air guitar and go nuts. Then there’s “Obviously Bad,” which might be my favorite cut on the album. It’s sassy as hell, with lyrics that feel like a big middle finger to anyone who ever doubted them. The bassline grooves so smooth, it almost tricks you into thinking it’s a laid-back tune—but nah, this song has teeth. It’s short, punchy, and leaves you wanting more. Like, why isn’t this playing in every retro diner across America? Feels like an anthem for anyone who’s ever been labeled "trouble" when really, they're just living life on their own terms. What makes Sassafras stand out is how real it feels. No overproduced nonsense here—just pure, unfiltered late ‘60s vibes. Listening to it now, decades later, it’s wild how fresh it still sounds. Sure, the recording quality ain’t perfect, but that’s part of its charm. It’s like flipping through an old photo album where the colors are faded but the memories jump off the page anyway. Here’s the thing though—if you didn’t know better, you’d think this was some forgotten hit from the era. But maybe that’s what makes it special. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just rolling along with its own scrappy style. Kinda makes me wonder if The California Spectrum knew they were onto something cool or if they were just having fun making noise together. Anyway, give Sassafras a spin if you dig music that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Oh, and random thought: wouldn’t it be hilarious if someone remade this album today with autotune and laser light shows? Ugh, don’t even get me started…

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: the-california-spectrum-sassafras.zip
  • MP3 size: 12.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 67.4 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Sassafras2:10
Obviously Bad

Video

THE CALIFORNIA SPECTRUM - SASSAFRAS

Images

ladda ner album The California Spectrum - Sassafras
last ned album The California Spectrum - Sassafras

Catalog Numbers

9735

Labels

Rasberry Sawfly Records

Listen online

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • 45 RPM
  • Single

Companies

RoleCompany
Published ByShaun Harris Music

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (A-Side, Label): 9735-A
  • Matrix / Runout (B-Side, Label): 9735-B
  • Rights Society: BMI

About The California Spectrum

Name Vars

  • The California Spectrum

Members

  • Shaun Harris

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Sassafras* by The California Spectrum is a hidden gem from 1968. It blends garage rock and pop rock, creating a raw yet catchy sound. Released on the quirky Rasberry Sawfly Records label, it features tracks like "Sassafras" and "Obviously Bad." What makes it stand out? Back then, small indie labels often gave bands creative freedom, letting them experiment. So this album feels like a snapshot of a specific time in US music history—when rock was evolving fast. Not many people know about it today, but fans who stumble across it are in for a treat.

Comments

obito19
obito19
2025-03-14
When I was in high school, mid 1960s in Chicago, a friend was telling me about California Spectrum, and the 'rumor' that they were really the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. I think they were supposed to be playing at the Electric Theater or something. Never having heard this before, it/they seem to have a Grateful Dead flavor, sorry.
maskedbadger
maskedbadger
2025-03-13
Local AM station KICX in McCook Ne played this song, 1967 or 1968. California Spectrum played at the City Auditorium.
persidskij
persidskij
2025-03-12
I love this tune! It sounds exactly like the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band’s version! In fact, I’m sure they’re the same recording just released under the different names.
riddhipandya
riddhipandya
2025-03-12
This was a very big record in 1968 on our local top 40 radio station's weekly survey. Always did like it. Good Post!
Larry N. Boyington, aka Larry Neal, former curator of the Wax Museum on the big 1520 KOMA