Album Review: Painted Dreams / She’s In Love by Nobody (1968)
Alright, let’s talk about Painted Dreams / She’s In Love, the groovy little slice of wax that slipped out of Commerce Records back in ’68. Nobody—yep, that’s the band’s name—served up a platter of psychedelic rock and garage rock goodness that feels like it was brewed in someone’s basement during a power outage. And honestly? That’s what makes it so damn charming.
First off, “Painted Dreams” hits you right away with its hazy, reverb-soaked vibe. It’s like stepping into a kaleidoscope where all the colors are slightly off but somehow still work. The guitars have this raw, almost sloppy edge to them, which is exactly what you want from garage rock. You can practically smell the patchouli oil wafting through the speakers. I remember this track because it’s got this weirdly hypnotic rhythm that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Like, one minute you’re just kinda vibin’, and the next you’re air-drumming at your kitchen table while your cat stares at you like you’ve lost your mind.
Then there’s “She’s In Love,” which flips the script a bit. This one leans heavier into the psychedelic side of things, with some trippy vocal harmonies and organ riffs that sound like they were recorded inside a lava lamp. The lyrics are delightfully cryptic—like, who is she in love with? A guy? A ghost? A concept? Who knows, but it doesn’t matter because the song just feels so alive. It’s messy in the best possible way, like a Jackson Pollock painting made entirely outta fuzz pedals and teenage angst.
What strikes me most about this album is how unpolished it feels. These dudes weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel; they were just jamming their hearts out and hoping for the best. And honestly, that scrappy energy is what makes Painted Dreams / She’s In Love stand out. Sure, it ain’t perfect—it sounds like half the tracks were recorded on a broken tape machine—but perfection’s overrated anyway.
In a world full of shiny, overproduced albums, Nobody reminds us that sometimes the best music comes from letting loose and embracing the chaos. So if you’re looking for something that captures the wild, untamed spirit of late-’60s rock without taking itself too seriously, give this baby a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing echoes of “Painted Dreams” in your sleep.
Oh, and here’s a thought to leave you with: If Nobody made an album this good, imagine what Somebody could’ve done.
