"Dreamer" by The Association

Song#:  0477
Date:  01/31/1981
Debut:  83
Peak:  66
Weeks:  5
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  This group had a string of hit in the late 60s getting five Top 10 hits including two #1's, "Cherish" (1966) and "Windy" (1967). By the time the 70s came around the group's members were fluctuation constantly and the hits stopped coming. Although the band was still a very popular touring act, by 1978 there was only one original member left, Ted Bluechel, and eventually the band called it quits. However, Bluechel was left with some significant debt from the group. To recoup losses, he loaned out the band name to a fake group that toured as The Association. But a year later a few of the original members, including Bluechel, decided to reform. Having the originals back basically shut down the fake group and the real Association was back on track. The group recorded a few singles soon after and with little-to-no fanfare, this particular single found its way onto the pop chart (and hit #17 AC). It would be their last chart song. But the group has remained a popular attraction on several 60's related music package tours.

ReduxReview:  Their 60s hits are classics. Not sure why, but I often thought of them as just a vocal group in the vein of The Lettermen or some group like that. In reality, they were a full band and in addition to their slick pop hits, the also dove in to some psychedelic pop/rock and even R&B. They definitely had some interesting songs including the darkly creepy "Pandora's Golden Heebie Jeebies" (#35, 1966). This single in comparison is, well, not good. It just sounds so old-fashioned and cheesy. Especially that keyboard line in the chorus. I was hoping for something far better from them, but I just can't get into this song. Don't judge them on this - go back to their 60s prime and enjoy.

ReduxRating:  3/10

Trivia:  When music rights group BMI released its 100 Songs of the Century list in 1999 of the most played songs on radio and TV, The Association's 1967 #2 hit "Never My Love" was listed at #2 with over 7 million airplays. The #1 song was The Righteous Brothers hit "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" with over 8 million plays.

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