The Psych Ward–Beverly Pepper by the Marshmallow Overcoat
The Psych Ward–Beverly Pepper by the Marshmallow Overcoat
Beverly Pepper was the sophomore album (technically an EP) released in 1990 by garage-psych maestros The Marshmallow Overcoat. Formed in Tucson, Arizona in 1986 by brothers Tim and Scot Gassen, the Overcoat experienced a luminous career that spanned three decades and included several international concert tours.
The record’s first and title track is a spirited, paisley-flavored ode to the eponymous renowned sculptor and is perhaps the group’s best-known song. “1000 Years Ago” is a medieval stomper, highlighted by a persistent chromatic riff by guitarist Mike Panico. Organist Debra Dickey-Harms duels with Panico in the lead section, enhanced by reverse-tape playback.
Dickey-Harms’ gentle harpsichord rings in the baroque “I Love the Time.” Sans drums, the waltz patiently builds with bassist Dan Magee’s rising triplets, augmented by strings. After a false ending, the outro recalls the Britpop sound that emerged shortly thereafter (Radiohead, Oasis).
The spooky “13 Ghosts” explores the Overcoat’s supernatural side with an accented minor progression, briefly returning to a waltz. The video for “13 Ghosts” notably debuted on MTV’s 120 Minutes in 1990, one of three of the band’s videos to air on MTV.
“Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” is a melodic punk anthem, driven by ‘Beatman’ Scot Gassen’s enthusiastic drum rolls, ending too soon after only ninety seconds. Tim often used the metaphor of a knuckle-dragging caveman to fondly describe garage rock, which applies here.
“Trouble” is instrumentally straight out of The Munsters – particularly Panico’s quirky, diminished guitar hook – with a heavy metal chorus. Tim belts out the lyrics in his emphatic style, like Jim Morrison with a twang. The hypnotic “Piece of Mind” floats pleasantly while dabbling in Eastern mysticism.
The album concludes dramatically with the wistful opus “Home,” by far its longest track clocking well over five minutes. “Home” percussively explores a radiant major motif, escalating to a glorious finale with the requisite feedback and psychedelia.
Fourteen years after this release, it was a rare honor to join the Marshmallow Overcoat as a band member from 2004 to 2016. It was a truly unique experience that I’ll always cherish, from recording The Light Show album at Waterworks Studio to the band’s final concert performance, which included a few choice tracks from Beverly Pepper. That farewell concert and subsequent documentary film All You Need Is Fuzz – 30 Years In A Garage Band, directed by Tim himself, became his swan song with his sudden passing nearly four years ago. Tim’s legacy lives on in his films and Marshmallow Overcoat albums, of which Beverly Pepper is perchance the band’s finest release.
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