Declaration of Independence by We The People - VitaMusik

ALBUM

This 14-track compilation features some key sides from the Florida-based '60s garage rockers We the People. Their musical versatility works in tandem with the equally affective songwriting of Wayne Proctor (guitar/vocals) and Tommy Talton (guitar/vocals) -- the latter of whom would go on to work with the seminal Allman Brothers Band as well as his own Southern rock outfit, Cowboy. Although We the People never got an album deal, the band issued half a dozen or so 45s for a variety of regional as well as national labels. In addition to a few stray sides, Declaration of Independence (1993) includes a majority of those singles. The band began as a sort of Orlando-based supergroup in late 1965/early 1966 with members of three local teen combos -- the Trademarks, Offbeets, and Nonchalants. This cross-pollination of already developed styles was a key element in giving We the People such versatile strength. This set begins with the title track, "Declaration of Independence." This punkish waltz bops by with much of the lyrical and instrumental economy of Brit mod pop acts such as the Zombies. Inventive melodies such as this are typical of even the harder-edged R&B raver "Mirror of Your Mind" or the acid-tinged fuzz guitar on "You Burn Me Up and Down" -- both of which easily equate similar work from the Standells and the Sonics. That material is likewise contrasted by the languid and equally trippy and charming "St. John's Shop" or the balladry of "(You Are) The Color of Love." Personnel changes ultimately did the band in, and by 1970 We the People had all but disbanded. While this budget-priced collection offers a healthy sampling of the group's most notable contributions, the audio archaeologists at Sundazed Music more than double the selection and running time on their 40-song Mirror of Our Mind (1995) two-disc set, including demos and primordial wax from both the Trademarks and the Offbeets.
© Lindsay Planer /TiVo

1. Mirror of Your Mind

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Tom Talton; Composer
Author: Tom Talton; Production

2. (You Are) the Color of Love

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Wayne Proctor; Composer
Author: Wayne Proctor; Production

3. You Burn Me Up and Down

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Tom Talton; Composer
Author: Tom Talton; Production

4. He Doesn't Go About It Right

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Tom Talton; Composer
Author: Tom Talton; Production

5. In the Past

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Wayne Proctor; Composer
Author: Wayne Proctor; Production

6. Lovin' Son of a Gun

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Wayne Proctor; Composer
Author: Wayne Proctor; Production

7. St John's Shop (1st Version)

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Wayne Proctor; Composer
Author: Wayne Proctor; Production

8. Declaration of Independence

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Wayne Proctor; Composer
Author: Wayne Proctor; Production

9. Follow Me Back to Louisville

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Bill Davidson; Composer
Author: Bill Davidson; Production

10. Love Is a Beautiful Thing

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Eddie Brigatti; Composer
Author: Felix Cavaliere; Production

11. The Day She Died

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Tom Talton; Composer
Author: Tom Talton; Production

12. When I Arrive

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Tom Talton; Composer
Author: Tom Talton; Production

13. Ain't Gonna Find Nobody (Better Than You)

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: David Duff; Composer
Author: David Duff; Production

14. St John's Shop (2nd Version)

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Wayne Proctor; Composer
Author: Wayne Proctor; Production

15. My Brother the Man

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: Wayne Proctor; Composer
Author: Wayne Proctor; Production

16. Proceed With Caution

by We The People

Primary Artist: We The People; Main Performer
Performer: We The People; Performer
Composer: David Duff; Composer
Author: David Duff; Production

Technical Specifications

Volume

1 volume only

Tracks

16 tracks available

Type

ALBUM

Format

Digital Media

Duration

39 minutes and 33 seconds

Explicit

None

Coverart

Available and up to 1418x1418 px

Booklet

Not available

Max Quality

CD Quality (Lossless)

16bit / 44.1 kHz

Stereo

Audio Extension

Lossless: FLAC, M4A, WAV, WV, AIFF

Lossy: AAC, MP3, M4A, MP4, OGA, OGG, OPUS, WMA

Archive Format

Available in these formats: ZIP, TAR, RAR

Lyrics

3/16 tracks have lyrics

Synchronized Lyrics

Only 1/16 tracks has synced lyrics

Genres

Pop/Rock, Alternative, Psychedelic, Garage Rock Pioneers

Label

EVA

Music Distribution Service

IDOL

Country

France

Language

English (United States)

Popularity

Release Date

Sep 30, 1983

Track Preview

Available

Delivery Charge

Free

Delivery Method

Digital download link via Email or Personal Dashboard on this site

UPC

3347120028390