REVIEW STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED, the first solo effort from Peter Tork, is a triumph. Wonderful production from Peter and co-producer James Lee Stanley along with excellent material beautifully performed by a group of exceptional musicians and singers, make this a work of talent, taste, and style; one that makes use of a variety of musical influences, both past and present. STRANGER THINGS is like nothing else, being very much a reflection of the artist. Certainly no one but Peter could have put it all together. Each song is unique unto itself, offering much to the listener. And yet, different as they are, the songs fit together like tiles in a mosaic to to create a complete musical whole. The title track, by Levine and Rudetsky, is exceptional. With its reggae/New Age overtones, it catches you and "sticks". The lyrics call up images that are at once familiar and fantastic, and will, if you allow it, carry you away to places rich and strange indeed. The perfect opening for this album, it sets the stage for what is to come. "You Get What You Pay For" is, for many, THE song of the collection, and it's certainly deserving of "favorite" status. It's rock overtones and the excellent instrumental work by Marc McClure especially, give it a great musical "hook" and make it memorable. "Sea Change" is lovely, my candidate for the prettiest (in the BEST sense of that overused word) song here. With it's soothing ocean effects and that wondrous guitar work of Peter's, it has a smooth, liquid feel that makes it close to perfect. The longest song on the album, it creates and holds a mood that is relaxing and dreamlike. The lyric draws you in, sustaining that mood until the last note. This one is a personal favorite. "Take A Giant Step"---This version may be better than the original. The Goffin-King standard is one song that really benefits from an acoustic treatment. Peter sounds great, and his playing---especially the guitar solo---is excellent, as always. Fine back-up by Mackenzie Phillips and Owen Elliot give it a nice '60's feel, without lessening its contemporary sound. An excellent job all around. Martin Briley's "Milkshake" is a classic of it's kind, and certainly one of the most fun songs to come along in a LONG time. It's such a visual tune---whenever I hear it, I "see" it---and enjoy it more and more. Laurence Juber's solo is perfect--just the right touch. Micky and Mike do a terrific job, making this a special track, and lending just the right sense of humor. And how nice to hear the three of them together again. There's nothing like a good car song, and "MGB-GT" certainly qualifies. Another fun tune, it flys along like that little red car once did---smooth and fast, taking you along for quite a ride. Mike again provides background, and that piano solo---WOW!! Crank this one up when you hit the road; it's "driving music" at it's best. "Miracle" is the one for hard rock lovers. Driving beat, terrific guitar work, interesting lyrics---an excellent example of this particular rock form. This is the one that may surprise a lot of people out of their preconceived notions---and isn't that the point of the song? Terrific work here by Peter, Tommy Mars, Pat Holloway and Darren Elpant. A real winner. "Pirates". written by Peter's brother Nick, is excellent. A great dance tune---upbeat with a fun sound and a great "hook", it's another one that "sticks". The horns keep it lively, and the lyrics offer a somewhat bemused look at the trials and tribulations of "true love". This is one that you'll find yourself singing at unexpected moments. "Gettin' In" is the other track that should appeal to those who like that harder sound. It is deceptively simple in it's construction. It builds on a strong bass line, adding keyboards and guitars to a solid drum presence, making this version so well-built that the seams are invisible. Top-notch instrumental work, again by Tommy, Pat and Darren, pulls it together into a very enjoyable whole. "Tender Is" is a lovely introspective song whose simple presentation here enhances its poetic quality. The piano line is especially well-done, serving to illuminate the lyric while lending a certain lightness that balances the darker tones of its theme. A small, perfect gem. "Higher & Higher", a great "feel good" song is the perfect way to close STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED. After the "heavier" songs that preceed it, it does indeed come like the dawn to lighten the mood. With it's simple melodic line and upbeat, happy lyric, it leaves you feeling content and positive. Excellent banjo work by Peter, as always, and an absolutely bang-up job on background vocals by James Lee Stanley and Anita Sherman. Throughout the album, the vocals are uniformly superior--excellent work from everyone at all times. Peter himself has never sounded better. His voice, with its warm, easy, friendly quality has acquired a richer tone---full and smooth and strong---that is beautifully served by (and serves) his choice of material. The production is masterful---neither too much nor too little. Only what is needed for each song to be heard at its best. An excellent job by Peter and James Lee Stanley. The cover art by Peter's brother Nick suits STRANGER THINGS to a T. Its bright colors and interesting graphics are real eye-catchers. And, like both the album, and Peter himself, there is more to it than meets the eye (or ear) at first. As for the liner notes....Smart and witty, they assume an intelligence on the part of the reader/listener that is very welcome. Again, there is more here than meets the eye....(for example, how many oblique references can you find to the name "Peter"?) The whole package, from the cover to the picture disc itself has obviously been put together with great thought and care. This is a work that Peter can, and should be proud of. Indeed, everyone connected with STRANGER THINGS deserves a big "Congratulations and thanks". We waited a long time for this, and they made sure it was well worth the wait. -----Eva Frizzi-----