The Cowsills: “Global” (1998/2024) CD Review

The Cowsills had quite a bit of success in the late 1960s and early 1970s, recording hits like “The Rain, The Park And Other Things” and “Indian Lake.” In 1978, they recorded an album titled Cocaine Drain, which has still not gotten a proper release (there was a digital release in 2008), and then there was nothing until they regrouped in the early 1990s to record Global. The album wasn’t released until the late 1990s, and then as a limited edition disc, without major label backing. Now it is getting a wider release, thanks to the folks at Omnivore Recordings. The disc’s liner notes, written by Brett Milano and Bob Cowsill, contain some of the history of this album, how it was recorded and why it wasn’t released for so long. When it was released in 1998, three songs were left off the disc, and those are included on this new release as bonus tracks. The album also features new artwork on its cover. The group, as of this recording, is made up of Bob Cowsill on vocals and guitar, John Cowsill on vocals and drums, Paul Cowsill on vocals and keyboards, Susan Cowsill on vocals and guitar, and Robby Scharf on bass. There are also some special guests on certain tracks, including Vicki Peterson, Peter Holsapple and Berton Averre.

It is clear from the album’s first track “What About Love?” that this is not a band trying to recreate its late 1960s sound. When the song kicks in, it takes on a joyful pop rock sound, in line with the power pop groups. “I got my money, yeah, I work real hard/I lead the good life/But when I think about it, I’ve got nothing to hold/So goes the good life/What about love?” This is a seriously good number, sounding like a hit, and the energy increases toward the end, the drumming and the guitar work in particular creating that rise in power. And as you’d expect, there is plenty of good vocal work. As much as I like this band’s early work, this is actually much better. If you’ve only heard the band’s 1960s output, you’re going to be in for a delightful surprise. Berton Averre, the lead guitarist for The Knack, plays guitar on this track. Then Vicki Peterson joins the group on harmony vocals on “Under The Gun.” She might still be best known for her work in The Bangles, but she and Susan Cowsill are also members of The Continental Drifters. That isn’t her only connection to The Cowsills; she is married to John Cowsill (though they were not married when this album was recorded), and they are currently on tour with The dB’s. Anyway, this track features some beautiful, passionate vocal work. And it continues the theme about love with lines like “He wants everything from me/All the feelings that I hold inside/I don’t know if I really want to/I don’t know if I can even try/But what if love’s the answer/What if love is the only out/Maybe someday somewhere somehow I’ll find out/What’s it all about.” There are hand claps during that delicious instrumental section. Another Continental Drifters member, Peter Holsapple is among those contributing the hand claps.

There is more great energy at the start of “She Said To Me,” a song that has the delicious sound and vibe of summer. This song seems like it is designed to be a highlight at the group’s concerts, and I hope I get to see it performed at some point. It’s a totally enjoyable song. “I wanna show you the way to make me come alive/While being true to you, yeah, I’m gonna be at your side.” That’s followed by “You’ve Got No Time,” which eases in and soon takes on a rock energy, particularly in the vocal work. “Well, here’s my body when you want it/Here’s my mind that you can feed it/Oh, that’s right, you’re on that you-don’t-see-me trip/Guess you want me to suffer.” Peter Holsapple plays mandolin on this track, delivering some really nice work. If you’re a fan of The dB’s, my guess is you’re going to love this song. Then “Cross That Line” begins with some strong vocal work, those first lines delivered a cappella, great harmonies. “I wanna give you all the love inside/I wanna show you what it feels like/But if you want it all and more/You’ve got to cross that line.” And their voices continue to be the driving force of this song. Seriously, there is some powerful vocal work here, particularly by Susan. John Stamos joins the group on congas for this one.

“What I Believe” is a fun and positive love song with a catchy chorus. “What I believe is love comes around/To help me make it through.” While acknowledging the ups and downs a relationship takes, this song is ultimately a celebration of love, and we certainly need that now. Peter Holsapple plays mandolin on this one. That’s followed by “I Be Low.” “I can’t sleep in daytime/I can’t sleep at night/And it feels like a lifetime/Well, my head was spinning/While I was about to give in to love/I’ve been high, now I be low.” This is a really good rock song, with a positive sound. “I remember when your love was all that I wanted/And I knew that you were the one to rely on/But I don’t anymore/I want to send myself to a place/Where all my troubles seem far away,” The Cowsills sing on “Far Away.” This track contains some good work on guitar in the middle, and Peter Holsapple again joins the group on mandolin.

“Rescue” has a harder rock sound at the start, with that kind of energy to the vocal line as well. “I work at keeping the lid on so that I don’t explode.” There are moments when there is a bit of a Bryan Adams quality to the vocal work; Bryan Adams when he rocks, that is. “Is It Any Wonder?” contains another passionate vocal performance. “She don’t want to love me anymore/She don’t want to be the heart that mine beats for/Is it any wonder?” Cecil Duke is on congas for this one. “If I had a second chance/You know I’d do it all so differently/Oh, but it’s too late to think about/All the could-have-beens and the should-have-beens.” The original album concluded with “Some Good Years,” a song that looks back with some fondness. There is a gentler feel to this one. “Guess that nothing lasts the way it should/All I can say, yeah/How the good shines through/They were some good years.” Both Gary Griffin and Bob Cowsill plays keyboards on this track, and Cecil Duke is again on congas.

Bonus Tracks

The final three tracks were intended to be included on the original release, but when the album was readied for a late 1990s release, it was decided that they should not be on it. The first of those tracks is “Free Fall,” a seriously good, rocking, energetic number with a driving beat. The band is seriously rocking here, and the results are great. It’s a little crazy that this wasn’t included on the disc’s original release. “You see, it’s up to you/You got to see it through.” That’s followed by “Maybe It’s You.” As this one begins, we learn that the relationship in question is problematic, with one person getting on the other’s case from the start of the day. ”Every morning, first thing when I wake up/You start another fight/You tell me every little thing that I do wrong/I never seem to get it right/It doesn’t matter what I do or say/It’s just never quite enough.” Yet, he’s still trying to get her to listen. I don’t know, but from the song’s vibe, my guess is she is not going to change. Does anyone really change? This disc concludes with “Shine,” which has a delicious pop rock vibe that reminds me of some of the better music from the late 1970s and early 1980s. This is another fun number with a great energy. I’m so glad that it was included.

CD Track List

1. What About Love?
2. Under The Gun
3. She Said To Me
4. You’ve Got No Time
5. Cross That Line
6. What I Believe
7. I Be Low
8. Far Away
9. Rescue
10. Is It Any Wonder?
11. Some Good Years
12. Free Fall
13. Maybe It’s You
14. Shine

Global was released on November 8, 2024 through Omnivore Recordings.