Tales From The Cut-Out Bin: The Tokens "It's a Happening World" (Warner Bros., 1967)

Welcome to another edition of my series Tales from the Cut-Out Bin, where I highlight records I like that perhaps have languished in record shops over the years, and need some extra appreciation (and re-evaluation).

Today I’m focusing on one of my favorite groups of all time, The Tokens and their lone studio album for Warner Brothers, released back in 1967. I’ll try not to be biased, but I’ve always felt that the Tokens are one of the most neglected and under appreciated groups to come out of the sixties. Sure, everyone knows The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and rightfully so, as it’s a classic. But dig deeper into the group’s story (and catalogue) and you’ll find a wildly eclectic and endlessly creative outfit, prone to re-invention and experimentation (and lots of gorgeous harmonies), a group of singers, musicians and producers that never quite got their due at the time.