If you you fuse together two of the leading players of the Paisley psychedelic pop era of the early/mid eighties, namely David Roback (RAIN PARADE), and Kendra Smith (DREAM SYNDICATE) you end up with the fantastic dreamy psychedelic sounds of OPAL (via CLAY ALLISON). Throwing in the drums (Keith Mitchell) from GREEN ON RED and you end up with a true Paisley Underground supergroup.

Yet this recording is one of the lesser-known releases from that scene, and is Opal’s only actual album release. They did release a compilation called EARLY RECORDINGS in 1989, which consisted of … yes you’ve guessed it … recordings made before Happy Nightmare Baby.

Clearly influenced by Pink Floyd, The Doors, and T Rex (check out Magick Power), comparisons are always going to be made between Kendra Smith’s, at times, hypnotic, almost nonchalent vocals, and the dreamy vocals of Hope Sandoval, who fronted David Roback’s next project, MAZZY STAR, yet I personally feel that this a lost gem.

At times Kendra sounds drugged, and certainly detached, however this album is a pleasure to listen to. David Roback is in charge of the guitar duties and like in every project he’s been a part of, his playing is loose and wild, psychedelic and eerie, never afraid to get to those dark places. I warn you though … even without the help of chemical imbalance, you might feel a bit woozy.

This album is a late night trip. One of the forgotten classics!

1. Rocket Machine
2. Magick Power
3. Relevation
4. A Falling Star
5. She’s A Diamond
6. Supernova
7. Siamese Trap
8. Happy Nightmare Baby
9. Soul Giver