The Holy Mackerel -

The Holy Mackerel was an American studio-assembled psych–pop group formed in 1968 by singer–songwriter Paul Williams as a vehicle for his emerging songwriting career. Their lone album blends sunshine pop, country rock, and light psychedelia with early contributions from several future notables.

Members: Paul Williams (vocals), Mentor Williams (guitar, vocals), Bob Harvey (bass), George Hiller (guitar), Cynthia Fitzpatrick (flute), Don Murray (drums), Jerry Scheff (bass), Michael Cannon (drums)

Background

Following a brief stint on White Whale Records and acting roles in low-budget films, Paul Williams partnered with producer Richard Perry to develop a new project for Reprise. Williams assembled a band that included his brother Mentor Williams, former Jefferson Airplane bassist Bob Harvey, flutist Cynthia Fitzpatrick, and ex-Turtles drummer Don Murray, alongside guitarist George Hiller. The band began work in March 1968 at Sunset Sound, recording early versions of Nichols–Williams compositions such as “To Put Up With You.”

During development, the lineup shifted. Harvey, who wrote the sitar–psych track “Wildflowers,” exited and was replaced by Jerry Scheff. Drumming duties rotated among Murray, Michael Cannon, and Buffalo Springfield’s Dewey Martin. With Perry producing, the group cut twelve tracks that showcased a stylistic range from airy sunshine pop and folk whimsy to country rock and light psychedelia.

The Holy Mackerel (the album)

The Holy Mackerel appeared in November 1968 on Reprise (RS 6311). It features multiple lead vocals by Paul and Mentor, and arrangements that emphasize flute, banjo, harpsichord, and fuzz guitar. The album opens with the hippie anthem “The Secret of Pleasure” and the minor-key folk-pop of “Scorpio Red.” Mentor takes lead on the Byrdsian “The Lady Is Waiting” and the satirical nursery rhyme “Prinderella.” “Wildflowers,” the most psychedelic cut, layers sitar and hand percussion under Williams’ wistful vocal.

The second side includes “Bitter Honey,” a sunshine pop standout, and “1984,” a swirling closer that hints at the art-pop direction of Williams’ early solo work. “The Golden Ghost of Love” and “10,000 Men” recall the textured harmonies of The Association and The Mamas & The Papas.

A1. “The Secret of Pleasure” (3:35)
A2. “Scorpio Red” (3:26)
A3. “The Lady Is Waiting” (2:05)
A4. “Wildflowers” (3:58)
A5. “The Somewhere in Arizona at 4:30 A.M. Restaurant Song (And Now I Am Alone)” (2:25)
A6. “Prinderella” (2:44)

B1. “Bitter Honey” (2:22)
B2. “Nothin’ Short of Misery” (2:35)
B3. “The Golden Ghost of Love” (2:42)
B4. “The Wild Side of Life” (2:52)
B5. “10,000 Men” (3:42)
B6. “1984” (4:27)

Richard Perry produced the album between titles by Captain Beefheart (Safe as Milk) and Tiny Tim. Reprise soundman Lee Herschberg engineered The Holy Mackerel amid titles by Lalo Schifrin, Steppenwolf benefactor Mars Bonfire, and Brian Wilson associate Van Dyke Parks, whose 1968 Song Cycle became a benchmark of orchestral avant-psych.

The Holy Mackerel features brass and string arrangements by John Andrews and liner notes by art director Steve Stanley.

Postscript

The Holy Mackerel folded prior to the album’s release. The record went largely unnoticed at the time but found new fans decades later through soft-psych compilations and reissues. A deluxe edition appeared in 2010 on Now Sounds with bonus tracks and extensive notes. The album’s cult appeal remains tied to standout tracks like “Wildflowers,” “Scorpio Red,” and “1984,” often cited in the context of American sunshine–psych.

Paul Williams went on to a celebrated songwriting career, penning hits for Three Dog Night, Carpenters, and Helen Reddy, and scoring cult musicals like Phantom of the Paradise and Bugsy Malone.

Mentor Williams wrote the soul-country classic “Drift Away.” Jerry Scheff cut a jam-psych album in Goldenrod and joined Elvis Presley’s backing band, while Don Murray later performed with The Surfaris.

Discography: