Federal Duck

Their only album from 1968

I’m going through a stage in my life where I only listen to bands who did work in 1968, and they had horrible group names. Federal Duck, if not mistaken, is the worse name of a band on an all-time level. This, considering my aesthetic range, means that their music is excellent. My only knowledge of Federal Duck is from the hype sticker on the cover of their debut (and only) album. Originally recorded and released in 1968 by the small label Musicor Records, and now re-released by Reel Records. The only known member of Federal Duck is banjo player (among other instruments) George Stavis, who later made a solo album for Vanguard Records. The debut album's producer is credited to THE SUN, MOON AND STARS ENTERPRISES, LTD. And the byproduct of this information is within the vinyl grooves. Beyond that, total obscurity.

There are seven members of Federal Duck, three guitarists, but also who play recorders, french horn, tuba, piano, organ, dulcimer, and two bassists, one of them who sings lead on most of the songs. The chief writer is George Stavis, with some co-writes with fellow band members. The opening song by Stavis Knowing That I Loved You So reminds me of Hard Day’s Night Beatle-era ballad as if sung by Byrds-era Gene Clark. Excellent conga drumming, organ minimal solo, with a couple of electric guitars and melodic solid bass playing, and it’s very pretty. All the ballads on this album are pretty. Then there are songs like Easy Virtue Blues, which is Lovin Spoonful groovy feeling tune, and the other surprise is the jazz part of Bird, which has a serious Bill Evans trio vibe. But most songs have these chamber-like arrangements that are pure 1968 pop world. More of a West Coast sound than the Left Bank (the great band) East orientation - which is strange, considering Federal Duck is from back East. There are traces of the gentle Lou Reed songs from the third Velvet’s album or even Loaded. Federal Duck is a very solid and wonderful album.