BANANA SPLITS / HERE COME THE BEAGLES -2 LPS on 1 cd & bonus tracks (mid-60s pop rockers !) CD

This 1,000-copy limited-edition CD reissue does collectors -- and there are a few of them, by the way, who really do want a complete Banana Splits library -- a favor by putting a wealth of material by the group on one disc, with plenty of rare tracks.

The core of this 31-song (!) disc is the entirety of the group's sole album, We're the Banana Splits.

The CD also adds eight non-LP bonus tracks, including more typically bouncy lightweight kiddie pop/rock and a boisterous alternate version of "The Tra La La Song," but also the rather fetching ballad "Pretty Painted Carousel," which sounds a bit like early Peter & Gordon.

Actually the best part of the package, though, are the ten tracks from the rare 1967 LP by fellow kiddie TV group the Beagles, who are actually not bad mid-'60s pop/rockers with a Beatles-Merseybeat influence to the songs and harmonies, though the production bears strong American soul and pop influences.