@edcyn beat me to Song Cycle by Van Dyke Parks, an album unlike any other you have heard, I guarantee you. For another dose of this near-genius, listen to the Smile boxset. Smile was Van Dyke and Brian Wilson’s never completed concept album, the theme being the Manifest Destiny of The United States, set to music.
And just above, @jrosemd suggested the incredible album Greetings From Planet Love by The Fraternal Order Of The All (Andrew Gold and Graham Gouldman and a few friends), an amazing late-60’s psychedelic pastiche’ recorded and released in 1997. Brilliant!
That still leaves a lot of candidates, but being the song lover that I am, I nominate Something Peculiar by Julianna Raye, an album also from 1997, produced by Jeff Lynne, and filled with great Pop music.
jrosemd also mentioned The Wondermints. For great Pop music, try and find either of the two albums by that fine Group’s original bassist and songwriter, Brian Kassan. Brian left The Wondermints shortly before they hooked up with Brian Wilson, and started Chewy Marble to record his great songs. The first album is self-titled, the second entitled Bowl Of Surreal (which features drumming by yours truly on half the songs). Great songs and production on both albums.
The Chewy Marble albums were released on L.A. Indi label Permanent Press. Also on that label was a great Nick Lowe-inspired songwriter, Walter Clevenger. He and his band The Dairy Kings (;-) recorded a couple of fine Rockin’ Pop albums, well worth searching for. Walter has relocated to Austin, Texas, but the members of his band The Dairy Kings remained in SoCal.
