Vintage pop project California yearns and jangles from the heart of the 1960s on the group’s new album Postcard From London. The 22-song set is a well-produced effort made up of both original songs and covers of classics from that golden age of radio.
Postcard From London was released on October 25th, 2025 on the RRO Entertainment imprint and, like the band itself, springs from the mind of Les Fradkin. He is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, visionary, and stone-cold Beatle manic (so much so that he was part of the mid-70s hit Broadway show Beatlemania.) He also worked at Abbey Road Studios back in the period when the Fab Four were making their magic. Together with wife and vocalist Loretta Pieper Fradkin, Les is a more-than-potent musical force that has created an outstanding set of music that leans heavily on the guitar and vocal styles that defined one of rock music’s most vital periods.
Original ‘Jangleholic’ by California and Les Fradkin
From the one-two punch of Procol Harum’s “Fellow Travelers” and Les Fradkin’s original song “Jangleholic” that opens Postcard From London, it’s clear that Fradkin’s old-school bona fides are real and very much alive. “Fellow Travelers” is rendered in an orchestral Wall of Sound style that just isn’t heard enough these days and it sets the tone for the rest of the album well. The rousing “Jangleholic” is an autobiographical rocker that explains Fradkin’s love for the clean, chordal guitar work of the Byrds and Beatles.
California also turns in a boatload of cool ideas and performances on covers of “Good Vibrations,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” and “The Mighty Quinn.” Farther into Postcard From London, listeners are treated to the vintage pop sweetness of “You Belong To Me.” The track is a co-write by Les Fradkin and Jim Dessy and features a sunny vibe that will pull you right along.
With Les Fradkin at the helm, California is a group to be reckoned with. His vocal and full-band instrumental skills are top notch and his songs hit right on target. Postcard From London is for everyone seeking joyous and hopeful music to keep them smiling this winter season. Let the sun shine in!
