As I sat at my desk reviewing my data and writing a one page precise for a possible book chapter in a family business publication my Spotify Music Stream produced an odd sound. It was a cover of the Eagles classic “Desperado”. I stopped what I was doing and listened closer, who was signing, why hadn’t I ever heard this version before?

The solo sent shivers down my spine — such an innocent sounding voice. My first thought was of a young voice, but little did I realise how young. The version I was listening to was from The Langley School Music Project, a collaboration of four Canadian elementary schools (the equivalent of a lower primary school in Australia) recorded in a school hall in two-track in the mid-1970s. Of course, the version I was listening to had been remastered, but the simplicity of the recording remained intact.

As I listened further, the school choir element became more obvious particularly with the simple music arrangement of “Band on the Run”. The tambourines and the symbols so reminiscent of school choirs of my era. But why should that be a surprise, it was recorded in my era!

“Space Oddity” with the children counting down and then the launch. Again immature but irresistible at the same time. All the songs are covers of popular music of the time. Not a “Frere Jacques” to be found on this recording!

Sure it’s easy to pick holes in the production. It is simplistic, but what else would it be? It was recorded in a school hall by a music teacher with a group of school kids.

There were apparently two albums released on vinyl in the mid-1970s which were then made into a compilation called “Innocence and Despair” in 2001. I think the title is a bit like clickbait, to be honest. My recollection of that period albeit from Australia wasn’t one of despair at all? I think the naming of the album detracts rather than adds to the recording. Sure it’s innocent but I don’t think its an album of despair.

Here is a confession, as much as I enjoyed listening to the songs, I couldn’t listen to the whole album in one go. There is a sameness that the simplicity to the arrangements, that eventually caused me to tune out and move on for a bit of variety. That said not to listen to the end would mean that you missed a wonderful version of The Carpenters classic “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft”.

I’d describe this as a treasure from a bygone era. It’s definitely worth a listen even if you decide not to listen to it the whole way through in one go.

If you are like me you will add songs from this treasure to your playlists so they turn up from time to time and they will bring a smile to your face.