The Association - The Bears Den at Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls, NY - Aug 13,2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 6:36AM 
Review by Jack Pieri Photos by - John Jeffrey
Niagara Falls, NY - According to the Association, "If you remember the 60's, you weren't there!" But, if you were lucky enough to attend the stellar, sold out show by the legendary group at the Bear's Den, inside of the Seneca Niagara Casino, free love was everywhere. In beatnik terms, it was requiem for the masses, by 'Association' only...man.
The sensational six piece ensemble (all sporting what resembled KFC Col. sanders outfits) opened the 90 minute set on just the right note, with their catchy classic trademark hit song, "Windy." Within seconds, the forecast was clear, and you could hear throughout the entire crowd, "Everyone knows it's Windy." Even after 40 years, the sounds were just as refreshing and relevant as ever, in a vintage pop-art scene.
It didn't take long before the outstanding oldies act were doing a very upbeat version of "Enter The Young." But of course, 'flower power' was in full force throughout a jingle jangle, memorable yet modest hit, "Everything That Touches You." Clearly, a true nugget of the night was the joyous, toe-tapping cover of the classic Four Tops hit, "Just Walk Away Renee." Before long, the moment we've all been waiting for (the second most played song on American radio and TV), the timeless heart warming beautiful ballad, "Never My Love" was performed. All of their amazing harmonies were in full check, as the grateful crowd gave a standing ovation. The message was proud and clear..."All You Need is Love" (credit to the Beatles).
Later, the abundant post baby boomer crowd was treated to a larger than life medley, which could have easily been titled, "The Big Chill Strikes Back." Everyone was dancing in their seats, as the group tore through several sublime songs that helped define an extraordinary era. The boys covered everything from the emotionally driven, "I Heard It Through the Grape Vine," to the Beach Boys classic, "Wouldn't It Be Nice."
Love is the answer, forever and ever, as the band pleasantly performed their sensational, sweet pop ballad, "Cherish." Over four decades later, it was just as moving and memorable as ever. Finally, last but not least, one of the premiere three original members announced to the audience, "If you have to ask what this next song is about, then you just don't get it." "Along Comes Mary" reminds us all, that heavenly harmonies and timeless catchy melodies are clearly, remarkably revolutionary.
T'was a night of unforgettable 'sunshine pop' played to near perfection, complete with intense and dreamy vocal textures. Kudos to creating some of the most gorgeous and enduring songs of their era, and getting the rare opportunity to enjoy them, in a world that simply does not exist anymore.
Thomas