Also known as: Californians, The
Origin: Wolverhampton, England
This clean-cut Birmingham area outfit evolved out of the Black Diamonds in 1966 and issued several 45s from 1967 through 1969. Their sound was of a purer poppy flavor than psychedelic; however, they did release a few pop-psych gems that can't be overlooked. The group named themselves the Californians as they were inspired by and strove to mimic U.S. West Coast harmony surf bands like the Beach Boys . Original members included John O'Hara (lead vocals), Roger Clarke (lead guitar, vocals), Peter Abberley (bass, vocals) and Keith Evans (drums). Clarke didn't last long however and was replaced by …