The New Colony Six

Chicago's New Colony Six first took shape as a hard-edged British Invasion act whose signature sound centered on the Farfisa organ and an innovative Leslie guitar. After landing a major local success with "I Confess," the group's early work—most clearly represented by the 1966 debut album Breakthrough—delivered strong original songs that recast the approach of Them and the Yardbirds in a polished, harmony-rich American garage style. Throughout the remainder of the decade the ensemble steadily shifted away from those origins toward a smoother, middle-of-the-road pop blend built around horns and strings. While still generating substantial regional successes and modest national entries, the band finally reached the U.S. Top 30 with "Love You So Much" in 1968 and "Things I'd Like to Say" in 1969.