Van Dyke Parks - Song Cycle (1968)

Song Cycle is a 1968 album by Van Dyke Parks that mixes a number of genres, including psychedelic, folk, baroque, and experimental rock and pop. The release was Parks' debut album, and was produced by future Dreamworks Records co-founder Lenny Waronker.
The album's material explores unconventional song structures, and reflects an American Gothic trip. Song Cycle also features three cover songs: Randy Newman's "Vine Street", Donovan's "Colours", and the traditional "Nearer My God to Thee" (listed on the album as "Van Dyke Parks").
The subjects of many songs, on the other hand, are Southern California locales, including Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Vine Street, Silver Lake Boulevard, and Palm Desert. The lyrics on Song Cycle also reflect Parks' history working in both the film and music industries of Southern California.