DESCRIPTION:
THE LEAPING FERNS - "It Never Works Out For Me" / Maybe Baby" (Xpanded Sound X-103) February 1965

This is a very obscure single by a group from Santa Ana, California. Further investigation led me to the famous American surf group The Chantays who had a hit with "Pipeline." Yes, they're the same band but with a more up to date moniker for the fast changing times on the music scene.

"It Never Works Out For Me" could be described as a very early folk-rock jangler, it's also filled with reverbed guitar moves and menacing background vocal harmonies. The sound on this is arguably ahead of it's time.

The flip is a version of the Buddy Holly tune "Maybe Baby" and again there is reverb in the guitar. Both sides have yet to trouble the compilers which is probably the reason why The Leaping Ferns are an undiscovered joy.

This was their only single release under this name. Shortly afterwards they signed to Reprise Records and released two singles as The Ill Winds. I'll focus on those 45s next time.

http://expo67-cavestones.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/the-leaping-ferns-it-never-works-out.html