1964-1974: A Decade of Odd Tales and Wonders

1964-1974: A DECADE OF
ODD TALES
AND WONDERS

Travis Edward Pike's Odd Tales and Wonders is equal parts his memoir of the turbulent decade from 1964-1974, and a collection of some of his most memorable original rhymes and songs from that period. Arriving in Los Angeles in 1968, this multi-talented Bostonian -- storyteller, singer and songwriter; became a true Hollywood multi-hyphenate, adding screenwriter, producer, director, and editor to his credentials. If his career was a screenplay, this book would be its First Act and its publication would signal the beginning, in screenwriter's jargon, of its Third Act, when all the obstacles introduced in the First Act are overcome and the saga's many subplots are resolved.
Perhaps the oddest and most wonderful tale of all is the true story foreshadowed in the blurry front cover photograph from 1968. The little fellow on Travis's knee is his then 3-year-old brother, Adam, who grew up, trained as a recording engineer, became a singer, songwriter and recording artist in his own right, and whose devotion, skills, and encouragement are helping make this Third Act possible.

    The cover shows the State Records sleeve for its vinyl 45 release Shindig! named 3rd Best Single of 2017, and lyrics to the CD covers are printed inside. This 374 page memoir of Pike's early career as a singer-songwriter features over 170 photos and artifacts, and an Afterword by music-pop culture author Harvey Kubernik, who calls it "One of the most unique musical journey's I've ever read."
    Lenny Helsings Four-Star review in Shindig! states Pike elucidates...with passion and good humour, just how things were back in the day...A fascinating read.
    In fearandloathingfanzine.com, Andy Pearson calls it intriguing, and very well told...I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with a real interest in Beat music and great stories!
    And Lee Zimmermans Four-Star review in Goldmine magazine reports [Pike] ...created a veritable cottage industry consisting of numerous albums, books and other output reflecting his prodigious talents...in every sense, a remarkable reservoir of craft and creativity.

In response to magazine, broadcast and podcast interviews after publication of the 2013 memoir (no longr in print), Travis compiled this 2018 memoir, adding more than a hundred pages, many more graphics, and answering a number of the most oft-repeated questions, and judging by its current reviews, it was well-worth the effort.

Travis' youngest brother, Adam, owns and operates the producer's recording studio where he and Travis recorded the songs and lyrics featured in 1964-1974: A Decade of Odd Tales and Wonders, most of which were composed and performed live between 1964-1974, but never before recorded or released. The showcase page offers links to all the Otherworld Cottage CD and DVD properties posted on Youtube, and should you wish to purchase albums or singles, you'll find links to online retail outlets provided.