The Lost Souls never released any records, yet the meager recorded evidence that survives indicates that they were one of the finest unknown American groups of the mid-'60s, able to write both catchy British Invasion-type rockers and, in their latter days, experimental psychedelic pieces with unusual tempo changes and song structures. The band were also unusual in their occasional embellishment of the typical period guitar-bass-drums lineup with flute, sax, and mandolin. Although popular in their Cleveland hometown, they broke up in 1968 to attend college. Rhythm guitarist Dennis Carleton, who wrote and sang some of their best material, went on to briefly join the Choir, their chief (and more successful) rivals. He also played in several odd local bands in the '70s (including Moses, Milk, and the Pagans), as well as releasing solo material on his own label in the '80s that ranged from straight pop to nearly experimental. A cassette-only compilation of unreleased Lost Souls tapes appeared on Carleton's Green Light label in 1983. ~ Richie Unterberger