The Nova Local

Nova Local's Nova 1 remains the sole album from this cult psychedelic pop band hailing from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Formed in 1964, the group released this distinctive debut in 1968 on the prestigious Decca label before disbanding shortly thereafter. The album blends original tracks with timeless covers, capturing a vibrant mix of jangle-rock and psychedelia that channels the spirit of the Nuggets era. Standout cover songs include the iconic blues standard “Tobacco Road,” famously interpreted by artists ranging from The Animals to Jefferson Airplane, and the contemporary folk gem “Morning Dew,” originally written by Bonnie Dobson.

Notably, Nova 1 features the track “If You Only Had the Time,” whose evocative lines “Is it much too much to ask / Not to hide behind the mask?” were sampled by MF Doom in his 2005 song “The Mask,” demonstrating the album’s lasting cultural reach. Nova Local - Nova 1 remains a rare and treasured piece of psychedelic pop history, offering listeners a joyous and melodic journey through the vibrant 1960s Chapel Hill sound.