The Glass Prism - Poe Through The Glass Prism (1969 us, magnificent psychedelic rock, 2012 Flawed Gems reissue)



They began in the early 60′s as the El Caminos and spent most of the decade playing gigs around the northeast USA and were popular enough to record a few songs at the Bell Sound Studios in New York.  They were eventually signed to RCA and decided to change their name to The Glass Prism to better suit the concept of the Poe orientated music they were writing.

Taking the words of some of Poe’s poems, Varano and Christiano moulded sounds which could only have been created in the 60′s and in America – that ended up as a very distinct piece of work.  Dominated by the organ sound of Carl Syracuse the songs are littered with piano, drums, electric guitar and bass.

The album begins with a majestic organ and piano led version of “The Raven“.  Not all the stanzas are used but the song encapsulates the brooding nature of the poem.  This was the single from the album and it’s epic nature makes it one of the stand-out tracks on the album.

The second track is a cheesey-funky version of the poem “To -” which has a great drum intro that trips into stabbing organ chords.  It is quite impressive to hear how the band managed to fit the music to the words in a way that it doesn’t sound at all awkward.  The lines are sung effortlessly with the arrangement, to such an extent that it is sometimes difficult after hearing the album to read the poems without singing the melody from the songs.

“To One In Paradise” has a dreamy quality, using a range of vocals and at one point a spoken word verse.  It ends with a classic 60′s organ sound. Another dreamy mood is evident in “Dream Within A Dream” which opens with a soft and slow tremolo effect on the electric guitar supported by a simple rhythm on the drums (Rick Richards) before the downbeat vocals and chiming organ enter the song.  Where “To One in Paradise” was more up tempo and playful in its dreamy arrangement “A Dream Within A Dream” is far more soporific and mournful in its delivery.  “Take this kiss upon the brow, and in parting from you now…” – 0f all the poems used this is probably the one I sing most readily when reading the original text.

With “Eldorado” we’re back to cheesey-funk and like many of the songs on this album it consists of a few chords repeated on the organ, which effectively makes the music pulsate, the other instruments and vocals providing interesting details.  This song was used as the b-side to “The Raven” but it could have been an A-side because it really grooves – you could almost imagine it on a 60′s TV pop show with a load of dancing-girls in brightly coloured mini-dresses.

Another standout track is provided by another standout poem – “The Conqueror Worm“.  Like “The Raven” it has a similarly repetitive but majestic organ and piano lead line which weaves throughout the song, but as always (and as it should be) it is the words, sung with real emphasis, which holds the piece together.

“The Happiest Day The Happiest Hour” is the closest we get to a classic 60′s freak-out.  A splurge from the guitar leads to a frenetic drum break propelling the songs to its conclusion, interspersed with short, slightly less manic moments, where the vocals come to the fore.  The following track, “Alone”, is similarly crazed – a piano and fuzzed lead guitar slowly emerge from the silence, emerging with dueling vocals and a crazed fuzzed bass line.  The quieter moments are like pools of calm sprinkled with twinkling piano and subtle organ.

“Beloved” is guitar led and quite poppy.  It has an interesting arrangement and a great lead guitar break in the middle of the song, sounding not to dissimilar to a forgotten early track by Arthur Lee of Love.

The music on this album cannot escape the gloom inherent in Poe’s words and even the more pop-like or uptempo tracks remain plaintive.  The vocals on “Hymn” glide over the organ which uses the smooth and percussive effects, becoming a little jazzy to the end when the guitar comes in for support.

The album ends with “A Dream” – an up-tempo workout between the guitar, bass and drums, complete with chiming cow-bell.  It has the feel of a hit single but Poe scuppers any chance of it catching on with the opening line:- “In visions of the dark night, I have dreamed of joy departed”.


Tracks
1. The Raven - 4:00
2. To -. - 2:29
3. To One In Paradise - 2:44
4. Eldorado - 2:08
5. The Conqueror Worm - 3:46
6. A Dream Within A Dream - 2:41
7. The Happiest Day, The Happiest Hour - 2:58
8. Alone - 2:48
9. Beloved - 2:20
10.Hymn - 2:21
11.A Dream - 2:27

The Glass Prism
*Tom Varano - Guitar, Piano, Vocals
*Carl Syracuse - Guitar, Organ, Vocals
*Rick Richards - Drums
*Augie Christiano - Bass

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Linn County - Proud Flesh Soothseer (1968 us, impressive blues rock fused with acid psych elements)



Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formed as the Linn County Blues Band, moved to Chicago and then, like many others they migrated to San Francisco in 1968, signed with Mercury Records, changed their name to Linn County and recorded an album under the title 'Proud Flesh Soothseer' which was released in September the same year.

Linn County released three albums from 1968 to 1970. Over the course of their existence, they had seven band members. They never became too well known, and broke up after Clark Pierson left to join Janis Joplin.

This album is mostly detour through its diversity and originality in interpretation, it is a subtle blend of soul / blues and psychedelic rock, full of vibrating organs, flutes and guitars playful catchy. 'Think' bold resumption of James Brown, which opens the album is an interesting synthesis of what this group can do.

The next track 'Lower Lemons', flirts more readily to a form of avant-garde jazz sauce without losing its coating psychedelic, a bit like Jean Luc Ponty playing with the Grateful Dead!

The end of the first side 'Moon Food' and 'Cave Song' is very oriented avant-garde with a flute and sax ubiquitous supernatant from a composition of invoice honest, always between soul, blues and psychedelic rock.

The bravura of the second side is called 'Protect And Serve/Bad Things', it lasts more than 14 minutes. Always very close to the soul with its brass, it offers a free jazz interlude Baroque / Rococo style near the Mothers of Invention, the piece turns blues in the style of Paul Butterfield Blues Band, without neglecting the sax parts to how the Chicago blues of the late 60's. it is a delight to this plate!

The sequence with 'Fast Days', actually quite a title always full of dancing groove, further demonstrates the breadth of technical skills and artistic aura to rediscover this group, the finish recalls once more the Zappa gang ..

I think this album it once again ''monument''- cornerstone decades between 60 and 70.. mixture psycho influences Soul and rock conventions get slightly twisted with avant-garde-tinged jazz arrangements, weird lyrics, and novel (for rock) touches of flute and brass, Uh... must get it by any means!
by Adamus67


Tracks
1. Think (L. Pauling) - 3:31
2. Lower Lemons (S. Miller, L. Easter, F. Walk) - 4:06
3. Moon Food (S. Miller, L. Easter, F. Walk, D. Long) - 6:30
4. Cave Song (S. Miller, B. Miskimen) - 4:28
5. Protect And Serve/Bad Things (S. Miller, L. Easter, F. Walk) - 14:12
6. Fast Days (S. Miller, F. Walk) - 6:44

Linn County
*Stephen Miller - Organ, Vocals
*Fred Walk - Guitar, Electric Sitar
*Dino Long - Bass Guitar
*Larry Easter - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute
*Jerry 'Snake' Mcandrew - Percussion

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

The Ghost - When You're Dead ..One Second (1970 uk, super heavy psych rock with some folk shades, remaster digipack edition)



The Ghost LP is one of the most fabulous UK psych/prog albums. This Birmingham band featured guitarist Paul Eastment, previously in The Velvett Fogg. The album, originally released back in 1970 on the Gemini label in the UK and in 1971 on Exit/Ekipo records in Spain, is one step ahead psychedelia entering the realm of prog music, yet retaining an atmospheric mind expanding feel through it all. 

Loads of Hammond organ swirls, pyrotechnical guitar licks, beautiful accoustic guitar parts, and above it all killer vocal arrangements. The lead-off track, "When You're Dead," is the most effective and famous (at least in the world of psychedelic collectordom) cut. Lead singer Paul Eastment sounds much like Family's Roger Chapman, but even creepier (and more ostentatious), as the group vamp around a skin-crawling riff, anchored by an almost garagey shrill organ. 

Yet the second song, "Hearts and Flowers," could almost be the work of an entirely different outfit, with the band's other lead singer, Shirley Kent, shining on a pretty folk tune reminiscent of some of Fairport Convention's most precious early numbers (Shirley would later move on to record the "Fresh Out" LP as Virginia Tree). Top quality remastered sound, an impressing addition to your psych prog collection! First ever official CD reissue, limited to 1000 digipack copies." 


Tracks
1. When You're Dead (P. Eastment, P. Keatly)  - 4:25
2. Hearts And Flowers (S. Kent)  - 2:54
3. In Heaven (T. Guy) - 3:21
4. Time Is My Enemy (S. Kent) - 4:06
5. Too Late To Cry (P. Eastment, P. Keatly)  - 5:04
6. For One Second (T. Guy)  - 5:25
7. Night Of The Warlock (P. Eastment, T. Guy) - 4:22
8. Indian Maid (T. Guy) - 4:21
9. My Castle Has Fallen (P. Eastment) - 2:57
10.The Storm (P. Eastment, P. Keatly) - 3:36
11.Me And My Loved Ones (T. Guy) - 4:09
12.I'Ve Got To Get To Know You (S. Kent) - 4:02

The Ghost
*Daniel MacGuire - Bass Guitar
*Charlie Grima - Drums, Percussion
*Paul Eastment - Lead Guitar
*Terry Guy - Organ, Piano
*Shirley Kent - Vocals

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

The Innocence - The Innocence (1967 us, sunshine psychedelic pop, 2010 Rev Ola release)



Although Memphis Sam Pearlman has lauded Rock's occasional awesome capacity for speaking without words, a more elusive standard has emerged for measuring rock achievement: speaking with words. Rock has always spoken through a tremendous array of perfectly appropriate "cliches." But that's just a basic ground for novel paths in use of the mere word and its extension and transcendence. Here is where The Innocence sums it all up. Mairzy Doats is a readymade classic. 

Mere words reduced to mere sounds regrouped into new mere words which are somehow more poetically evocative than the originals. Here The Innocence speaks with somebody else's speech composed of just a pile of word play. Just playful as a silly kids' song, it has been allowed to crystallize into a monument to non serious word play. And now, after John Lennon's great books have validated just this type of "game." 

The Innocence has come to resurrect Mairzy Doats and give Rock an addition so perfect for Rock and so long inevitable. And There's Got To Be A Word (Beyond the Meaning of Love) is even more than this. Groping for new words which mean more than words which already mean a whole bunch! Just look at the most obvious gem of all. The Innocence: you can even dig the pseudo-plural name of the group.
by Richard Meltzer


Tracks
1. There's Got To Be A Word (Beyond The Meaning Of Love) (D Ciccone, Jimmy Wisner) - 2:25
2. Mairzy Doats  (Drake, Hoffman, Livingston, Jimmy Wisner) - 1:14
3. Someone Got Caught In My Eye (Andreoli, Poncia Jr, Anders, Poncia) - 1:59
4. All I Ask (D Ciccone, Jimmy Wisner) -  2:48
5. Your Show Is Over (D Ciccone, Jimmy Wisner) - 2:45
6. A Lifetime Lovin' You  (Andreoli, Poncia Jr, Anders, Poncia) - 2:21
7. Whence I Make Thee Mine (Andreoli, Poncia, Cordell, Jimmy Wisner) - 1:44
8. It's Not Gonna Take Too Long (Andreoli, Poncia Jr, Anders, Poncia) - 2:05
9. All I Do Is Think About You (Linde, Bloom Jimmy Wisner) - 2:30
10.I Don't Wanna Be Around You (Ripp, Andreoli, Poncia Jr, Anders, Poncia) - 2:08
11.Do You Believe In Magic (J Sebastian, Jimmy Wisner) - 2:23
12 I Don't Wanna Be Around You (Bonus Track, Single Version)  (Ripp, Andreoli, Poncia Jr, Anders, Poncia) - 2:08
13.There's Got To Be A Word (Beyond The Meaning Of Love) ( Bonus Track, Single Version) (D Ciccone, Jimmy Wisner) - 2:24

The Innocence
*Peter Anders
*Vini Poncia
*Artie Ripp

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Audience - Audience (1969 uk, excellent progressive psychedelic rock, 2002 remaster edition)



Audience was formed in London in 1969 by singer/guitarist Howard Werth, saxophonist Keith Gemmell, bassist Trevor Williams, and percussionist Tony Connor. Set apart from their contemporaries thanks to their use of acoustic guitar and saxophone, the group issued their self-titled debut LP in 1969; although the album was a commercial failure. 

Audience soon landed with Charisma Records, teaming with producer Gus Dudgeon to record the 1970 follow-up Friend's Friend's Friend. House on the Hill, issued a year later, yielded perhaps the band's best-known effort, "Indian Summer," and was followed by a U.S. tour in support of the Faces; however, in the wake of 1972's Lunch, Gemmel left the lineup to join Stackridge, and despite recruiting saxophonist Patrick Neubergh and keyboardist Nick Judd, Audience disbanded soon after. 

Werth resurfaced as a solo artist in 1975 with a new backing band, the Moonbeams, and an LP, King Brilliant. 
by Jason Ankeny


Tracks
1. Banquet - 3:47
2. Poet - 3:05
3. Waverley Stage Coach - 2:59
4. Riverboat Queen - 2:57
5. Harlequin - 2:35
6. Heaven Was an Island - 4:18
7. Too Late I'm Gone- 2:37
8. Maidens Cry - 4:47
9. Pleasant Convalescence - 2:30
10.Leave It Unsaid - 4:07
11.Man on Box - 3:02
12.House on the Hill- 4:03
13.Paper Round  - 3:39
14.The Going Song - 1:39
15.Troubles - 1:22

Audience
*Howard Werth - Guitar, Vocals
*Tony Connor  - Drums
*Keith Gemmell  - Clarinet, Flute, Tenor Sax, Wind
*Trevor Williams - Bass, Keyboards, Vocals

Audience discography
1970  Friends, Friends, Friend 
1971  House On The Hill
1972  Lunch

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Iggy Pop And James Williamson - Kill City (1975/77 us, 2010 edition, restored, remixed, remastered with 24page booklet )



I like what this album has to say. It is rather concept, the music is well thought out. It adheres to no particular genre. A lot of people have borrowed its ideas. It's one of the very first independent LPs I know of. I hope you like it.
Iggy Pop

Kill City was by all measures a desperate effort, a singularly honest and heartfelt perfomance a genuine progression of our song writing, and another in a long line of flops that were later resurrected and heralded as masterpieces.

By the time it was released as a record, both Iggy and I were off doing other things with our lives, but with this release we are not only reunited in our musical endeavors but in our appreciation of this album, its remix, and its importance to us as artists.
James Williamson


Tracks
1. Kill City - 2:34
2. Sell Your Love - 3:41
3. Beyond The Law - 3:22
4. I Got Nothin' - 3:26
5. Johanna - 3:23
6. Night Theme - 1:20
7. Night Theme (Reprise) - 1:05
8. Consolation Prizes - 3:38
9. No Sense Of Crime - 3:56
10.Lucky Monkeys - 3:39
11.Master Charge - 3:41

Musicians
*Iggy Pop – Vocals
*James Williamson – Guitar
*Brian Glascock - Drums, Congas, African Beaters, backing Vocals
*Scott Thurston – Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Harmonica, Bass(1,3,5,6)
*John Harden - Saxophones
*Steve Tranio – Bass (2,4,9)
*Tomy Sales - Backing Vocals, Bass (10,11)
*Hunt Sales - Backing Vocals - Drums (10,11)
*Gayna (From The Count Dracula Society) - Backing Vocals on "Night Theme"

Iggy with The Stooges
1969  The Stooges (Double Disc edition) 
1970  Fun House (Rhino original packing remaster)
1973  Raw Power (2010 Legacy Double Disc edition)

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Human Instinct - Snatmin Cuthin (1972 new zealand, high-powered guitar rock, remastered edition)



Human Instinct is a continuation of the group, the Four Fours. The transition to Human Instinct began in 1966 when Trevor Spitz, founding member of the Four Fours, decided to leave when the other group members wanted to embark on a trip to England to seek their fortune and fame.

Back in New Zealand Maurice replaced Bill Ward with a friend of his from Palmerston North, 21 year old Billy Tekahika, who had been with the Sinners. Billy was later better known as Billy TK. Frank Hay stayed for a short time, but when Maurice decided to take the band on a national tour, he decided to leave and was replaced by Michael Brown. During the tour Michael left to join Dunedin band, the Klap, and was replaced by Peter Barton.

After the tour, a short residency was taken up at the Bo Peep in Auckland, before Greer, Barton and Tekahika flew to London in February 1969 for a second assault on Britain. When they arrived there, they immediately bought a massive PA and lighting system and attracted an audience who wanted to experience the mountain of sound. The group's repertoire at this stage was all original. Although Greer handled most of the vocals, the focal point of the trio was Billy TK, who was becoming a guitar legend in his own right.

The second visit only lasted three months, but during that time they did meet up with Doug Jerebine, previously with the Embers and the Brew. Doug was in England also trying to crack the London scene. He was there recording under the name Jessie Harper. Doug had impressed Maurice and in time Human Instinct were to record seven of his songs.

On their return to New Zealand, they began recording an album at Astor studios. About half way through it Peter Barton left the group and Larry Waide was brought in to complete the album. Released late 1969, the album was called 'Burning Up Years'. From it came the single 'I Think I'll Go Back Home'/'You Really Got Me'.

Work then began immediately on the second album. It was recorded in June 1970 and released as 'Stoned Guitar'. From it came the singles 'Midnight Sun'/'Idea' and 'Black Sally'/'Tomorrow'. These were the only two of their singles to be released with picture sleeves. Below is both sides of 'Black Sally'/'Tomorrow'.

Larry Waide left the group after recording the second album, as musical directions began to change. His position was filled in February 1971 by former Underdogs bass player Neil Edwards. No sooner had he joined and the group was back in the studios to record their third album. This was called 'Pins In It' and was released in June 1971. One single, 'Rainbow World'/'Highway', was issued from this album.

At the same time as its release, the group headed to Sydney for a three month tour. It was not a happy time for the band and at the end of the visit, Billy TK announced that he was remaining in Australia. This basically signaled the end of Human Instinct as a heavy rock band. Instead of replacing Billy with another guitarist, Maurice decided to go for a totally different sound and added Graeme Collins, previously with Dedikation, on keyboards. This configuration didn't last very long and in 1972 Maurice started again with a completely new line-up which consisted of himself, Martin Hope, from the Fourmyula, and John Donoghue, from Timberjack, both on guitar, and Glenn Mikkelson (also known as Zaine Griff) on bass. This combination concentrated on country rock.

From late 1971, Maurice divided his time between his music and nightclub construction with his brothers, Barry and Frank. They were responsible for opening quite a few clubs in Auckland, notably Hatchett's, Granny's, Shantytown, Ruby's Saloon and Croft's, as well as quite a number of others around the country.

Human Instinct released another single 'Texas Sparrow'/'Children Of The World' in 1971 and two more albums. One in 1972 called 'Snatmin Cuthin' and the other in 1974 called 'The Hustler'.


Tracks
1. Say To Me (N. Edwards) - 2:45
2. It's A Blessing (H. Mann) - 2:45
3. 122 (M. Hope) - 1:00
4. Since We (M. Hope) - 3:26
5. Rockin Lockin Baby (N. Edwards) - 2:59
6. Up Country City Down (M. Hope) - 3:35
7. Simple Man (M. Hope) - 3:08
8. Jacques Le Mere (N. Edwards) - 2:31
9. Turn Your Back On The Wind (W. Mason) - 3:19
10. Seen The Light  (M. Greer) - 2:52

Human Instinct
*Maurice Greer - Vocals, Drums
*Martin Hope - Lead guitar, Vocals
*Neil Edwards - Bass, Vocals
*Harvey Mann - Guitar
*Dick Hopp - Flute

More Humans
1971  Pins In It
1975  Peg Leg / The Lost Tapes

Related Acts
1970  The Underdogs - Wasting Our Time

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Paul And Georgia - The Paul And Georgia Album (1968-76 us, classic folk intertwined with acid psych, blues, country and roots 'n' roll including members from the Doors)


 

This album introduces the songs of Paul Ferrara and his wife Georgia, recorded between 1968 and 1976. In the early sixties, Georgia Newton, a teenager with a love for music and a strong desire to search for something more, became part of the Sunset scene as she hitchhiked her way down Beverly Glen every night, leaving behind her conventional family. While on the famous Strip, she met John Densmore and Robby Krieger, two talented musicians who would soon form half of The Doors. 

Paul Ferrara, who studied film at UCLA with Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison, later became the band's photographer and cinematographer, filming their exploits on and off-stage and giving birth to Live at the Hollywood Bowl as well as the yet-to-be-officially-released Feast of Friends. In the process, Paul developed a close friendship with Jim Morrison. 

They wrote songs together like Waiting For the Sun and played music late into the night. In 1968, at a showing of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Paul and Georgia met for the first time, and the two soon became a couple. Paul had always played the guitar, and Georgia started to sing along with him. Their songs, along with her stunningly natural and almost haunting voice, caught the attention of several producers, including Doors' producer Paul Rothschild. Rothschild was particularly interested in the song One More Drink and wanted to give it to a young female artist he produced named Janis Joplin. Paul and Georgia refused, wanting to keep the song for themselves -- a decision they've both regretted to this day. 

Paul and Georgia recorded two of their songs with The Doors backing them, following the band's rehearsal. Ray Manzarek, John Densmore and Robbie Krieger are featured on the tracks One More Drink and Hopi. The couple would also record two more songs with the band Nite City, Manzarek's post-Doors project. 

They also recorded at Elektra Studios with actor and musician Tim McIntire, the man who scored the music for the motion picture Jeremiah Johnson. Jim Morrison, who would usually attend Paul and Georgia's recording sessions, fell in love with the song Bald Mountain. Morrison used the song in HWY, a film he wrote. In HWY, Morrison plays the lead part of the killer on the road in the desert near Joshua Tree, California. 

Paul was the man behind the camera for the filming of the movie, a cult classic in Europe only seen in art houses that will soon be released in the USA. In 1970, Paul and Georgia's son Rio was born. Soon after that, Jim Morrison left Los Angeles and flew to Paris to join his longtime girlfriend Pamela Courson and pursue his life as a writer and poet. Paul, Georgia and Rio began to explore the USA and decided to settle on a ranch near Taos, New Mexico where the couple continued to write music.

Thought to be lost, these recordings were recently found at Paul's New Mexico ranch, preserved and digitally remastered from the original analog masters that had not been heard for almost thirty years. Paul's arrangements, melodies and simple yet intricate instrumentation are a perfect complement to Georgia's gorgeous and ethereal voice. That voice will bring to mind the likes of Laura Nyro, Janis Joplin, and Grace Slick.

Paul and Georgia were more than their recorded legacy. They embodied the struggles that young couples of the late 60's faced fighting for independence and against conformity. At ground zero of the rock'n'roll world of The Doors, they embraced the counterculture, the anti-war sentiment and the consciousness expansion movements of the times. Their love bond would lead them on a return to the country and a spiritual quest; their story is worthy of a major motion picture. 

A biography of Paul Ferrara is also in the works. He will discuss the years he attended the UCLA Film School with Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, his career as a Hollywood photographer for Nancy Sinatra, her father, Ravi Shankar and many others, including The Doors. He will also discuss his acting career, including his part alongside Peter Sellers in the motion picture The Party, and his relationship with Georgia. 

If you are too young to have lived through the tumultuous sixties, when these songs were created, or if you are lucky enough to remember the musical renaissance that the period produced, you will find comfort in the beauty contained in the recordings of Paul and Georgia's long overdue debut album. 
by Anne Sophie Dacosta and Kyle Vincent


Tracks
1. Hopi - 2:49
2. Salt - 2:15
3. Change - 3:07
4. One More Drink - 2:58
5. Nuilena - 3:22
6. Sweet Wine - 3:15
7. Black Gold - 3:15
8. Bald Mountain - 3:11
9. James - 3:03
10.Black Jack Pine - 2:32
11.How Have You Been - 3:38
12.Not Right to Fight - 1:56
13.Joyride - 3:04
14.Need You - 2:51
15.Ice Cream - 1:38

Musicians
*Georgia Ferrara Pulos - Vocals
*Paul Ferrara - Guitar, Vocals
*John Densmore - Drums
*Robby Krieger - Guitar
*Ray Manzarek - Keyboards
*Tim McIntire - Violin

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

The Ugly Ducklings - Somewhere Outside (1966-67 canada, smashing garage rock, remastered with bonus tracks)



The Ugly Ducklings formed in the spring of 1965 as The Strolling Bones, a blatant Rolling Stones-inspired outfit featuring Brian Jones look-a-like, British-born Glyn Bell. After making its live debut at Ccdarbrac High School in Toronto's Scarborough district (the entire band minus Boers studied there), the group changed name to The Ugly Ducklings and won a residency at Charlie Brown's Place. In late 1965, the band attracted the attention of Yorktown Records, who recorded the group's debut single, the Bingham-Maync collaboration, Nothin' for a mere $300,00 on a 2-track machine at Hallmark Studios.

The record was picked by local radio and became a local smash in March of the following year. On the back of the single's success, the 'Ducks landed their dream gig - opening for the Stones at Maple Leaf Gardens in June 1966. The group's debut album Somewhere Outside, recorded in New York and Toronto was issued around this time and contained all of the group's early singles.

The opening cut, Nothin' was also their finest moment, with its snotty punk vocals and guitar assault. She Ain't No Use To Me was a punk shouter with some snappy guitar work, whilst That's Just A Thought I Had In My Mind is more restrained, veering more towards pop. Also of note on the album were Do What You Want, a mid-paced beat number; Just In Case You Wonder, which featured some good fuzz guitar; Hey Mama (Keep Your Big Mouth Shut), notable for some fine psychedelic guitar work; a snotty version of Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Any More, the only non-original and the closing cut, Windy City (Noise At The North End), an atmospheric instrumental complete with sound effects and more fuzx guitar.

However, the label's decision to bring in producer Brian Ahem against the band's wishes, and its failure to distribute the 'Ducks records properly in the US led to the first of several personnel changes in early 1967. Read dropped out (later working in the photographic retail business) and was replaced by Howie Smith. Differences in musical direction led to Mayne's departure later in the year and Bell followed him soon afterwards. In their place, the 'Ducks recruited Mike McKenna from Luke and The Apostles.

Mayne subsequently tried to form a new group but nothing happened and he later went on to work in the TV business, producing commercials for ABC. Bell meanwhile became involved with commercial art. Amid all this activity, the group enjoyed its biggest hit with the brilliant Gaslight, which had been recorded in New York with the NBC Orchestra, and only featured Bingham on the record. The new line-up made a few recordings in late 1967 and early 1968, including McKcnna's Blues Fell This Morning and Bingham's Rise To Your Calling, which were never issued at the time, but have since appeared on The Ugly Ducklings compilation Duck Tales. In the spring of 1968, Ray Novak was added on organ, but this line-up didn't gel and in June, McKenna left to form McKenna Mcndelson. Guitarist Dave Kindred was brought in to fill his shoes.

The revised band line-up made a comeback at Toronto's Flick during July 1968, but no recordings were made. In early 1969, the band split up, only to reform a few months later as GNU. Boers maintained the greatest profile working with B.B. King, Charlie Mussclwhite, Neil Merryweather and the 49th Parallel. Throughout the '70s there were several Ugly Ducklings reunions, but no official recordings appeared. In 1980 however, the original members decided to reform and an album called Off The Wall was released.

The current line-up featuring former Buffalo Springfield Revisited guitarist Stan Fndersby on bass made its debut at the Toronto Rock Revival concert, held at the Warehouse on May 2,1999. The recent CD, Too Much Too Soon includes remastered cuts from many of their 45s. plus one newly recorded track. The Ugly Ducklings are widely recognized to be one of the best garage punk bands to have come out of Canada.


Tracks
1. Nothin' - 2:27
2. Do What You Want - 2:43
3. She Ain't No Use to Me - 3:03
4. Just in Case You Wonder - 2:26
5. Not For Long - 2:57
6. I Ain't Gonna Eat My Heart Out Anymore - 2:48
7. Hey Mama (Keep Your Big Mouth Shut) - 2:58
8. 10-30 Train - 2:28
9. That's Just the Thought That I Had in My Mind - 2:41
10.Postman's Fancy - 2:22
11.Windy City (Noise At The North End) - 5:59
12.I Wish You World - 3:28
13.I Need Your Love - 5:49
14.I Can Tell - 3:20
15.Rimb Nugget - 3:41
16.Gaslight - 2:44
17.Postmans Fancy - 2:18
Bonus tracks 12-17

The Ugly Ducklings
*Glynn Bell - Guitar
*Dave Bingham - Vocals
*Robin Boers - Drums
*Roger Mayne - Guitar
*John Read - Bass
*Howie Smith - Bass
*Mike McKenna - Guitar
*Ray Novak - Keyboards
*Dave Kindred - Guitar

Free Text


  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Tractor - Original Masters (1969-80 uk, superb acid rock with folk drops, including from The Way We Live material)



Tractor were formed in Rochdale in 1971 from the remains of three-piece band The Way We Live (originally formed in 1966 at Balderstone School, Rochdale). The band comprised Jim Milne (guitarist, vocalist and songwriter) and Steve Clayton (drummer, percussionist and songwriter) who had teamed up in 1971 with their manager and sound engineer John Brierley, who built his first studios (Dandelion Studios Rochdale) in his bedroom and attic. John later recorded Factory and many other bands at his Cargo Studios in Rochdale.

As The Way We Live, Tractor made a 1971 album for Dandelion Records boss, the late John Peel. After the release of this album, "A Candle For Judith", Peel described guitarist Jim Milne as "...the man responsible for some of the most urgent flowing and logical guitar playing I've ever heard".

Their second album, "Tractor” (as Tractor) got to number 18 in the Radio Luxembourg album charts and was frequently played on the BBC by DJs like Peel, Bob Harris and Anne Nightingale. It was also in the Virgin Top 30 selling album charts in 1972.

Later that year, former Rochdale College Social Secretary Chris Hewitt became their tour manager and sound engineer and the band opened recording studios in Dawson Street in Heywood. They performed on the college and university circuit from winter 1972 onwards (one night appearing on the same bill as future AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott) and also worked on their third album which would later become the CD release, "Worst Enemies".

In 1976, Tractor helped launch the Deeply Vale Festivals and were the main Festival attraction in 1976 and 1977. As it grew in reputation, other Manchester-based and nationally known artists appeared at the Festival alongside Tractor, including Durutti Column, The Fall, The Out, The Drones, Nik Turner (of Hawkwind), Here And Now, The Ruts, Fast Cars and Steve Hillage.

During their career, Tractor have issued LPs and CDs on Dandelion Records, UK Records, Cargo Records (Indie Rochdale label), Roach Records and they now control their entire back catalogue through their own Ozit-Morpheus Records. In 1998, they released a new CD of archive material, Tractor "Before, During and After the Dandelion Years".

They played at Glastonbury Festival in 2002 and the Canterbury Festival in 2003. There is a DVD available through Ozit-Morpheus Records entitled, ‘Beyond Deeply Vale’, and like all Tractor material, it received stunning reviews.

In 2004, ITV made a documentary about Deeply Vale and Tractor, "Truly Madly Deeply Vale", which is to be released on DVD with extra bonus footage. Further recognition came in December 2004 when Tractor played at a John Peel tribute concert along with Doves and Badly Drawn Boy, Marc Riley and Andy Rourke from the Smiths. In October 2006, Tractor released a new CD, “John Peel Bought Us Studio Gear And a P.A.”


Tracks
1. King Dick II - 3:12
2. Squares - 5:02
3. Siderial - 5:27
4. Angle - 1:26
5. Storm - 4:52
6. Willow - 5:48
7. Madrigal - 2:08
8. The Way Ahead - 9:03
9. Lost On The Ocean (Live) - 5:59
10.Suicidal (Live) - 8:18
11.Vicious Circle - 2:28
12.Hollands Pie R - 2:50
13.As You Say - 4:16
14.Electric Witch (Live) - 7:45
All titles written by Jim Milne
Tracks 1 to 8 and 13  Recorded as The Way We Live in the late 60's/early 70's at John Brierley's home studio.
Tracks 9 and 10 Recorded as The Tractor in 1977 at Cargo Studios Mobile.
Tracks 11 and 12 Recorded as The Tractor in 1974/75 at Tractor Sound Studios, Heywood.
Track 14 Recorded as The Tractor 1980 at Cargo Studios Mobile

Tractor
*Jim Milne - Guitar, Bass Guitar, Vocals
*Dave Addison - Bass Guitar
*Dave Goldberg - Keyboards
*Steve Clayton - Percussions

Related Act
1971  The Way We Live - A Candle For Judith

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Jonathon Round - Jonathon Round (1971 us, fabulous psychedelic folk rock, original vinyl release)



Jonathon was a huge man, very huge according to the people who met him, he also had a huge voice and wide open way of musical thoughts. His roaring theatrical version of "Sympathy For The Devil"  made an effect  by the time it's release, but couldn't drift the album to make the splatter that he expected and the sales stood in low numbers.

That of course means nothing at all, the rest album keeps the high stature, from the opening "In Quest Of Unicorn" to his aspect of the Bee Gees "To Love Somebody"  we are tasting some great vocal work, supplemented by musicianship which is practically beyond reproach.


Tracks
1. In Quest of the Unicorn (J. Round) - 4:56
2. Don't It Make You Want to Go Home (Joe South) - 3:10
3. Tolu (Round) - 5:13
4. Sympathy for the Devil (Jagger, Richards) - 6:01
5. To Love Somebody (Gibb, Gibb) - 3:00
6. Traveling Mama Blues (J. Round) - 4:11
7. And I Will Not Be Moved (J. Round) - 4:45
8. Train-A-Comin' (J. Round) - 2:36
9. Young Sadie (Dancing Lady) (J. Round) - 5:34

Musicians
*Thaddeus Markiewicz - Strings
*Carl Raetz - Trombone
*Felix Resnick - Strings
*Sylvester Rivers - Keyboards
*Alvin Score - Strings
*Haim Shtrum - Strings
*Beatriz Staples - Strings
*Jonathan Round - Vocals, Guitar
*John Griffith - Keyboards
*Jack Boesen - Strings
*Fred Boldt - Sax (Baritone)
*Edgar Clanton - Vocals (Background)
*Boob Coward - Flute, Oboe
*LeRoy Fenstermacher - Strings
*Sam Fozzini - Drums
*Parke Grout - Trombone
*Virginia Hoffman - Strings
*LaVerna Mason - Background Vocals
*Santo Urso - Strings
*Dave Banks - Background Vocals
*Dennis Coffey - Guitar
*Mike Theodore - Synthesizer, Guitar
*Doris Jones - Background Vocals
*Pat Webb - Background Vocals
*Jack Ashford - Percussion
*Bob Babbitt - Bass
*Barbara Fickitt - Strings
*Leo Harrison - Trombone
*George Hawkins - Trombone
*David Ireland - Strings
*Emanuel Johnson - Background Vocals

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Brigg - Brigg (1973 us, significant hard rock with progressive folk shades)



Outstanding 1973 from a Northumberland, Pennsylvania trio with an incredibly wasted vibe. Roughly half of this is heavy rock, like a second rate Grand Funk or Frost, and these songs are just mediocre, with "If Only You Could See Me Now" being the best by way of it's off kilter timing and phased-out wah guitar. 

The other half is what we are all really here for: totally loaded, extended, spacey rural-vibe psych folk. "Universe" is the total kicker, loaded in opiate fueled cosmic ether. It's so slow and laid back that it almost moves backwards. Time has no meaning, or is lost completely. 

Above the strummed acoustic bliss there are spaced out effects that just really make this fucker out, like if Jandek was really talented on You Walk Alone and tried to make a commercial (well, uh, sorta) sounding folkpsych album. Flutes appear on other tracks, giving this a Topanga Canyon hippie vibe at times. A totally great windowpane rainy day escapist monster. 

While Willoughby and Foulke would go on to greater glory in the early 1980s with the well-known band Hybrid Ice (whose song “Magdalene” was famously covered by Boston on their album Walk On), this would be the last anyone would ever hear of Brigg.


Tracks
1. Hey Mister - 3:16
2. Universe - 5:30
3. Took It Away - 3:35
4. New Found Rain - 2:37
5. If Only You Could See Me Now - 3:21
6. The War Is Over - 2:50
7. Linda - 5:40
8. And You Know - 2:45
9. Sneaker Tongue - 0:31

Brigg
*Rusty Foulke - Guitar, Vocals
*Jeff Willoughby - Bass, Percussion, Flute, Vocals
*Rob Morse - Guitar, Vocals
With
*Rick Klinger - Percussion
*Webb Kline - Keyboard

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

July - July (1968 uk, very tasty brand of psychedelia, 2008 Revola remaster and expanded edition)



For a number of years it was thought that the Band originated from a group called The Playboys. They originated in fact as The Dreamers who played much in the style of The Shadows and The Everly Brothers. With the success of R'n'B they changed their name to The Tomcats, drinking from the Sounds of Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. In 1965 another Band called Second Thoughts came to an end (Their Lead-Singer Patrick Campbell-Lyons going on to form the Band Nirvana). 

From the ashes of this to Bands, The Tomcats were re-formed. With the lack of success in London the Band decided to relocate to Spain, where they performed on the best Venues the Country had to offer (In Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands). They also released a number of EP's that were quite well received there, getting to the Spanish Charts. With the return of the Band to London and the creation of new Material influenced by Psychedelia. Soon after the definitive change to the name July, they got a Recording Deal with Major Minor Records and a Management Deal with Spencer Davis. 

Their First Album came out that same year (1968) and was completely ignored by everyone except for some critics who deemed it a “complete waste of plastic”, They broke up right after the release. However many of the Songs were later used on 60's Compilations and the Album itself has been re-issued a number of Times. It is one of the most sought-after Psychedelic Albums ever.

Well to be pedantic...This is the first album of later well-known progressive band "Jade Warrior" which is also highly recommended to listen to , while two founder members of Jade Warrior do indeed contribute a great deal to this album in terms of playing and arranging the music, the real creative force behind July was vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Tom Newman. He later moved into engineering and production, overseeing the construction of The Manor studios, and went on to engineer and co-produce Tubular Bells. 

July were one of the many British Psych bands that came, saw, yet failed to conquer and fizzled out with less than a year notched up on their collective belts. In this short time they did manage to put out two albums, its rarity ensuring original pressings have gone on to attain near-Grail status amongst psych collectors.

The self-titled July was released in 1968, and really is a must-hear for anybody with a passing interest in psychedelic obscurities.

Although heavily influenced by the Californian psych sound, July manage to retain the quirkiness associated more so with the British acid-rock scene, throughout. This is ably demonstrated on the infectiously jaunty ‘Jolly Mary’, which successfully straddles the light-hearted wing of both camps, coming across Beatles-esque, Toytown, and West Coast, all in one eclectic nautical package.

Openers ‘My Clown’ and ‘Dandelion Seeds’ are eerily trippy, while elsewhere ‘Move on Sweet Flower’ is distinctly reminiscent of Gandalf. ‘Friendly Man’ alludes to some decidedly dark subject matter, although that could just be me misreading it, ‘The Way’ covers the eastern-mysticism angle with its energetic sitar-infusion, and ‘Crying is for Writers’ benefits from a scorching psychedelic guitar blitzkrieg slap bang in the middle.

July’s time on the music scene may have been but a slight ripple on an otherwise vast ocean of sound – though the constituent members would go on to enjoy success in various areas of the music industry – but the psychedelic gem they left behind deserves the status it enjoys today as one of the most sought after rarities of the acid era.
by Adamus67


Tracks
1. My Clown (Peter Cook) - 3:25
2. Dandelion Seeds (Tom Newman) - 3:20
3. Jolly Mary (Peter Cook)  - 2:22
4. Hallo To Me (Tom Newman)  - 3:00
5. You Missed It All (Tom Newman)  - 2:52
6. The Way (Tom Newman)  - 3:29
7. To Be Free (Peter Cook)  - 2:51
8. Move On Sweet Flower (Tom Newman)  - 3:28
9. Crying Is for Writers (Tom Newman)  - 2:36
10.I See See (Peter Cook)  - 2:42
11.Friendly Man (Peter Cook)  - 3:11
12.Bird Lived (Peter Cook)  - 2:37
13.My Clown (Single Version (Peter Cook) - 3:25
14.Dandelion Seeds (Single Version) (Tom Newman) - 3:20
15.Hello, Who's There? (Peter Cook) - 3:11
16.Way See (Single Version) (Tom Newman) - 3:29

July
*Tony Duhig - Lead Guitar, Organ
*Jon Field - Flute, Keyboards
*Chris Jackson - Drums, Organ
*Alan James - Bass
*Tom Newman - Vocals, Guitars

1967-68  The Second Of July

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Denny King - Evil Wind Is Blowing (1972 us, sharp acid blues rock with experimental vibes, Captain Beefheart's sideman, 2010 edition)



Born Dennis Gordon Ottenbacher in Wisconsin in 1942, singer / guitarist Denny King started out on the Milwaukee local music scene in the early 60s. By the early 70s he was based in the small town of Lancaster I (in California's Mojave  desert) at the time his sole album was made. 

A bluesman, he quickly became a lynchpin of the local scene, playing with numerous local musicians. Two of those were Alex St. Claire (guitar, trumpet) and Doug Moon (harmonica), who had played in the early incarnation of Captain Beefheart's Magic Band, and accompanied King on his sole LR which appeared on Little Richard's Specialty label (as SPS 5003) in the summer of 1972. 

A good-humored set of odd electric blues, St Claire produced it, and also takes a co-writing credit on Desert Sand, making it a considerable curio for Beefheart completists. Famed critic Barry Hansen (better known as Dr. Demento) wrote the enthusiastic sleevenotes, HR which promise that "you'll soon know why they call that place the high desert!", but sales were predictably small, and the extracted 45 (Bessie Mae / Go Down Moses) was also a slow seller. 

King later set up a booking agency, with the aim of helping bands getting a start playing in bars, and later specialised in opening music venues in Asia, and organizing entertainment for US forces in Korea. By all accounts a humble and religious man, King died in April 2000. At that time he had been playing in a band called The Watchmen, with members of his church.


Tracks
1. Evil Wind Is Blowing - 3:00
2. Bottle Blues - 3:00
3. Desert Sand - 3:48
4. Sunday Driver - 2:57
5. Boogie Man - 5:18
6. Bessie Mae - 3:12
7. Lucille - 3:11
8. Home Cooking - 4:05
9. Go Down Moses - 2:28
10. Putting Away The Blues - 2:24

Musicians
*Denny King - Vocals, Guitar, Bass
*Alex St. Claire - Guitar, Trumpet, Bass, Slide Guitar
*Jesse Briones - Bass
*Greg Hampton - Drums
*Al Carr - Congas
*Douglas Moon - Harmonica
*Peter Dolan - Flute

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

The Happenings - Piece Of Mind (1969 us, wonderful psychedelic sunshine pop, original vinyl release)



1969's self-produced "Piece of Mind" is simply unlike anything else in their catalog.  Like many of their contemporaries (The Four Seasons and The Tokens readily come to mind), this album was apparently a last ditch effort to modernize the group's sound in the hopes of expanding their rapidly dwindling audience. 

Anyone who knew these guys for hits such as 'See You In September' and 'Go Away Little Girl' would be amazed to hear original material such as 'Heartbeat', 'Living In Darkness' and 'Be My Brother' .  With bassist Dave Libert and guitarist Bob Miranda responsible for the majority of the twelve tracks, the band turned in surprisingly impressive slices of lite-psych and conventional rock.  

An impressive blend of their patented harmony vocals and some interesting studio effects, the set's high points were probably the rocking 'Don't You Think It's Time' and the six minute plus 'Imagine'.  In addition to an interesting song structure the latter even sported a cool Eastern-flavored Bernie LaPorta guitar solo.  

One more song like that and the LP would've warranted four stars. Besides, ever imagine you'd hear these guys singing a song entitled 'Where Do I Go / Be In (Hare Krishna)'?  Mind you, old habits die hard and it was probably too much to expect the group to totally abandon their old ways.  'Cold Water', 'New Day Comin'' and the country-flavored 'Piece of Mind' were sufficiently schmaltzy to appeal to their older fans - provided the other stuff hadn't killed them.  The bizarre but way cool cover art was almost worth an additional half star.  

Tracks
1. Where Do I Go / Be In (Hare Krishna)  (Rado, Raginia, MacDermott) - 2:35
2. Heartbeat  (Bernie LaPorta, Bob Miranda) - 3:22
3. Living In Darkness - 3:06
4. Cold Water  - 2:27
5. Be My Brother - 3:31
6. New Day Comin' - 2:42
7. Imagine - 6:58
8. Let's Do Something - 2:53
9. Piece Of Mind - 2:31
10.Don't You Think It's Time - 3:57
11.We're Gonna Make Them Care - 3:20
All songs by Dave Libert, Bob Miranda except where noted.

The Happenings
*Tommy Giullano-  Vocals, Percussion
*Mike La Neve - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
*Bernie Laporta - Lead Guitar, Vocals
*Dave Libert - Vocals, Bass, Keyboards
*Bob Miranda - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards

The Happenings / Psycle

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Blue Sun And Jytte Pilloni - It's All Money Johnny (1975-76 denmark, amazing hard blues funky rock with jazzy mood)



Jytte Pilloni was born in 1951 in Denmark. Blue Sun formed in Copenhagen circa 1969. When Jytte joined the Blue Sun, the old, hardened jazz went the way, replaced by roots psychedelic blues funky rock with hard guitars and her superb voice.

Jytte Pilloni and  Blue Sun appeared in Slotsgade Jazz Club for few shows, but when it happened, there was magic in the air.  When Jyttie left Blue Sun she travelled around with  other rock bands. Jytte Pilloni was really one of the 'Big female voices' in Denmark. Not known as deserved, but loved by many. 

This record, which she did with the folks from a new version of ol' Blue Sun, shows her big talent. A near-hit was On A Creamy Candy Cloud, which I also like a lot. Great attention has been paid on the remastering  from original tapes gives a great sound.


Tracks
1. Come On Children (Eriksen, Greenwood) - 3:45
2. Gollum (Eriksen, Greenwood) - 4:47
3. Cream Candy Cloud (Eriksen, Greenwood) - 4:37
4. Blue Pyramid (Eriksen, Greenwood) - 3:57
5. Lad Mig Dele Dine Drömme (Berggreen, Turell) - 3:48
6. Gong-Gong (Eriksen) - 5:15
7. Lucky Jack (Eriksen, Greenwood) - 3:23
8. Afraid (Eriksen, Greenwood) - 2:24
9. It's All Money Johnny (Eriksen, Turell) - 3:36
10. Blue Sun (Andersen, Falck) - 4:37
11. Jonnie The Junkie (Eriksen, Turell) - 3:37

Blue Sun
*Jytte Pilloni - Vocals
*Poul "Hvem Ellers" Ehlers - Bass
*Bo Thrige Andersen - Drums
*Stefan Borum - Keyboards
*Torben Bruun - Guitar
*Preben Eriksen - Guitar
*Richard Greenwood - Vocals, Violin
Additional Musicians
*Niels Barfod - Alto Sax
*Ole Kuhl - Tenor Sax
*Verner Work - Trumpet
*Kjeld Meller - Trombone

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Steel River - Weighin' Heavy (1970 canada, hard psych groovy rock, 2008 second harvest issue)



Starting in 1965 originally as a part-time Toronto R 'n' B club band called The Toronto Shotgun, Steel River decided to become full-time musicians in 1969 and hired Greg Hambleton to produce their first demo.

He liked the band so much he signed them to his Tuesday Record label. Their first single release was the Jay Telfer (A Passing Fancy) song "Ten Pound Note". The song afforded them international success, although they only managed the 'bubbling under' section of the US Billboard charts. Regardless, they found themselves in demand as a touring act in the States.

The record did go Top-10 in Canada and subsequent successful singles followed as were international releases in England, Germany and Australia. Their two full-length LPs managed to do well in 15 countries.

They continued as a hot live attraction until 1974 at which time they called it quits. A reunion with 4 out of the 5 original members happened in the early '80's.

John Dudgeon went on to release a solo single record in 1983 called "Put My Arms Around you" which received extensive airplay on CKFM {99.9) and numerous other stations in Canada and U.S. IN 2004, he hooked up with Mojo Grande, a funk/blues band from Markham, Ontario. (via jam.canoe.ca)


Tracks
1. Dream Is Country (Dudgeon, Forrester, Dunning) - 5:07
2. Walk By The River (Forrester) - 3:33
3. What Have I To Lose (Dudgeon, Forrester, Angrove, Dunning, Cockell) - 2:51
4. Losing Friends (Dudgeon, Dunning) - 2:18
5. What It Feels Like (To Sing A Song) (Dudgeon, Forrester, Angrove, Dunning, Cockell) - 5:51
6. Ten Pound Note (Jay Telfer) - 2:57
7. When You're Down, Out, In (She's A Friend) (Dudgeon, Angrove) - 5:47
8. Seems They're Out To Get Yo (Dudgeon, Forrester, Angrove, Dunning, Cockell) - 4:33
9. Song With A Chorus (For Mary) (Bob Forrester) - 6:57
10.If You Let Her Know (Bob Forrester) - 3:35

Steel River
*John Dudgeon - Lead Vocals
*Bob Forrester - Organ, Piano
*Rob Cockell - Bass
*Tony Dunning - Guitar
*Ray Angrove - Drums

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

Cruciférius – A Nice Way Of Life (1969-70 france, visionary fusion jazz prog rock, 2012 O-Music release)



Extremely rare French funky prog early 70's LP on the little, but famous French "Egg" label. A mix of dark feel, psych progressive action, jazz, funk music with acidy guitar,swirling organ, vibraphone ...Vocals are in English. There is only one Cruciferius LP. Real collectors piece. The LP is produced by Franz Auffray "Original Popcorn" . 

Members where Francois Breant who was born in Rouen, France, and  his musical inclinations were strongly encouraged by his father, himself a pianist and painter. He learned to play the piano and the organ at a young age. In his lycee (high school) years he took a shine to the music of Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane, and played in a number of local jazz units. After studies at Rouen's Ecole des Beaux-Arts he joined Cruciferius Lobonz, formed along  with Christian Vander and Bernard Paganotti. 

Bernard Paganotti will subsequently become a member of Magma. Marc Perru latter worked on together with Francois Breant's solo album and with the French band called Ergo Sum.


Tracks
1. Big Bird (E. Floyd, S. Crooper) - 7:18
2. What Did You Do (M. Perru, B. Paganotti) - 5:18
3. Let’s Try (M. Perru) - 3:34
4. A Nice Way Of Life (M. Perru, F. Bréant) - 2:39
5. Gimme Some Lovin’ (S. Winwood) - 3:32
6. It’s Got To Be A Rule (M. Perru) - 4:21
7. Jungle Child (M. Perru, F. Bréant) - 4:47
8. Annabel Lee (E. A. Poe, B. Paganotti) - 5:33

Cruciferius
*François Bréant -  Keyboards, Vibes, Vocals
*Bernard Paganotti -  Bass, Vocals
*Marc Perru -  Guitar, Vocals
*Patrick Jean -  Drums

Free Text

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS