Mother Tucker’s Yellow Duck were a folk rock group from Vancouver, British Columbia formed in 1968. Commercial success eluded them although they managed to release two fine albums that melded blues, country, folk, hard rock and psychedelia seamlessly. The group had a few interesting non-LP 45s as well, “I” being the best of these forgotten releases.
Most psych fans prefer their highly regarded Home Grown Stuff album from 1969 (Capitol). Mother Tucker’s Yellow Duck has a strong SF influence, at times sounding like Kak or more accurately, the late 60s Youngbloods. “Someone Think,” the album’s best song, features plenty of fuzz guitar distortion and a superb psych styled guitar solo.  This cut is mandatory listening and a true classic of underground psychedelia. “One Ring Jane,” which isn’t far off in terms of quality, was released on 45 and is another excellent psych jam with lots of chaotic electric guitar soloing. Much of this record is folk-rock best exemplified by bouncy, uptempo numbers like the “Times Are Changing” and “Blue Dye.” Other gems are the sparkling country rock track “One Glass For Wine” and the folk psych cut “Elevated Platform.”
Admittedly this album has three or four dud tracks but is still notable for it’s strong songs (it’s highs are pretty high) and fluid SF style guitar work – it’s a firm favorite among late 60s Canadian/American psych rock collectors.  Their second album, Starting a New Day, is more of a country rock record but a good one that’s perhaps more consistent than the great Home Grown Stuff album.
by Jason Nardelli
1. Times Are Changing (McDougall, R. Law, Patrick Caldwell) - 2:41
2. No One In Particular (McDougall) - 3:41
3. Little Pony (H. Law, R. Law) - 2:10
4. One Glass For Wine (McDougall, W. Iveniuk) - 3:13
5. Elevated Platform (Patrick Caldwell, R. Law) - 2:37
6. Walk Your Head Around (Patrick Caldwell, R. Law, McDougall) - 4:36
7. One Ring Jane (McDougall, W. Iveniuk) - 4:19
8. Pot O' Gold (McDougall) - 3:27
9. Intermission Poetry (Patrick Caldwell) - 3:09
10.Funny Feeling (Patrick Caldwell, McDougall) - 5:44
11.Blue Dye (McDougall, R. Law, Patrick Caldwell) - 2:41
12.Someone Think (McDougall) - 3:55
Mother Tuckers Yellow Duck
*John Patrick Caldwell - Vocals, Harmonica
*Roger Law - Guitar
*Charles Faulkner - Bass
*Hugh Lockhead - Drums
*Donnie McDougall - Guitar, Vocals
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Wonderful album.Many thanks...
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Just checked no problems,
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Thank you
thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know a man who goes by Jack Hynes associated with this band?
ReplyDeleteI met him in Montreal in the mid '90s and owe him an amend.
John Patrick Caldwell died early this morning, he was 70 years old 1/28/15
ReplyDeleteRIP John Patrick Caldwell...
ReplyDeleteI'm so saddened to learn here on line. of Patrick's passing in 2015. I was an early (maybe 1st) drummer in the band in '68 (I think) and left to return to the Staes at the end of the Summer. Fond memories. Patrick was the lyricist, singer, harp player, constant poet and just a happy positive spirit to be around. When I was leaving, Patrick (the name he went by) said, to me very sincerely, "I believe you will return to Canada one day." I've always hoped to fulfill his prophesy and see him again. RIP, Patrick! ~Dave Reynolds
ReplyDeleteCan you please reup?
ReplyDeleteKurt72cobain, Mother Tuckers Yellow Duck - Home Grown Stuff repaired...
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