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Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Deep Feeling - Deep Feeling (1971 uk, marvelous folk prog baroque beat, 2018 remaster and expanded)



 The complete recorded works of the Harmony Pop/Prog Rock band Deep Feeling, including their sole album and single sides…Ian Canty wonders how a band could combine two seemingly disparate styles into a pleasing whole….

Guy Darrell was a very talented singer and recorded extensively in the 1960s (see here for a review of the compilation of his solo singles entitled I’ve Been Hurt), mainly in a Soul vein. As the new decade arrived his latest outfit, the Guy Darrell Syndicate, changed both their name and their modus operandi. Darrell reverted to his real name John Swail and the band was remodelled in a more “progressive” style and renamed Deep Feeling. Guitarist Martin Jenner, Dave Green on bass, drummer Dave Clare and Derek Elson on keys made up the rest of the band. For the first two this change meant they could finally have a chance to flex their considerable songwriting muscles. To make the break with the past complete, no reference was made to Darrell’s past career in any of the Deep Feeling publicity material.

The first recording that emerged on the Page One label in 1971 showed the strengths of the newly retitled act. The single’s top side was a cover of the old Contours/Berry Gordy number Do You Love Me? and this record and subsequent singles would have more in common with the kind of symphonic, beautifully sung Pop Music the Bee Gees had perfected during the latter half of the 60s, than anything much to do with the Prog Rock explosion. There is a lovely warmth to this, they tease out feeling from the song and accompany the great vocals appropriately. There’s not much of the instrumental grandstanding that you might have expected, but this offering is all the better for the treatment applied. The band nudged at the lower end of the UK charts, though it was a shame such a pristine Pop nugget did not go higher.

The flipside Move On could have comfortably fitted into Darrell’s mid-60s Mod Soul set – very danceable indeed, with a real groove. The follow up was Skyline Pigeon, an Elton John/Bernie Taupin song that Darrell had cut previously for Pye Records way back in 1968. It didn’t achieve anywhere near the success of the debut single, this was of course just before Elton John made his breakthrough – timing was everything and on this occasion they missed the window of opportunity and the record flopped. After this slight setback the band moved onto the DJM imprint and for their first waxing with the new label they went back to the template of their debut. They slowed the pace of Bobby Freeman’s R&B favourite Do You Wanna Dance to a tranquil trot replete with heavenly harmonies – it was another minor marvel and restored them to the edge of the charts again, just falling short of scoring that elusive big hit single.

The self-titled debut album (also sometimes called “Guillotine” after the sleeve cover) arrived in the Winter of 1971. It certainly had much more of a progressive tint than anything the band had set down on tape previously, but still the material is darn catchy in its own long-winded way. The front cover of the sleeve was plain black with a small cartoon Guillotine in the bottom right corner and inside was a creepy drawing with photos of the bands’ heads growing out of a tree branch. So far, so early 70s Rock. Even so the opener Welcome For A Soldier has the kind of choral approach that wasn’t a million miles away from the dreamy harmonies of the Beach Boys, not a typical gambit in the Prog world. They paint a luscious landscape despite the fatalistic nature of the lyrics.

The album’s centrepiece is the band’s version of Classical Gas. It is certainly their most Prog moment, long and full of changes of emphasis and time plus some natty instrumental set-pieces. This is right in the Prog-riffing mode, but the light touch Deep Feeling possessed means the 8 minute running time does not seem that long at all. Probably better that you listen to this than I describe it, so there you go.

A shortened version of Country Heir, a piece of self-explanatory Country Rock, was extracted from the LP as a single, with the slowie We’ve Thrown It All Away on the b-side. Meeting with little in the way of success, it would be almost a full year before Deep Feeling were heard from again. Switching labels to Phillips, they reappeared with the Sunday Morning Leaving single in October 1972. This one was another strong offering, a fluid guitar line and again some traces of Country in the outro. Though again appealing, it disappeared without trace and the band busied themselves recording under a variety of aliases (including the National Shinguard Company!)

Meanwhile, Darrell/Swail’s 1966 recording of I’ve Been Hurt was starting to played to wild reaction on the Northern Soul scene, resulting the record being re-released. It made number 12 in the charts and he and the band ending up appearing on Top Of The Pops in 1973. Boosted by this success, Darrell resumed his solo status, which effectively ended the career of Deep Feeling. As a postscript there was a final single by the band, a cover of the Stones’ Lets Spend The Night Together, treated in much the same, slowed down way as the debut single. It was another sparky bit of Pop but didn’t make any headway. The flipside Avalon was dramatic treat though and showed that the band could always pen a decent tune themselves – a great Jenner/Green original.

The vocal abilities of Deep Feeling set them apart from the great-coated Prog hordes and they were dab hands in the art of constructing stately Pop music pieces. In reality, they weren’t a Progressive band in the true sense of the word, but they did manage to assemble a concoction that was novel and sometimes quite beautiful. For me the singles are the pick here, but for anyone more Prog minded, the album is a peach. Sadly only Derek Elson is still with us from the band to see their oeuvre finally gain a re-release – hopefully people hearing this for the first time will listen to what Deep Feeling had to offer – a potent and bewitching brew indeed.
by Ian Canty, May 15, 2018 
Tracks
1. Welcome For A Soldier - 5:58
2. Old People's Home - 3:53
3. Classical Gas (Mason Williams) - 8:16
4. Guillotine - 9:02
5. Country Heir - 5:47
6. Lucille (Albert Collins, Richard Penniman) - 5:28 
7. Do You Love Me? (Berry Gordy Jr.) - 3:26
8. Move On (Roger Easterby, Desmond Herbert Champ) - 2:19
9. Skyline Pigeon (Elton John, Bernie Taupin) - 3:21
10.We've Thrown It All Away (Jennifer De Vigne, Lynn Webster, Marie Cumiskey) - 2:41
11.Do You Wanna Dance (Robert Freeman) - 3:04
12.The Day My Lady Cried (Jennifer De Vigne, Lynn Webster, Marie Cumiskey) - 2:58
13.Sweat Dust And Red Wine (Dave Green, Derek Elson, Graham Jarvis, John Swail, Mart Jenner) - 3:13
14.Turn Around - 4:03
15.Country Heir (Edited Single Version) - 3:22
16.Sunday Morning Leaving - 3:22
17.Why, Lady Why? - 3:35
18.Let's Spend The Night Together (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards) - 3:22
19.Avalon - 2:36
All compositions by Mart Jenner, Dave Green except where indicated
Bonus tracks 7-19

Deep Feeling
*John Swail - Lead Vocals, Guitar
*Mart Jenner - Lead Guitar, Pedal Steel, Vocals
*Dave Green - Bass Guitar, Flute, Vocals
*Derek Elson - Keyboards, Vocals
*Graham Jarvis - Drums, Percussion, Vocals

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Various Artists - Boogie Australian Blues, R 'n' B And Heavy Rock From The '70s (1971-78 australia, fantastic bag of blues, roots 'n' roll, hard and pub rock, 2012 double disc remaster)


As the title suggests, ‘Boogie!’ is a celebration of the blues-based sounds that dominated Australian music in the early 70s and onwards. It features many of the all-time biggest names in Australian rock, including Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs, Chain, Cold Chisel, Daddy Cool, Skyhooks, Rose Tattoo, the Angels, Lobby Loyde & the Coloured Balls and Max Merritt & the Meteors, and numerous others that were household names back in the 70s, including the La De Da's, Madder Lake, Buffalo, Blackfeather, Spectrum, the Dingoes, Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons and Sports.

The 44-track collection features original cover art by Ian McCausland, who designed iconic cover and poster art for the likes of Daddy Cool, Chain and the Rolling Stones back in the day, as well in-depth liner notes by Jen Jewell Brown who, as Jenny Brown and Jenny Hunter-Brown, was one of the most incisive Australian rock critics of the day.

Boogie looks at the distinctively Australian brand of blues that developed out of the ‘60s R&B scene and came into its own at festivals like Sunbury and in the nascent pub rock scene of the ‘70s. This music was massive at the time – bands like Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs and Daddy Cool were genuine social phenomena, and  directly inspired to the biggest bands of the late 70s, Cold Chisel and the Angels. And of course AC/DC were a direct product of this scene too.
by Dave Laing
Tracks
Disc 1
1. Chain - Black And Blue (Single Version) (Barry Harvey, Barry Sullivan, Matt Taylor, Phil Manning) - 3:53
2. Blackfeather - Boppin' The Blues (2010 Remastered Version) (Carl Perkins, Howard Griffin) - 3:15
3. Billy Thorpe And The Aztecs - C.C. Rider (Ma Rainey) - 4:08
4. Band Of Light - The Destiny Song (Pamela Key, Phillip Key) - 3:17
5. Spectrum - I'll Be Gone (Mike Rudd) - 3:32
6. La De Das - Gonna See My Baby Tonight (Kevin Borich) - 3:21
7. Stevie Wright - Guitar Band (George Young, Johannes Henderikus Jacob Vandenberg) - 3:21
8. Rose Tattoo - Bad Boy For Love (Ian Rilen) - 3:08
9. Buster Brown - Something To Say (2005 Remastered Version) (Angry Anderson, Angry Anderson, Paul Grant, Phil Rudd) - 5:30
10.Coloured Balls - Flash (Lobby Loyde, Ian Miller, Janis Miglans, Trevor Young) - 3:25
11.Kahvas Jute - She's So Hard To Shake (2006 Remastered Version) (Dennis Wilson) - 4:21
12.Masters Apprentices - I'm Your Satisfier (Jim Keays, Doug Ford) - 3:17
13.Buffalo - Sunrise (Come My Way) (Single Version) (Dave, Tice, Peter Wells, Alan Milano, John Baxter) - 3:44
14.Madder Lake - 12lb Toothbrush (2008 Remastered Version) (Jack Kreemers, Kerry McKenna, Brendon Mason, Andy Cowan, Mick Fettes) - 3:53
15.Wendy Saddington And The Copperwine - Backlash Blues (2011 Remastered Version) (Langston Hughes, Nina Simone) - 3:58
16.Friends - Bird On A Wire (Live At Sunbury 1973) (Leonard Cohen) - 3:25
17.Indelible Murtceps - Esmerelda (Mike Rudd) - 3:10
18.Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band - Your Feets Too Big (Ada Benson, Fred Fisher) - 2:49
19.Renée Geyer - Dust My Blues (Elmore James) - 3:05
20.Cold Chisel - Home And Broken Hearted (Don Walker) - 3:27
21.Ariel - Worm-Turning Blues (Mike Rudd) - 2:57
22.Daddy Cool - Daddy Rocks Off (Ross Wilson) - 4:38
Disc 2
1. Matt Taylor - I Remember When I Was Young (Matt Taylor) - 4:01
2. La De Das - Too Pooped To Pop (Chuck Berry) - 2:34
3. Cold Chisel - Goodbye (Astrid, Goodbye) (Don Walker, Jimmy Barnes) - 2:53
4. Dingoes - Come On Down (Chris Stockley) - 4:10
5. Madder Lake - Booze Blues (Jack Kreemers, Kerry McKenna, Brendon Mason, Andy Cowan, Mick Fettes) - 2:56
6. Sid Rumpo - Breaking My Back (Ken Wallace, Mick Elliot, Noel Herridge, Owen Hughes) - 4:17
7. Thump'n Pig And Puff'n Billy - Captain Straightman (Billy Thorpe, Warren Morgan) - 3:02
8. Kevin Borich Express - I'm Going Somewhere (Kevin Borich) - 3:29
9. Buffalo - Lucky (Norm Roue) - 3:32
10.Ted Mulry Gang - Darktown Strutters Ball (Shelton Brooks) - 3:26
11.The Angels - Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again (Doc Neeson, John Brewster, Rick Brewster) - 3:23
12.Lobby Loyde And The Coloured Balls - Mama Loves To (Lobby Loyde) - 4:05
13.Billy Thorpe And The Aztecs - Most People I Know Think That I'm Crazy (Billy Thorpe) - 4:20
14.Ferrets - Janie May (Bill Miller, Martin Falls) - 4:23
15.Skyhooks - Saturday Night (Remastered 1994) (Greg Macainsh) - 2:49
16.Martin Armiger - I Love My Car (Martin Armiger) - 2:57
17.Sports - You Ain't Home Yet (Ed Bates, Joe Camilleri, Stephen Cummings) - 2:19
18.Jo Jo Zep And The Falcons - Ain't Got My Money (Frankie Miller) - 3:19
19.Daddy Cool - Hi Honey Ho (Live At Sunbury 1974) (Ross Wilson) - 3:46
20.Max Merritt And The Meteors - Fannie Mae (Waymon Glasco, Morris Levy, Clarence Lewis) - 3:49
21.Chain - Gertrude Street Blues (2010 Remastered Version) (Barry Harvey, Barry Sullivan, Matt Taylor, Phil Manning) - 4:59
22.Carson - Boogie (Part One) (Gary Clarke, Tony Lunt, Ian Winter, Greg (Sleepy) Lawrie, Mal Logan, John Lee, Mal Capewell, Broderick Smith) - 4:44

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Various Artists - Down Under Nuggets Original Australian Artyfacts (1965-67 australia, superb compilation, 2012 remastered)



Down Under Nuggets: Original Australian Artyfacts 1965-67 is a collection of the best Australian garage-rock of the ‘60s. It features 29 of the wildest Australian recordings from the '60s from such outfits as The Missing Links, The Purple Hearts, The Black Diamonds, The Lost Souls, The Wild Cherries, The Loved Ones, The Throb and The Moods. Long term fans of the genre will be thrilled to find we’ve included the never-before heard full-length 5:29 version of The Sunsets’ classic ‘The Hot Generation’ Released on the revived Festival label, it features many tracks originally released by Festival back in the day. Booklet with detailed informations about every artists and songs
Artists - Tracks
1. The Masters Apprentices - Buried And Dead (Michael Bower) - 2:38
2. The Elois - By My Side (Alan Rowe, Bill Van Berkel, Dennis Fiorini, Greg Heenan) - 2:15
3. The Black Diamonds - I Want, Need, Love You (Alan Oloman) - 2:59
4. The Atlantics - Come On (Peter A. Hood) - 2:53
5. The Purple Hearts - Early In The Morning (Traditional) - 2:07
6. The Missing Links - Wild About You (Andy Anderson) - 2:35
7. The Creatures - Ugly Thing (Greg Lawrie, Keith Matcham) - 3:17
8. The Lost Souls - This Life Of Mine (Terry Paul,  Bill Putt) - 2:41
9. The Moods - Rum Drunk (John Livi) - 2:19
10.Derek's Accent - Ain't Got No Feeling (Derek Lee) - 2:14
11.Bee Gees - Like Nobody Else (Robin Gibb, Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb) - 2:34
12.Barrington Davis - Raining Teardrops (Maurice Gibb, Nat Kipner) - 2:28
13.The D-Coys - Bad Times (Chris Andrews) - 2:54
14.The In-Sect - Let This Be A Lesson (Simon Paul) - 2:41
15.Steve And The Board - I Want (Carl Keats) - 2:36
16.Toni Mccann - No (Nat Kipner, Royce Nicholls) - 1:49
17.Peter And The Silhouettes - Claudette Jones (Kevin Clancy, Peter Rechter) - 2:04
18.The 5 - There's Time (Ron Williams) - 2:17
19.Bobby And Laurie - No Next Time (Alan Brite) - 2:24
20.M.P.D. Limited - I Am What I Am (Danny Finley, Pete Watson) - 2:25
21.The Cherokees - I've Gone Wild (Doug Trevor, Lindsay Morrison, Peter "Max" Bilney, Peter Tindall) - 2:39
22.The Loved Ones - The Loved One (Gerry Humphreys, Ian Clyne, Rob Lovett) - 2:50
23.Phil Jones And The Unknown Blues - If I Had A Ticket (Phil Jones) - 2:38
24.The Throb - Black (Denny Burgess, John Bell, Martin Van Wyk, Peter Figures) - 3:10
25.The Blue Beats - She's Comin' Home (Wayne Poll) - 2:23
26.The Easybeats - Sorry (George Young, Stevie Wright) - 2:35
27.Bobby James Syndicate - Hey Hey Hey (Lindsay Shah) - 2:31
28.The Wild Cherries - Krome Plated Yabby (Lobby Loyde) - 2:58
29.The Sunsets - Hot Generation (Soundtrack Version) (Lindsay Bjerre) - 5:29

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - Don't Look Down (1977 us, wonderful country rock, 2005 bonus tracks remaster)



The Ozark Mountain Daredevils combines humor and diverse talents of the writers and musicians in the band to play feel good, cozy alt country, Appalachian rock & roll. In short, they created timeless Southern rock.

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils was formed in Missouri during the early ’70s  with and Steve Cash and John Dillon on guitars, Michael Granda  on bass, Randle Chowning on vocals, Buddy Brayfield on keyboards and Larry Lee on drums.

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, while not being the most successful country-rock outfit, had released five fine albums prior to Don't Look Down. Their sound had changed little over the years, which suited most fans who frankly wanted more of the same. This release is somewhat more polished than earlier recordings.

Fine musicianship is present as usual, but the move to a lighter rock style has forced guitar solos to take a backseat throughout. Don't Look Down is consistent enough, and is undoubtedly an enjoyable album.

In 1978 they releade a double live album "It’s Alive" but like the previous one saw decreasing sales, multiple personnel changes and Ozark Mountain Daredevils was finally dropped from A&M roster in late 70’s.

In 1980 The Ozark Mountain Daredevils signed to CBS records and made one more album, but buying audience didn’t agree with their modern sound and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils slowly faded away from music scene before making their comeback in mid-nineties.

After forty years and over two million albums sold, even today The Ozark Mountain Daredevils keeps performing live on selected dates with original members Michael Granda, Steve Cash and John Dillon.
by Ben Davies and parts of Pure Southern Rock
Tracks
1. River To The Sun (Steve Cash, John Dillon) -3:25
2. Crazy Lovin' (Steve Cash, John Dillon) -3:53
3. Giving It All To The Wind (Larry Lee) - 4:13
4. The Fox (Steve Cash) -2:45
5. Backroads (Steve Canady) -3:13
6. Snowbound (Steve Cash, John Dillon) - 3:30
7. Following The Way That I Feel (Larry Lee) - 3:35
8. Love Makes The Lover (John Dillon, Steve Cash) - 3:21
9. True Believer (Larry Lee, Steve Cash) - 4:13
10.Moon On The Rise (Larry Lee, Steve Cash) - 3:05
11.Stinghead (Michael Granda) - 2:09
12.Sweetwood (John Dillon, Kevin Wray, Cathy Wray) - 4:32
13 Plainity (Michael Granda) - 2:34
14.Valencia Road (Steve Canady) - 2:54

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
*Larry Lee - Drums, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer, Vocals
*Steve Cash - Harp, Percussion, Vocals
*John Dillon - Guitars, Fiddle, Piano, Vocals
*Michael "Supe" Granda - Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
*Steve Canaday - Guitar, Drums, Vocals
*Jerry Mills - Mandolin
*Rune Walle - Guitars, Sitar, Banjo, Vocals 
*Ruell Chappell - Keyboards, Vocals
With
*Randle Chowining - Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals (Tracks 12-14)
*Buddy Brayfield - Keyboards, Vocals (Tracks 12-14)

1973-74  The Ozark Mountain Daredevils / It'll Shine When It Shines (2004 double disc set) 
1975-76  The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - The Car Over The Lake Album / Men From Earth (2006 remaster)

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Live at the BBC (1972-77 uk, astonishing perfomances, 2009 release)



 Two discs of 1972-1977 BBC performances by the Sensational Alex Harvey Band with excellent sound are collected on this set, though it's not quite as lengthy as you might assume, adding up to about an hour and a half in all (with only about half an hour on the second disc). There aren't great surprises in store for those familiar with Harvey's BBC work during this, his commercial peak. As was also true of his records, his reputation as a truly sensational live visual performer isn't quite mirrored by this audio-only document. Too, the only song that doesn't appear on his studio releases of this time is a 1972 cover of "Dance to the Music," which might be energetic but certainly wouldn't give Sly & the Family Stone cause to worry.

Disc one is entirely devoted to two performances at BBC's Paris Theatre, one in November 1972 and the other in October 1973, where they run through the bulk of the material from the SAHB's first couple albums. Some of his most celebrated songs, like "Framed" and "The Faith Healer," are naturally included, as well as his oddball cover of the early rock & roll hit "Giddy Up a Ding Dong," though Harvey's manic-tinged vocals are more impressive than the period hard rock backing. 

Disc two actually features 1973-1975 performances from the BBC television shows The Old Grey Whistle Test and Top of the Pops rather than radio spots, and the two songs from a December 1973 OGWT appearance -- an anguished cover of Jacques Brel's infamous "Next" and a second version of "The Faith Healer" that utterly outclasses the one on the first disc from just two months earlier -- are the highlights of the collection, though this "The Faith Healer" is actually a live Harvey vocal fronting a pre-recorded backing track. His 1975 U.K. Top Ten hit "Delilah" (from a 1975 OGWT broadcast) is another highlight, but take note that the final and least essential two tracks, from a 1977 appearance on the same program, are the SAHB without Harvey. 
by Richie Unterberger
Tracks
Disc 1
1. Midnight Moses (Alex Harvey) - 4:40
2. St. Anthony (Alex Harvey) - 6:24
3. Framed (Mike Stoller, Jerry Leiber) - 6:41
4. There's No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother, They're Burning Big Louie (Alex Harvey, Jimmy Condron) - 3:54
5. Hole In Her Stocking (Alex Harvey, Ray Russell) - 5:44
6. Dance To The Music (Sylvester Stewart) - 7:30
7. The Faith Healer (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 6:25
8. Midnight Moses (Alex Harvey) - 4:35
9. Gang Bang (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 4:55
10.The Last Of The Teenage Idols (Alex Harvey, Alistair Macdonald Cleminson, Hugh McKenna) - 8:21
11.Giddy Up A Ding Dong (Pep Lattanzi, Frank R. Bell) - 3:27
Tracks 1 - 6 recorded for BBC Radio 1's In Concert at the Paris Theatre, London, 2 November 1972.
Tracks 7 - 11 recorded for BBC Radio 1's In Concert at the Paris Theatre, London, 2 October 1973. 
Disc 2
1. Next (Jaques Brell, Mort Shuman) - 4:01
2. The Faith Healer (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 3:18
3. Give My Compliments To The Chef (Alex Harvey, Alistair Macdonald Cleminson, Hugh McKenna) - 6:08
4. Delilah (Les Reed, Barry Mason) - 5:04
5. Boston Tea Party (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 3:48
6. Pick It Up And Kick It (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 4:36
7. Smouldering (Chris Glen, Hugh McKenna) - 4:39
Tracks 1,2 recorded for BBC Television's "The Old Grey Whistle", 20th December 1973
Tracks 3,4 recorded for BBC Television's "The Old Grey Whistle", 30th May 1975
Track 5 recorded for BBC Television's "Top of the Pops", 10th June 1976
Tracks 6,7 recorded for BBC Television's "The Old Grey Whistle", 25th January 1977

The Senstational Alex Harvey Band
*Alex Harvey - Lead Vocals
*Zal Cleminson - Lead Guitar
*Hugh McKenna - Electric Piano
*Chris Glen - Bass Guitar
*Eddie McKenna - Drums

1972-73  Framed / Next 
1974-75  The Impossible Dream / Tomorrow Belongs to Me
1974  The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Hot City / The Unreleased Album (2009)
1975-76  Live / The Penthouse Tapes
1976/78  The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Stories / Rock Drill (2002) 

Monday, September 21, 2020

The Tangerine Zoo - Outside Looking In / Tangerine Zoo (1968 us, marvelous organ drivin fuzz psych rock)



Boston psychedelic band the Tangerine Zoo formed in 1967 in nearby Swansea, MA. Guitarist Robert "Benny" Benevides, bassist Tony Taveira, and drummer Donald Smith first collaborated in the Ebb Tides, which the previous year issued "My Baby's Gone" on the Arco label. With the additions of singer/guitarist Wayne Gagnon and keyboardist Ronald Medeiros, the group renamed itself the Flower Pot, abandoning the Ebb Tides' garage rock sound in favor of a more psychedelic approach. In addition to serving as the house band at the local Venus de Milo restaurant, the band also opened for the likes of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Van Morrison, and Deep Purple.

Their growing popularity was buoyed by a large fan base in Boston, and in late 1967 signed with the New York City-based Mainstream label. While recording their debut LP, label execs demanded another name change, fearing backlash from the obvious marijuana reference in the Flower Pot moniker; after setting on the Tangerine Zoo, the group released its self-titled debut in early 1968. Taveira exited the lineup prior to recording the follow-up, Outside Looking In. In mid-1969, the Tangerine Zoo was invited to play the Woodstock festival, but were forced to decline due to prior commitments. The band dissolved in 1970, with Gagnon soon resurfacing in Wadsworth Mansion, which scored a Billboard Top Ten hit with 1971's "Sweet Mary." The original Tangerine Zoo lineup reunited in 1988 to play a charity fundraiser, intermittently reconvening during the decades that followed. 
by Jason Ankeny
Tracks
1. Birth (Ronald Medeiros) - 2:41
2. Like People (Robert Benevides) - 2:43
3. Wake Up Sun (Robert Benevides, Wayne Gagnon, Ron Medeiros, Donald Smith, Tony Taveira, Vic Armen) - 4:25
4. Another Morning (Ray Thomas) - 2:51
5. Confusion (Wayne Gagnon) - 4:54
6. You I Love (Ronald Medeiros, Vic Armen) - 3:54
7. Farther Down The Road (Vic Armen, Wayne Gagnon) - 4:26
8. Can't You See (Ronald Medeiros, Wayne Gagnon) - 3:49
9. Young Dream (Wayne Gagnon) - 9:25
10.Gloria (Van Morrison) - 6:11
11.Trip To The Zoo (Robert Benevides) - 3:56
12.Please Don't Set Me Free (Wayne Gagnon) - 3:54
13.Nature's Children (Donald Smith, Ronald Medeiros) - 3:54
14.The Flight (Ronald Medeiros) - 4:26
15.Mommy And Daddy (Ronald Medeiros) - 1:46
16.Symphonic Psyche (Wayne Gagnon) - 3:56
17.Crystalescent Heaven (Wayne Gagnon) - 4:49
18.One More Heartache (Marvin Tarplin, Robert Rogers, Ronald White, Warren Moore, William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr.) - 2:31

The Tangerine Zoo
*Robert "Bob/Benny" Benevides - Lead Guitar
*Wayne Gagnon - Guitar, Fuzz Pedals
*Ron Medeiros - Organ, Harmonica
*Donald Smith - Drums
*Tony Taveira - Bass Guitar

Saturday, September 19, 2020

Nattura - Magic Key (1972 iceland, splendid psych tinged heavy prog rock, 2020 japan SHM remaster)



Fantastically rare Icelandic album from 1972, featuring members of Trubrot but unlike of Trubrot releases where they used their home language, here all the songs are in English with the ethereal female vocals by Shady Owens. The production is cool and clean like the Icelandic water, a fundamental aspect that is cherished and protected as a sacred medicine-the holy source that gives and sustains all life-and respected as a force of nature.

"Magic Key" was recorded in London, UK, and was planned to release world wide. The album is a cross between Canterbury scene -like "Delivery"-  and "Camel". Psychedelic sounds, filled drums, clear organs, stretched electric guitars, and refreshing female vocals. Of course, elements of Progressive and space rock appear, and especially on "ButterfIy", a treasure of Progressive Rock. Nattura released one more LP called Nyphenburger in 1982.
Tracks
1. Could it Be Found (Björgvin Gíslason, Albert Aðalsteinsson)  - 5:11
2. Out of the Darkness (Björgvin Gíslason, Ólafur Garðarsson) - 5:36
3. Gethsemane Garden (Karl J. Sighvatsson, Albert Aðalsteinsson) - 4:44
4. Butterfly (Björgvin Gíslason) - 6:47
5. My Magic Key (Karl J. Sighvatsson, Albert Aðalsteinsson) - 2:39
6. Tiger (Björgvin Gíslason, Shady Owens) - 3:12
7. Confusion (Sigurður Árnason) - 2:44
8. Since I Found You (Björgvin Gíslason, Jóhann G. Jóhannsson) - 5:59
9. A Little Hymn for Love and Peace (Karl J. Sighvatsson) - 3:09

Nattura
*Shady Owens - Vocals
*Björgvin Gislasson - Guitar, Flute
*Karl J. Sighvatsson - Organ, Piano, Moog, Vocals
*Sigurður Árnason - Bass
*Ólafur Garðarsson - Drums

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Friday, September 18, 2020

Farmyard - Back To Fronting (1972 new zealand, remarkable blend of baroque folk prog fuzzy psych rock)



The second and final album from New Zealand's Farmyard – a record that continues some of the jazzy spirit of their debut, but which also goes into territory that's a bit more rough and raw too! It's almost as if the group were getting their wind a bit more – and finding a way to make a statement that was bolder than before, but still had a quality to set them apart from the rest – plenty of flute and tenor from Andrew Stevens, but mixed with more electric guitar and bass – on a set of tunes that have hard rock appeal, but also plenty of sharp proggy changes! 

After Farmyard disbanded, Tom Swainson joined Wellington underground band Arkastra in February 1972, and Redeye in 1976.
Tracks
1. All In Your Head (Paul Curtis) - 5:17
2. Me, The Dog, Ma And Dear Old Dad (Rick White) - 2:33
3. Nothing Happening Here (Milton Parke) - 5:10
4. Too Much Wrong (Rick White) - 3:45
5. Feeling Pretty Good (Paul Curtis, Rick White) - 3:30
6. Fantasia (Georg Philipp Telemann, Rick White) - 5:00
7. Looking For A Place (Paul Curtis, Rick White) - 8:27

Farmyard
*Rick White - Bass, Vocals
*Tom Swainson - Drums, Percussion, Harmony Vocals
*Milton Parker - Lead Guitar, Nylon String Guitar
*Andy Stevens - Saxophone, Flute
*Paul Curtis - Vocals
With
*Rufus Rehu - Piano, Organ
*Wiki Randall - Chorus
*Myra Winners - Chorus

1970  Farmyard - Farmyard 

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Thursday, September 17, 2020

Farmyard - Farmyard (1970 new zealand, magnificent folk psych prog rock)



Hailing from Wellington, the windy city and capital of New Zealand, Farmyard's initial line up consisted of Rick White on bass and vocals, Tom Swainson on drums, Milton Parker on lead guitar, Andy Stevens on sax and Paul Curtis on rhythm guitar and lead vocals. Rick White who formed the band, and Milton Parker were originally in fledgling beat combo The Relics. After being kicked out of the Relics, Rick went on to form Tom Thumb. Tom Thumb moved from R&B, to pop, to progressive rock, and their 1970 Ludgate Hill EP is considered one of the first prog recordings in the country.

After a successful single, Polydor issued Farmyard’s first LP in 1971 which came housed in a silk screened plastic bag, and is an amazing psych/prog -rock killer, with superb musicianship, great tunes and a splendid production by Peter Dawkins.
Tracks
1. Those Days Are Gone (Paul Curtis, Rick White) - 4:23
2. Through My Window (Milton Parker) - 7:46
3. Which Way Confusion (Part 1) (Rick White) - 3:48
4. Which Way Confusion (Part 2) (Rick White) - 3:35
5. Learning ‘Bout Living (Paul Curtis) - 3:14
6. Da Woirks (Rick White, Milton Parker, Andrew Stevens, Tom Swainson) - 2:52
7. I Sit Alone (Andrew Stevens) - 9:37

Farmyard
*Paul Curtis - Lead, Harmony Vocals, Congas
*Milton Parker - Nylon String, Electric Guitar, Congas, Bass
*Rick White - Bass, Maracas, Lead Vocals, Acoustic, Electric Guitar, Vibes, Handclaps
*Andrew Stevens - Flute, Tenor, Baritone Saxophone, Piccolo, Woodblock
*Tom Swainson - Drums, Maracas, Harmony Vocals, Woodblock, Indian Bells, Percussion
With
*Terry Condon - Handclaps
*Peter Dawkins - Congas, Tambourine, Handclaps

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Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Plus - Plus (1973-74 belgium, impressive jazz funk with a solid blues rock tint, 2019 bonus tracks remaster)



Often referred to as Bruno Castellucci’s band, Plus’ music was slightly more rock-infused than his work on Placebo and Solis Lacus, most of the tracks on their first and only album – 1972’s self-titled Plus – edging ever so subtly towards fusion funk and prog-rock territory. Featuring Francis Goya (Francis Weyer) on guitar and vocals, Douglas Lucas (who played with The J.J. Band, The S.S.O Orchestra as well as pan-European touring outfit Mombassa) on trumpets as well as Ralph Benatar (also of The J.J. Band) on guitar, this one’s a bit of a holy grail amongst connoisseurs.

Castellucci’s name circulates not only on the entire European jazz scene as a reliable and professional drummer for live concerts but he is also a very sought-after studio musician.

He is still active as a teacher and he is not yet prepared to miss the stage for anything in the world. As a matter of fact, he will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of his career along with a few fellow musicians.

Francis Goya (Francis Weyer) born of musician parents in the city of Liege (Belgium). He receives his first guitar at the age of 13 and takes guitar lessons over a one year period to become a true auto dictate. At the age of 16, he forms his first rock band with his brother and a few friends, "The Jivaros". In 1970, Francis is taken on by a professional soul band, "The J.J.Band", With whom he tours Europe and Africa. Their second album is produced by Brian Bennet (The Shadows) for CBS International in London. Thanks to all this he becomes a studio guitarist, accompanying various artists on the international scene, Demis Roussos, Three Degrees, Barry White, Vicky Leandros.
Tracks
1. The Search (Ralph Benatar, Douglas Lucas) - 4:45
2. Gimme Some More Of That (Yvan De Souter, Douglas Lucas) - 4:35
3. What Did You Do (Francis Weyer, Douglas Lucas) - 11:21
4. Open Letter (Leslie Kent, Douglas Lucas) - 7:00
5. Put Everything Together (Leslie Kent, Douglas Lucas) - 3:16
6. Enjoy Yourself (Douglas Lucas) - 8:25
7. Kentucky Woman (Francis Weyer, Alan Ward) - 2:45
8. Changing (Mike Butcher, Leslie Kent) - 3:28

Plus
*Bruno Castellucci - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
*Francis Weyer - Guitar, Vocals
*Leslie Kent - Guitar, Vocals
*Yvan De Souter - Bass
*Douglas Lucas - Flugelhorn, Trumpet
*Ralph Benatar - Tenor Saxophone
*Mike Lovell - Trombone

Related Acts
1968-69  Jess And James​ -​ Jess And James (2010 remaster) 
1968-70  The J.J.Band - The J.J.Band (2009 digipak remaster) 

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Monday, September 14, 2020

Mom's Apple Pie - Mom's Apple Pie #2 (1973 us, exceptional funky blues brass rock)



Mom's Apple Pie were a horn rock group that played many concerts opening for national recording artists and released a couple LPs on the Brown Bag label.

The band was started by Dave Mazzochi (keyboards - Hammond B3) and Tony Gigliotti (vocals) from the Shaddows. The group included Bob Fiorino (vocals), Joe Ahladis (guitar), Roger Force (sax, flute), Greg Yochman (bass), Pat Aulizia (drums), Fred Marzulla (trombone), Bob Pinti (trumpet), and Bob Miller (lead guitar).  One of the ways the group stood out was the vocals, as the group had two lead singers, with Bob Fiorino being the primary lead, and with other member providing backing vocals.

The group was managed by Larry Patterson from Hermatige, PA, just over OH/PA boarder. Most of the band members were from Warren and like Mazzochi and Gigliotti they had been in other bands. Sometime during 1972 the band was recording some demos at Cleveland Recording and according to legend, they were heard by the wife of former Grand Funk manager Terry Knight, whose connection with Cleveland Recording went back to the mid 1960s. Knight was just starting his Brown Bag record company and the group was signed by Knight for the label. 

Unfortunately, the group's 1st LP is somewhat known for reasons that have nothing to do with the music. The original artwotk showed a woman holding a pie with the front slice opened to look like a vagina........go ahead and look it up, and return when you're finished......OK, now that you've seen it, we can talk about the music, which included mostly original songs, with Dave Mazzochi as the primary writer. The LP did get some airplay - it was relssued with the offending cover art redone to look like bricks - and the band embarked on several short tours that took them to New York City and many places inbetween, especially college campuses. 

The group recorded a second LP in 1973 and apparently Knight and co wanted to avoid any controversy so the packaged the LP to look like a tape box and named it the somewhat uninspired "No 2". The LP included all original songs. This LP did not sell as well as the first. It's not clear why, but in general Brown Bag was not having much success and it's possible that they were not able to get the promotion strength.

The group continued to play locally and regionally. A third LP was recorded but not released until 2011. The group disbanded in 1974.
Tracks
1. Come With Me (Joe Ahladis, Bob Fiorino) - 3:46
2. Variations In Name (Bob Fiorino, Greg Yochman) - 2:53
3. Love Plays A Song (Rob Parissi) - 3:53
4. Rain (Bob Fiorino, Tony Gigliotti, Dave Mazzochi, Greg Yochman) - 7:05
5. Can You Help Me? (Bob Fiorino, Tony Gigliotti, Dave Mazzochi, Greg Yochman) - 5:25
6. Happy Days (Roger Force) - 3:18
7. Every Mother's Son (Tony Gigliotti, Greg Yochman) - 3:45
8. My Times (Tony Gigliotti, Dave Mazzochi) - 5:25

Mom's Apple Pie
*Joe Ahladis - Guitar
*Pat Aulizia - Drums
*Bob Fiorino - Vocals
*Roger Force - Saxophone, Flute
*Tony Gigliotti - Vocals
*Fred Marzulla - Trombone
*Dave Mazzochi - Keyboards, Vocals
*Bob Miller - Lead Guitar
*Bob Pinti - Trumpet, Vocals
*Greg Yochman - Bass

1972  Mom's Apple Pie - Mom's Apple Pie (2015 remaster) 

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Saturday, September 12, 2020

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - The Lost Cabin Sessions (1972 us, excellent folk country southern rock. 2003 remaster)



The Lost Cabin Sessions are the Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ first studio recordings from 1972. To my knowledge these early recordings were first officially released sometime in 2003 off the Varese cd label. The band would go on to become a well known and very successful country pop group similar in sound to the Eagles or the Pure Prairie League. While that sound is a bit commercial and somewhat formula driven, these early recordings represent something a little different. These 18 songs highlight a wonderful group whose sound was caught between the less bluesier aspects of early Little Feat and the astute folk country leanings of the Byrds, circa 1970.

The group had gotten together in the early 70s when Larry Lee and Steve Cash had met John Dillon at a local pizza parlor. At the time Dillon had said to both Cash and Lee “Look, I’m playing in a pizza parlor, they’re not paying me anything but I get to eat and drink all I want,” Lee replied, “Well I will play with you!” Eventually Buddy Brayfield, Randy Chowing and Michael Granda came into the fold. The Ozarks had five strong songwriters who individually brought something new and fresh to the pizza table. Being isolated in the mountains meant that they could only rely on each other for influence. Over a short period of time they would develop into a strong, cohesive unit, whose sound was highly original and roots based. The groups’ strength were their harmonies, songwriting chops, and a unique ability to fuse mountain boogie with both current and traditional country, folk, and pop music. The Lost Cabin Sessions takes 18 of the 28 tracks recorded during this fruitful early period.

It’s difficult to single out highlights on such a strong collection but personal favorites are the gorgeous country folk ballad Someday Darlin’ and the chugging country-rocker Long Time To Here. The latter’s catchy chorus and fine harmonica playing make it a near classic. A Satisfied Mind, the discs’ one cover, is given a good, sparse reading with great harmonies and a nice harmonica solo. Manager Paul Peterson remembers the recording sessions: “We were at a management office, showing our wares and Leatherwood was playing. I was sitting there, then, I felt somebody come in the room and sit behind me. And then as they got up and walked out, I heard their voice say ‘That’s a really good sound.’ I turned around to see that it was Neil Young.” Leatherwood is one of the more rock influenced numbers but it’s a good one, with catchy guitar figures and a hummable melody. Other tracks like Fly Away Home and Chicken Train hit a good authentic bluegrass vibe with rugged banjo playing and down-home mouthbow.

This is a terrific disc and probably better than any of the studio albums they would soon release. The performances are superb, the sound is underground country-rock and the playing is lived-in and timeless. 
by Jason Nardelli
Tracks
1. The Rhythm Of Joy (Steve Cash) - 3:08
2. Lovin' Again (Randy Chowning) - 2:35
3. On Our Carousel (Larry Lee, Steve Cash) - 3:39
4. Someday Darlin' (John Dillon, Steve Cash) - 3:42
5. Keep On Churnin' (John Dillon) - 2:47
6. Outside My Country Home (Randy Chowning) - 4:05
7. Lost Cabin (Steve Canaday, Steve Cash) - 4:38
8. You Know Like I Know (Larry Lee) - 4:58
9. Leatherwood (Randy Chowning) - 4:03
10.Fly Away Home (John Dillon) - 2:31
11.Chicken Train (Steve Cash) - 3:22
12.Feelin' Good (John Dillon, Steve Cash) - 4:56
13.Sheriff's Comin' (Larry Lee) - 5:56
14.Walking In The Morning (Randy Chowning) - 2:22
15.(I Threw Away) The Cahins (John Dillon) - 2:37
16.Rainbird (Larry Lee) - 5:32
17.Long Time To Here (Randy Chowning) - 2:46
18.A Satisfied Mind (Jack Rhodes, Joe Hayes) - 3:42

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
*Steve Cash - Harmonica, Harpsichord, Percussion, Vocals
*John Dillon - Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Dulcimer, Autoharp, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
*Larry Lee - Guitar, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Saw
*Randle Chowning - Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
*Michael Granda - Bass, Percussion, Vocals
*Buddy Brayfield - Piano, Keyboards
*Elizabeth Anderson - Backing Vocals
*Jody Troutman - Backing Vocals

1973-74  The Ozark Mountain Daredevils / It'll Shine When It Shines (2004 double disc set) 
1975-76  The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - The Car Over The Lake Album / Men From Earth (2006 remaster)

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Thursday, September 10, 2020

Mighty Joe Young - The Sonet Blues Story (1972 us, awesome electric chicago blues. 2005 remaster)



Mighty Joe Young (Young was using the name well before the movie of the same name was released) arrived on the Chicago blues scene from Louisiana a bit late in the game and never really received the critical attention he deserved. Add in health problems related to a pinched nerve in his neck, and Young's solo recording dates were relatively few (he was, however, an active sideman, working for a time as Otis Rush's rhythm guitarist) given his obvious talent as an electric guitarist and as a strong and sturdy vocalist.

This solid set, The Sonet Blues Story, was tracked in Chicago in 1972 and was originally released as part of Samuel Charters' Legacy of the Blues series on the Stockholm-based Sonet Records imprint. It features Young with the rhythm section from his club band at the time: Sylvester Boines on bass and Alvino Bennett on drums, along with Chicago session pianist Bob Reidy, and horn men Charles Beechham (trumpet) and Walter Hambrick (tenor sax). Together they produce a classic South Side sound. Highlights include the elegantly done opener, "Rock Me Baby," a solid cover of Percy Mayfield's "Baby, Please," and a pair of horn-augmented gems, the instrumental soul piece "Just a Minute" and the blues/R&B blend of "Lookin' for You." Nothing here is too flashy, but that ends up being part of the charm. 
by Steve Leggett
Tracks
1. Rock Me Baby (Traditional) - 2.57
2. Baby, Please (Percy Mayfield) - 3:20
3. Just a Minute (Mighty Joe Young) - 6:20
4. Drivin' Wheel (Roosevelt Sykes) - 4:18
5. Wishy Washy Woman (Mighty Joe Young, Oscar Wills) - 3:04
6. Early in the Morning (Eddie Silvers, Mighty Joe Young) - 4:28
7. Sweet Kisses (Maurice Simpkins) - 5:30
8. Lookin' For You (Mighty Joe Young) - 4:30
9. It's Alright (Traditional) - 4:13
10.I Have the Same Old Blues (Traditional) - 5:01

Personnel
*Mighty Joe Young - Vocals, Guitar
*Bob Reidy - Piano
*Sylvester Boines - Bass
*Walter Hambrick - Tenor Saxophone
*Charles Beecham - Trumpet
*Alvino Bennett - Drums

1970  Mighty Joe Young - Blues With A Touch Of Soul 

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Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Various Artists - Strange Pleasures Further Sounds Of The Decca Underground (1966-75 uk, pioneer prog psych blues classic rock, 2008 three disc box set)



Watching major labels attempt to plug in to the exploding underground music scene from 1966 onwards was often hilarious as groups changed their uniforms to go with current trends and, in the time span of this follow-up to 2003’s Legend Of A Mind, their music from innocently bonkers garage-psych to convoluted greatcoat stodge. Decca did a better job than many, running the Deram and Nova labels to represent myriad strains in the sonic spectrum from folk to proto-metal.

The beauty of this compilation is not so much getting another chance to hear The Moody Blues, Genesis or Caravan, but getting weird and wonderful delights by the likes of standout Disc One’s Curiosity Shoppe, The Accent, World Of Oz or ever-startling Tintern Abbey, while being reminded what a magnificent band East Of Eden were at this time. Other names include many then trudging round the nation’s clubs, including Chicken Shack, Principle Edwards, Curved Air, Keef Hartley, Ten Years After and Thin Lizzy. It’s also uncannily revealed that The Egg invented deep house with I Will Be Absorbed! By Disc Three there is obviously a need for punk rock, but this is a mighty, astutely-compiled picture of an era which many today can only dream of.
by Kris Needs
Tracks
Disc 1
1. Genesis - In The Beginning (Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks) - 4:04
2. Al Stewart - Turn Into Earth (Paul Samwell-Smith, Rosemary Simon) - 2:52
3. The Accent - Red Sky At Night (Allan Davies, David Birkett, John Hebron, Peter Beetham) - 3:12
4. Tintern Abbey - Vacuum Cleaner (Dave McTavish) - 3:04
5. Virgin Sleep - Secret (Tony Rees) - 2:21
6. The Moody Blues - Twilight Time (Ray Thomas) - 3:18
7. Bill Fay - Some Good Advice (Bill Fay) - 2:20
8. 23rd Turnoff - Michaelangelo (Jimmy Campbell) - 2:23
9. Ten Years After - The Sounds (Alvin Lee) - 4:28
10. The Curiosity Shoppe - Baby I Need You (Malcolm Rabbitt) - 3:28
11. World Of Oz - Like A Tear (Chris Evans, David Kubinec, David Reay, Tony Clarkson) - 3:09
12. Touch - Down At Circe's Place (Don Gallucci, Jeff Hawks, Joey Newman) - 4:01
13. The End - Under The Rainbow (Colin Richard Giffin) - 3:48
14. The Deviants - Opening (Mick Farren, Sid Bishop, Stephen Sparkes) - 0:10
15. The Deviants - I'm Coming Home (Ian Bishop, Mick Farren, Sid Bishop) - 5:54
16. East Of Eden - Northern Hemisphere (Ron Caines) - 5:05
17. Sunforest - Magician In The Mountain (Vic Smith) - 4:13
18. Davy Graham - Jenra (Davy Graham) - 3:08
19. The Moody Blues - The Best Way To Travel (Michael Pinder) - 3:12
20. Egg - I Will Be Absorbed (Clive Colin, Dave Stewart, Hugo "Mont" Montgomery-Campbell) - 5:09
21. Ten Years After - Bad Scene (Alvin Lee) - 3:31
Disc 2
1. Caravan - If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You (David Sinclair, Pye Hastings, Richard Coughlan, Richard Sinclair) - 3:07
2. The Moody Blues - Gypsy (Justin Hayward) - 3:35
3. Bill Fay - Garden Song (Bill Fay) - 3:10
4. Denny Gerrard - Atmosphere (Denny Gerrard, J.J. Mackey) - 7:07
5. Galliard - Skillet (Geoffrey Brown) - 3:44
6. Satisfaction - Sharing (Derek Griffiths, John Michael Beecham) - 6:16
7. T2 - J.L.T (Peter Dunton) - 5:50
8. Keef Hartley Band - The Time Is Near (Miller Anderson) - 10:10
9. Clark Hutchinson - First Reminder (Andrew Clark, Michael James Hutchinson) - 3:00
10. Ashkan - Practically Never Happens (Bob Weston, Ron Bending, Steve Bailey, Terry Sims) - 5:59
11. Stud - Harpo's Head (James Cregan, J. Wilson, R. McCracken) - 7:17
12. Egg - Contrasong (Clive Colin Brooks, Dave Stewart, Hugo "Mont" Montgomery-Campbell) - 4:23
13. East Of Eden - Marcus Junior (Dan Drummond) - 5:09
14. Caravan - Winter Wine (David Sinclair, Pye Hastings, Richard Coughlan, Richard Sinclair) - 7:36
Disc 3
1. Thin Lizzy - Things Ain't Working Out Down At The Farm (Phil Lynott) - 4:30
2. Ten Years After - I'm Coming On (Alvin Lee) - 3:45
3. Khan - Space Shanty (Steve Hillage) - 9:00
4. Zakarrias - Cosmic Bride (Robert Haumer, Samy Birnbach) - 6:08
5. Bill Fay - Time Of The Last Persecution (Bill Fay) - 3:52
6. Caravan - Waterloo Lily (Pye Hastings, Richard Coughlan, Richard Sinclair) - 6:46
7. Pete Brown - Ballade For The Queen Of Outer Space (Max Middleton, Pete Brown) - 8:34
8. Darryl Way's Wolf - Steal The World (Darryl Way, John Hodkinson) - 4:18
9. The Parlour Band - Spring's Sweet Comfort (Peter Filleul) - 5:02
10. Chicken Shack - Crying Won't Help You Now (Hudson Whittaker) - 5:09
11. Thin Lizzy - Sarah (Version 1) (Phil Lynott) - 2:51
12. Principal Edwards - Triplets (Richard Jones) - 2:24
13. Curved Air - Marie Antoinette (Darryl Way, Sonja Kristina Linwood) - 6:52
14. Michael Chapman - New York Ladies (Michael Chapman) - 9:28

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Monday, September 7, 2020

Candida Pax - Day (1971 uk, ravishing fuzzy psych blues rock, 2004 remaster)



Day was originally released in 1971. Besides Parameter, this is the rarest release on U.K. Deroy label, as rare as Forever Amber & Dark. If you're into Tony, Caro & John and Then Play On-era Fleetwood Mac, then this is your cup of tea. This is pure Underground with that bluesy Peter Green-like guitar and a folky edge. All original songs and all beauties. Heavy fuzz-guitar, piano, effects -- the whole U.K. Underground thing. A killer album from beginning to the end.
Tracks
1. Day (Stuart Mellor) - 5.53
2. Don´t Leave Me (Colin Stott) - 5.03
3. White Dove (Geoff Dodd, Frank Hobbs, Stuart Mellor, Colin Stott) - 2.32
4. Darkness (Stuart Mellor, Colin Stott, Geoff Dodd) - 5.16
5. Dark Clouds (Colin Stott) - 5.06
6. My Life (Stuart Mellor) - 4.47
7. Reach Out (Stuart Mellor, Colin Stott) - 3.31
8. Free (Stuart Mellor) - 2.43

Candida Pax 
*Geoff Dodd - Bass Guitar, Vocal
*Frank Hobbs - Percussion, Special Effects
*Stuart Mellor - Lead Electric Guitar, Vocals, Recorders, Special Effects
*Colin Stott - Electric Guitar, Vocals, Acoustic 12 String Guitar, Kkeyboards

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Sunday, September 6, 2020

Deerfield - Nil Desperandum (1971 us, exceptional folk psych rock, varried instrumentation cool songs and harmonies, 2000 reissue)



Texas had the knack in the late '60s and early '70s for birthing excellent rock bands -- whether they were psychedelic, blues-rock, pop/rock, or some oddball hybrid -- that were, first and foremost, exceedingly heavy. Loud was the rule rather than the exception, and incendiary guitar work and thundering drums the hallmark of the sound, even as each band found individual ways of utilizing the volume. On their 1971 debut, Nil Desperandum, Deerfield occasionally show the vaguest hints of heaviness -- white-lightning guitar runs, for instance -- but mostly follow a decidedly divergent path, one that emphasizes a laid-back charm and textured group harmonies. The album is a smiling, fresh-faced effort, permeated by a good-time communal vibe so full of country goodwill that it melts away any possibility for cynicism.

While Nil Desperandum is without question a rock & roll album, roots music is an important formative influence on the record -- and not just the normal, blues-based infatuation most of Deerfield's Lone Star peers favored. This is unequivocally American music, bursting at the seams with references to, and borrowed tricks from, California country-rock, folk-rock, and bluegrass. Its rootsy amalgam strongly recalls the Grateful Dead, and, indeed, there are strong strains of Workingman's Dead and American Beauty on the loping title track, the effervescent "Kitty Is a Lady," and "Me Lovin' You" that rarely sound like affectations. Sunny, CSNY/America-like harmonies pop up on occasion, and there are fingerprints of Buffalo Springfield all over the songwriting. The band also toss in the odd British touch (the offbeat, English music-hall feel of "Magapolis/Out Without") and a bit of Bob Dylan's spicy humor, as well.

Many of their contemporaries couldn't shoehorn such overt influences into a personal hybrid, but there's something singularly appealing about Deerfield's music. There are missteps along the way, to be sure: The playing can occasionally drag, while "Riverside" and "Do You Believe in Words," attempts to write epic Neil Young/Crazy Horse-style tracks, are only partly successful. But surprises such as the funky, wah-wah-laced "Better Way" and "The Great Rio Grande Border Run," with its hayseed guitar picking and farmyard languidness, easily trump any criticisms that can be leveled at this sweetheart of an album. 
by Stanton Swihart
Tracks
1. Nil Desperandum (Steve Coleman, John Guerry) - 3:16
2. Man From Barnaby (Charlie Bickley) - 2:51
3. Kitty Is A Lady (Michael Hickman) - 3:35
4. Family Comfort (John Guerry) - 3:08
5. The Great Rio Grande Border Run (Michael Hickman, Steve Coleman) - 2:36
6. Better Way (Dennis Hansen) - 3:06
7. Megopolis/Out Without (Charlie Bickley, John Guerry) - 3:14
8. The Trilogy: Do You Believe In Words/Sing Together/Relax (Enjoy Your Friend) (John Guerry, Steve Coleman, Michael Hickman) - 12:18
9. Me Lovin' You (John Guerry, Steve Coleman) - 2:37
10.Riverside (John Guerry) - 6:29

Deerfield
*Steve Coleman - Vocals, Lead Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar
*John Guerry - Piano, Organ, Bass, Vocals
*Michael Hickman - Guitar, Piano, Auto Harp, Vocals
*Dennis Hansen - Drums, Vocals
*Charlie Bickley - Bass, Vocals, Mandolin

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