Beggars Opera - Pathfinder (1972 uk, a great deal of musical territory, 2005 remaster)

Hailing from Glasgow and previously known as The System, they released their debut album ‘Act One’ in 1970 via the Vertigo label. However, what they presented on this debut was music in the style of The Nice or ELF, which meant their work lacked much of the appeal needed to capture the attention of a large fanbase. As is well known, British music in the 1970s was truly a ‘Renaissance of Rock’, with a diverse array of genres being explored by talented artists and groups. Without any real originality, simply being a copy band of another group was insufficient to appeal to fans with discerning tastes. However, thanks to the assistance of Stuart Henry, a radio DJ at the time, they had to content themselves with the modest success of the track “Sarabante”. Resolving to do better, they released their ambitious second album, ‘Water Of Chanpe’, the following year in 1971 via the Vertigo label. Moving away from the styles of The Nice or E.L.F heard on their debut, they showcased their own distinct character. It was a work where Martin Griffiths' powerful vocals, Alan Park's aggressive guitar playing, and the Mellotron sounds handled by female member Gordon Sellar stood out.

Buoyed by the success of their second album, they released their third album, ‘Pathfinder’, in 1972, a year later. This is widely regarded as Beggars Opera's masterpiece. Released on the Vertigo label with one of its rare poster covers, this third album featured a more advanced sound. Its striking cover art, depicting an astronaut in lunar attire riding a horse, strongly appealed to fans and stimulated their desire to purchase the record. Completed by Peter Goodfellow's illustration and the design collective Blmmsbury Group, this cover exudes a strong progressive aesthetic. Comprising the quintet line-up of Martin Griffiths (vocals), Alan Park (keyboards), Ricky Gardiner (guitar, vocals), Gordon Sellar (vocals), and Ray Wilson (drums), Beggars Opera's sound possesses the earthy charm unique to British rock, coupled with simple yet beautiful melodies that anyone can easily become familiar with upon a single listen.

The opening track “Hobo”, beginning with a lively rhythm, tells the story of a dying wanderer. Martin's vocals, delivered in a matter-of-fact tone, unfold while maintaining an up-tempo pace throughout. The latter part sees Alan's piano (which changes to organ towards the end) and Ray's supporting drums create a splendid ensemble. The next track is the famous “Macarthur Park” by Jim Webb. This song has been arranged by numerous artists and orchestras, including Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Donna Summer, Justin Hayward, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Mantovani Orchestra, involving up to 40 performers. Bepsars Opera, true to their progressive roots, incorporate Alan's harpsichord playing to enrich the melodic sound further. Moreover, by adding Mellotron sounds in the latter part, they deliver a rendition far superior to those by previous artists. The third track, “The Witch”, showcases the dynamic yet delicate playing of Ricky's aggressive guitar and Alan's Hammond organ, characteristic of a British group.

Next comes the album's title track, “Pathfinder”. Over a simple rhythm, Ricky's guitar evokes the spirit of late 60s beat sound hits, while the members' restrained harmonies flow forth, true to the group's name. On the back cover of this album, lead vocalist Martin has written brief notes about the songs featured. The next track, “From Shark To Haggis”, unfolds in a Scottish jig-like dance style, as he describes, seemingly born of a mood heightened by drink. Listening to it, one becomes utterly absorbed in the melody, which builds to a climax, even without the aid of alcohol. 'Stretcher' is the sole instrumental piece on this work. Following a sweet piano melody, Ricky's guitar playing emerges, soothing the listener's heart. Then, “Madame Doubtfire”, with its impressively deep, resonant vocals, is shrouded in such a thick layer of eerie effects that it could easily serve as a horror film soundtrack.

Following this album, the band underwent a line-up change, recruiting Linnie Peterson, vocalist of the psychedelic group Writing On The Wall, before releasing one final album and disbanding. Showcasing the true essence of poster art, this album contains tracks as outstanding as its cover, and will be remembered as a standout release on the Vertigo label.

by Lee Chun

Tracks

1. Hobo (Alan Park) - 4:24

2. MacArthur Park (Richard Harris) - 8:18

3. The Witch (Virginia Scott, Ricky Gardiner) - 6:01

4. Pathfinder (Ricky Gardiner) - 3:41

5. From Shark to Haggis (Virginia Scott, Ricky Gardiner) - 6:40

6. Stretcher (Ricky Gardiner) - 4:48

7. Madame Doubtfire (Alexander McFreddries, Martin Griffiths) - 4:18

Beggars Opera

*Martin Griffiths - Lead Vocals

*Ricky Gardiner - Lead Guitar, Vocals

*Alan Park - Keyboards

*Gordon Sellar - Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

*Raymond Wilson - Drums

1970-73  Beggars Opera - Nimbus The Vertigo Years Anthology (2012 double disc remaster)  

1970  Beggars Opera - Act One (2004 remastered and expanded)

1971  Beggars Opera - Waters Of Change (2006 digi pack edition)  

1973  Beggars Opera - Get Your Dog Off Me! (2003 digipak remaster)

1974  Beggar's Opera - Sagittary (2007 digipak remaster)

1975  Beggar's Opera - Beggars Can't Be Choosers (2007 digipak)

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Frank Kinsel - At Home (1970 us, wonderful folk blues rock)

Here’s an interesting album of folk blues with a tinge of country all played superbly by Frank Kinsel and various other famed musicians including Bill Wolfe (6 string guitar) Kevin Kelley (drums) Red Rhodes (steel guitar) and Wolfgang Melz (bass guitar).

My taster for the album is the loner vibration blues of ”Gamer.” This long player rarely turns up and not a great deal of information about it has ever surfaced. An obscure release on Epic.

The Monocled Alchemist

”There I was in the middle of the grey on beige fifties and my older brother was diggin’ Etta James singing ’Roll With Me Henry’ (Dance With Me Henry was the successful mass media cop out).

music as an expression

There was some kind of a beginning for me in music as an expression, feeling, or movement at that time. It was the only way out – or in. It was either tan shoes and a clean smile or a beer and a ’50 Merc.

Rhythm and Blues groups were a way of life and every party had a basement group composed of four or five guys who could carry on the most.

Detroit, I remember you. Expressways turned to freeways and time went by. Michigan, you looked very pretty when it snowed or when the sun set on your lakes. I sang songs for a while there: some were about you and some were about me, then I moved west.

California and San Francisco were like a new energy force that I hadn’t felt before, so I stayed and wrote and sang and experienced and experienced some more and came up with ideas to record. So I moved to the south into a somewhat populated city (plug for my new album) named Los Angeles.

This is a rather short summary of where I have been for awhile. If it seems incomplete, fill it in with your own life. Have a good day.” 

by Frank Kinsel

Tracks

1. You Know Why (Part 1) - 0:13

2. Gamer - 3:00

3. Revelations 100 - 3:14

4. Have A Good Day - 2:08

5. Like A Child - 2:43

6. "1964" - 2:05

7. Sparrow - 3:38

8. Overpopulated City - 5:19

9. Good Life Folk Bossa #1 - 2:38

10.You Know Why (Part 2) - 2:07

11.White Port And Lemon Juice (Donald Woods, Randolph Bryant, Willie Graham) - 1:23

12.Sunni - 3:57

13.Long Tall Sally's Sister - 2:03

14.Hey Who's Been Talking To You - 3:22

15.Anger Epilogue - 0:43 

All compositions by Frank Kinsel except track #11

Musicians

*Frank Kinsel - 12, 6 String Guitars, Vocals 

*Jimmy Smith - 12, 6 String Guitars

*Grant Johnson - Piano

*Bill Wolfe - 6 String Guitar

*Wolfgang Melz - Bass

*Kevin Kelley - Drums

*Paul Humphrey - Drums

*Anne Goodman - Cello

*Red Rhodes - Steel Guitar

*Nick Ceroli - Drums

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rep>>> Euclid - Heavy Equipment (1970 us, astonishing heavy garage psych, 2005 remaster)

Euclid's one and only album is among the very best of the late 1960's - early 1970's heavy rock albums of all time. Based out of Haverhill, Massachusetts, the musicians themselves come from a diverse New England garage & psych-rock background. Bassist Harold Perino Jr. (aka "Maris"), came from The Ones, a central Mass. garage band who also had a rare garage LP on the Ashwood House label. The other members were from southern Maine. Garage rockers Gary Leavitt on lead vocals & guitar, and his brother Jay Leavitt on drums were in the Cobras together. Ralph Mazzota from the psych-tinged Maine group Lazy Smoke is outright dazzling on blistering lead guitar. 

Pedigree aside, this is a powerful and inventive psychedelic heavy rock album that stands on its own as a great work. Euclid was signed to Bob Thiele's Flying Dutchman Records subsidiary label, Amsterdam Records, distributed by Mainstream Records, and was one of the few, if not only "rock" releases on either label (a notable exception being the rare Minx soundtrack by The Cyrkle). With its tremendous rumbling in-your-face riffing fuzz guitars; screaming solos, backwards bits, thick fuzz bass, pounding drums and oddly-effected vocals, the album, produced by the legendary Bobby Herne, with finishing touches to the mix by Les Paul, Jr; stands proudly with one foot in the 1960s & one in the 1970s, crafting their sound with a heavy-handed metallic attitude. 

One of the coolest things about this album is the overall evidence of the various background influences brought in by each of the group members. In Euclid, you get the very best of it all. You have the raw & ferocious high energy garage element mixed with a very clear and real psychedelic conviction of the drug saturated times. These characteristics combined with a new heavy/hard rock discipline & focus, resulted in one of the best early heavy rock albums ever recorded in the United States. The combined members' various instrumental contributions are equally matched by their amazingly supportive crystalline four-vocal harmonies. The background vocal quality is quite effectively offset by the lead vocals "take no prisoners" brutal male vocal styling. Bobby Herne's production on this record, with lots of twists & turns, is absolutely top notch and gives the music its deep unstoppable heavy forward momentum. The first track is a real winner, clocking in at over 11 minutes, blasting forth with super heavy monster riffs. 

There's also hints of an eastern psych groove with cool sitar playing, and their version of "Gimme Some Lovin'" sounds as if it were done by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. With their old friend Bobby Herne in the producer's chair (he also produced The Shaggs "Philosophy Of The World" LP), they create a "bad trip" spiked with backwards tape effects, darkly-phased vocals, all instruments set from overkill to "pummel", and an album title certainly eligible for the 'truth-in-advertising' award with its 'earth moving' characteristics. Their original songs are incredibly inventive with lots of twists and turns. The album itself stands as a perfect monument which musically represents the transition from hard heavy psych to hard heavy rock. This is an LP you'll play over & over, and never get tired of! In short, the group Euclid was one of the true "unsung" cornerstones that really helped pave the way for the up and coming US hard rock movement. This is an LP you'll play over & over and never get tired of it!  

Gary Leavitt, Bobby Hearne, and Maris have all passed on due to various circumstances over the years. Gary Leavitt was killed in a 1975 motorcycle accident, which effectively ended the band, who were a popular live attraction in the Northeast up until then. Jay Leavitt still performs occasionally with his group Bluezberry Jam in the Maine area. The Leavitt brothers along with Bobby Herne, first appeared together in 1966 as the Cobras, releasing the New England garage classic "I Wanna Be Your Love" bw/ "Instant Heartache" on the Big Beat label, one of the most incredible and out of control garage 45's ever recorded.

Groovy-Tunes

Tracks
1.a. Shadows Of Life - 3:02
   b. On The Way (Ralph Mazzota) - 4:37
   c. Bye Bye Baby - 4:38
2. Gimme Some Lovin' (Spencer Davis, Stevie Winwood) - 4:24
3. First Time Last Time - 3:37
4. Lazy Livin - 5:57
5. 97 Days - 3:10
6. She's Gone - 2:47
7. It's All Over Now (Bobby Womack, Shirley Womack) - 4:24
All songs by Gary Leavitt except where indicated

The Euclid
*Gary Leavitt - Guitar, Vocals
*Harry "Maris" Perino - Bass, Vocals
*Ralph Mazzota - Guitar, Vocals
*Jay Leavitt - Drums, Vocals

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Jump - Jump (1971 us, fine blend of hard-edged pop and rock, with meaty guitar and organ interplay, 2011 reissue)

This progressive pop-rock quartet was led by lead guitarist/vocalist Dennis Tracy, along with lead vocalist / organist Scott Thurston, bassist Mark Spiwak and drummer Don Gorman. They'd met on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles one night, and quickly found management in the shape of The Doors' right-hand man Bill Siddons (who had time on his hands while The Doors were on hiatus following the recording of LA Woman.) After a week's rehearsals, they signed to Janus (a subsidiary of Chess) at the Beach House in Santa Monica, California, and flew to San Francisco to cut an album at the legendary Wally Heider's Studios before they'd so much as played a gig. Overseen by Fred Catero – famed for his work with Bob Dylan, Santana and others – the sessions took three weeks (and were filmed by UCLA film student Reed Hutchinson, though it has yet to resurface). 

Their first gig was in front of 5000 people at San Bernardino's Civic Auditorium. Following the album's release on the Janus label in the summer of 1971, they undertook two nationwide tours, including a performance at the massive week-long Celebration Of Life festival in Macrea, Louisiana that June. Despite a strong, commercial sound (and a German release for the LP on Bellaphon), they split later that year over musical direction (Thurston and Spiwak favored a more traditional rock / blues sound, while Tracy was more interested in classic songwriting). After their split, Tracey embarked on a solo career, including a 1974 album on which he was backed by Thurston and Spiwak. Thurston, meanwhile, became a leading session musician and a long-time member of Iggy Pop and Tom Petty's bands.

CD Liner-notes

Tracks

1. Love Wit Chu Mama (Dennis Tracy, Mark Spiwak, Don Gorman) - 2:57

2. No News - 2:55

3. Here I Lie With You - 4:58

4. Your Heart Can Find You A Song - 3:51

5. Such A Lover - 4:36

6. Having A Wonderful Time - 1:08

7. Close As Touch - 2:26

8. Enough Of This Circus (Scott Thurston) - 3:42

9. Bank Of Love - 4:10

10 Change, We Are All Alive - 3:37

11.Life, Leave Us Part As Friends - 4:42

All songs by Dennis Tracy except where stated

Jump

*Dennis Tracy - Lead Vocals, Guitar 

*Scott Thurston - Organ, Lead Vocals 

*Mark Spiwak - Bass, Backing Vocals 

*Don Gorman - Drums, Backing Vocals

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rep>>> Various Artists - The IKON Records Story (1964-66 us, cool cryptic garage pearls, double disc set)

Sacramento-based Ikon Records is one of those labels that makes obsessive garage collectors squirm and sweat, stammering phrases to each other like "only three known copies, dude" or that most dreaded, tear-choked revelation: "there's only one known copy!" Because of their scarcity, even by local indie garage label standards, Ikon 45s have largely eluded the garage compilation-makers, so the label's output has been something of a secret shared by just a few elite high rollers and clued-in Sacramento locals. 

No hype, my friends: YES! This is hands-down the best '60s garage reissue of the year, filling the requirements of both historical significance and, more importantly, musical excitement. The Madd, Inc provide the immediate standout with the jaw-dropping "I'll Be the One." It's got an assertive lead vocal, two cool, locked-in guitar parts, a tight, rhythmic groove, and a dangerously tense mood snapped apart by a killer fast-fingered Drake Levinesque guitar break. No two ways about it: it's a frickin' MONSTER. While not in the same league as "I'll Be the One," the same band's secret agent themed "Sooperspy" and the wiry instrumental "Batman A Go Go" are also rather good.

More fantastic garage band thrills are drummed up by the Mergers ("Love, You Funny Thing"), the Kee-Notes (a great arrangement of "St James Infirmary"), the Styx ("My Girl"; not the Temptations song), the Knightsmen ("Daddy Was A Rolling Stone"; not the Temptations song either), the Denny & Kenny Duo (the ultra rockin' "Meet My Little Sweety"), the Sons of Sound ("I'm Coming Home"), and the Prophets (the up-tempo but oddly plaintive "You Wonder Why"). Bluesier fare is dished out by the Parish Hall Blues Quintet ("Smokestack Lightning" and a decent cover of the Pretty Things' "I Can Never Say") while solid surf/instro sounds are provided by the Nervous Kats, the Cautions, the Avanti's and the Marauders.

Those looking for minor key magic will be well-pleased too when they get a load of jewels like the Yo Yoz' exceptional, Zombies-flavored "Leave Me Alone," the Bristols' "She's Gone Away," the Shondells "It's True" and the Mergers' "I'll Be On My Way." This two-disc set come with a 28-page booklet jammed with full-color photos, label shots and abundant liner notes by Alec, Joey and others.

Ugly-Things

Artists - Tracks - Composer

Disc 1

1. Ikon - Intro - 0:47

2. Madd Inc. - I'll Be The One (Gary Baermann, Rick Leal) - 2:38

3. Shondells - Something's Got A Hold Of Me (Etta James, Leroy Kirkland, Pearl Woods) - 2:39

4. Eirik Wangberg - Every Night I Dream A Little (Eirik Wangberg) - 2:25

5. Nervous Kats - Surf Express (Bob Smith) - 2:05

6. Bristols - She's Gone Away (Ron Meyer) - 2:14

7. Mergers - Love, You Funny Thing (Ron Andre) - 2:44

8. Avanti's - Countdown (Alan Cheney) - 1:48

9. Bobbies - Truck (Dirk Hamilton) - 2:19

10.Yo Yoz - Leave Me Alone - 3:11

11.The Knightsmen - Fever (Eddie Cooley, John Davenport) - 2:55

12.The Styx - My Girl (Don Branch) - 2:32

13.Kee-Notes - St. James Infirmary (Traditional) - 2:53

14.R.C. And The Tambourines - Quirk (Rich Clark) - 2:23

15.Shondells - I Cried Last Night (Perry Jones, Rick De Long) - 1:54

16.Cautions - Surfer's Beach (Joe Puliz, Pete Andrews) - 2:18

17.John Rosasco Quartet - Come Running To Me (John Rosasco) - 2:15

18.Townsmen - High Heel Sneakers (Robert Higginbotham) - 2:36

19.Moss And The Rocks - There She Goes (David Houston) - 4:46

20.Nervous Kats - Simba (Bob Smith) - 2:05

21.Prophets - It's All Over Now (Bobby Womack, Shirley Womack) - 3:28

22.Parish Hall Blues - Smokestack Lightning (Chester Burnett) - 4:09

23.Versatiles - Pretty Girls (Eugene Church, Thomas Williams) - 3:01

24.Unknown Artist - Gloria (Van Morrison) - 2:40

25.Russ Olson - Sorry About That (Eirik W. Wangberg, Russ Olson) - 2:09

26.Denny And Kenny Duo - I Love You So (Kenny Whitcombe) - 2:49

27.Madd Inc. - Batman (Gary Baermann, Rick Leal) - 2:49

28.Avanti's - Too Much (Alan Cheney) - 2:37

29.Marauders - Intro-Surf Jam (Carl Wilson) - 2:24

30.Marauders - Carol (Chuck Berry) - 2:56

Disc 2 1. The Knightsmen - Daddy Was A Rolling Stone (Louise Acuna, Sammy Acuna) - 2:51 2. Denny And Kenny Duo - Meet My Little Sweety (Kenny Whitcombe) - 2:53 3. Prophets - You Wonder Why (Sterling Bunnell, Terry Taylor) - 2:58 4. Madd, Inc. - Sooperspy (Lee G. Downing) - 2:59 5. Unknown Artist - Searching - 2:32 6. Nervous Kats - Chong (Bob Smith) - 2:16 7. Parish Hall Blues Quintet - I Can Never Say (Dick Taylor, Phil May) - 2:58 8. Shondells - It's True (Perry Jones, Rick De Long) - 2:51 9. Eirik Wangberg - You Woman (Eirik Wangberg) - 2:33 10.Townsmen - Leaving Me (Bob Troyan) - 2:30 11.John Rosasco Quartet - The Shift (Gladys Cotton) - 1:47 12.Sons Of Sound - I'm Coming Home - 3:16 13.Cautions - Groovin' (Joe Puliz) - 2:26 14.Yo Yoz - Stay With Me - 2:36 15.Avanti's - What's Wrong With Me (Alan Cheney) - 2:12 16.Sel-Sync - The Fire Is Gone (Jerry Pine, Steve Squires) - 2:13 17.Beau Jesse - Tell Her That You Love Her (Ric Myers) - 1:55 18.Kee-Notes - Please Don't Tell Me No (Cliff Maurer) - 2:31 19.Eirik And The Secret Agents - Sorry About That (Eirik W. Wangberg, Russ Olson) - 2:33 20.Townsmen - What Have I Done (Bob Troyan) - 3:23 21.Fabulous Futuras - When You Ask About Love (Jerry Allison, Sonny Curtis) - 1:47 22.Dirk Hamilton - Happiness (Dirk Hamilton) - 3:24 23.Bobbies - Orangutang (Houston Box) - 2:04 24.Mergers - I'll Be On My Way (Ron Andre) - 2:32 25.Mymes - You Lose Girl (Bill Wallace, Pat Brusa) - 2:20 26.Moss And The Rocks - Please Come Back (David Houston, Pat Minter) - 3:23 27.The Styx - Stay Away (Don Branch) - 2:56 28.Madd, Inc. - Batman A Go Go (Gary Baermann, Rick Leal) - 2:42 29.Checkmates Ltd. - Do It To Deff (Bob Stevens) - 4:06 30.Ikon - Outro - 0:39

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Bear - Greetings Children Of Paradise (1968 us, exceptional psych rock)

A very cool set from the Boston scene of the 60s – one that's got a slightly lighter, groovier sound than some of the other Beantown bands of the period – almost Sunshine Pop at times, but a bit wittier and with occasional baroque elements that gives the record a very unique sound! The trio boasts work from Erik Kaz and Artie Traum – who'd both go on to other projects – and there's some added instrumentation on a number of tracks that steps up the sound in a great way – psych-influenced, but more serious in terms of the arrangements – opening up the excellent vocals of singer Steve Soles. Titles include "It's Getting Very Cold Outside", "What Difference", "Like Cats", "So Loose & So Slow", "The Hungry Dogs Of New Mexico", and "Don't Say A Word". 

D&G

In 1968, Steven Soles, Artie Traum, & Eric Kaz would come together to form one of the finest and most underrated bands of the 1960s and of all time. They would come together as The Children Of Paradise. With little reception, Bear wasn't too famous. They sang in clubs now and again, but nothing special. Then came the day that Brian De Palma discovered them and used them to perform multiple musical pieces for his 1968 underground film "Greetings". 

The film starred an extremely young Robert De Niro and had Bear perform 3 of their songs, "Greetings", "So Loose And So Slow", & "Like Cats". The film made approximately $1,000,000. A great amount of money at the time which helped launch the second film "Hi, Mom!" in 1970. Bear had different plans however, they decided to go all the way and release their own album. They recored for Verve Forecast and managed to release the album titled "Greetings". By that time they had changed their name to Bear, but in hopes of cashing in on the movie, still kept the name "Children Of Paradise" on the album. The album sold poorly and to this day has never had an official CD release and is only available as LP. The album is an interesting span of songs ranging from Psychedelic, to Jazz, To Folk. It was certainly one of the most unique albums of the time and of all time for that matter.

Tracks

1. Greetings! (Artie Traum, Eric Kaz, Michael Soles, Steven Soles) - 2:34

2. So Loose And So Slow (Michael Soles, Steven Soles) - 2:17

3. Like Cane (Michael Soles, Steven Soles) - 3:42

4. Happy Days (Eric Kaz) - 2:14

5. What Difference? (Artie Traum, Marc Silber) - 6:28

6. It's Getting Very Cold Outside (Michael Soles, Steven Soles) - 3:09

7. I Won't Be Hangin' 'round (Eric Kaz) - 3:04

8. Don't Say A Word (Michael Soles, Steven Soles) - 2:33

9. Don't You Ever Want To Think About Them? (Eric Kaz, John Boylan) - 3:28

10.The Hungry Dogs Of New Mexico (Artie Traum) - 4:01

Bear

*Artie Traum - Acoustic, Lead, Rhythm Guitars, Percussion

*Eric Kaz - Piano, Orga, Guitar, Bass

*Steven Soles - Vocals

With

*Darius Davenport - Drums

*Skip Boone - Bass

Related Acts

1969  Happy And Artie Traum - Happy And Artie Traum  (2010 Big Pink Korea)

1971  Happy And Artie Traum - Double Back (2010 Big Pink Korea) 

1970  Blues Magoos - Gulf Coast Bound (2020 Big Pink Korea) 

1973/76  Steven Soles And Friends - Steven Soles And Friends  

1976-77  American Flyer - American Flyer / Spirit Of A Woman (2003 remaster)

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rep>>> The Youngbloods - The Youngbloods / Earth Music / Elephant Mountain (1967/69 us, amazing west coast psych, two disc set remaster and 2014 japan blu spec issues)

The Youngbloods could not be considered a major '60s band, but they were capable of offering some mighty pleasurable folk-rock in the late '60s, and produced a few great tunes along the way. One of the better groups to emerge from the East Coast in the mid-'60s, they would temper their blues and jug band influences with gentle California psychedelia, particularly after they moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. For most listeners, they're identified almost exclusively with their Top Ten hit "Get Together," but they managed several respectable albums as well, all under the leadership of singer/songwriter Jesse Colin Young.

Young got his start on the folk circuits of Boston and New York, and had already cut a couple of solo albums before forming The Youngbloods. John Sebastian was one of the supporting musicians on Young's second LP, and comparisons between the two -- and between The Youngbloods and the Lovin' Spoonful -- are inevitable. Both groups offered good-timey folk-rock with much stronger jug band influences than West Coast rivals like the Byrds, though The Youngbloods made greater use of electric keyboards than the Spoonful, courtesy of the enigmatically named Lowell "Banana" Levinger. The Youngbloods didn't craft nearly as many brilliant singles as the Lovin' Spoonful, but (unlike the Spoonful) endured well into the hippie/psychedelic era.

While Young was always the focal point of the band, their first two albums also had songwriting contributions from guitarist Jerry Corbitt. Produced by Felix Pappalardi (who also worked with Cream), these records (The Youngbloods and Earth Music) were engaging and mature, if inconsistent, folk-rock. Corbitt's "Grizzly Bear" was a small hit, as was "Get Together," a Dino Valenti song that had previously been recorded by Jefferson Airplane. The Youngbloods' slow, soulful interpretation of "Get Together" was definitive, but it wouldn't reach the Top Ten until it was re-released in 1969, after the song had been used in a television public service ad. 

by Richie Unterberger

The Youngbloods' second long-player built on the strength of their self-titled debut by once again creating a blend of captivating songwriting with an infectiously fun delivery. Although the album failed to produce a definitive single -- as "Get Together" had done on their previous effort -- there are a handful of equally definitive sides scattered throughout Earth Music (1967). Featuring Jesse Colin Young (guitar/bass/vocals), Jerry Corbitt (lead guitar), Joe Bauer (drums), and Lowell "Banana" Levinger III (piano/guitar), The Youngbloods recall the uptempo good-time sound of their East Coast contemporaries, the Lovin' Spoonful, on the opening cover of the Holy Modal Rounders' "Euphoria." 

The first of several stellar compositions from Young follows with the laid-back "All My Dreams Blue." In addition to the affective songcrafting, Banana's upfront piano fills provide a jazzy counterpoint to the interlocking Bauer/Young rhythm section. This refined power trio would become the mainstay of their later post-Corbitt recordings. "Dreamer's Dream" highlights Corbitt's inimitable contributions to the band with a highly affective melody as well as his unencumbered vocals, which effortlessly intertwine with Young. The countrified interpretation of the traditional "Sugar Babe" is a precursor to the direction that the band's sound would take after their relocation to the West Coast. The track became an international hit no doubt due to its inclusion in the Michelangelo Antonioni film Zabriskie Point (1970). Other standout tracks include the high-steppin' "Wine Song" and one of the better revisitations of Tim Hardin's "Reason to Believe." 

Elephant Mountain (1969) is the Youngbloods' third long-player and marks their debut as a trio -- featuring Jesse Colin Young (bass/guitar/vocals), Joe Bauer (drums), and Lowell "Banana" Levinger (keyboards) -- after the departure of co-founder Jerry Corbitt (guitar/vocals). Although the band initially formed out of the early '60s Northeast folk scene, by the time this set was issued they had relocated to the pastoral Northern California county of Marin. Blending affective pop/rock melodies and lyrics with their good time jug band roots, the Youngbloods were instantly embraced by the already blossoming Bay Area music community. 

This effort contains some of the band's strongest material to date, building on the considerable momentum of their 1967 self-titled release and further enhanced by their remarkable instrumental capabilities. Young's contributions are particularly notable as he vacillates between the edgy and electric "Darkness, Darkness" to the light and earthy "Sunlight" and "Ride the Wind," or the bouncy tales "Smug" and "Beautiful." Banana honors his new surroundings with the gorgeous and catchy instrumental "On Sir Francis Drake" (named after a heavily traveled Bay Area motorway). On this cut the textural combination of electric piano and harpsichord provides a jazzy counterbalance to Young's propulsive basslines and Bauer's nimble drumming. 

The "Rain Song (Don't Let the Rain Bring You Down)" is left over from Corbitt's tenure and recalls the earlier Youngbloods' sound which was more akin to the Sopwith Camel or the Lovin' Spoonful than the trio's then-current folk-rock leanings. "Trillium" is a hidden gem of a jam that examines the band's remarkably strong improvisational interaction. "Sham" is perhaps the most straightforward rocker on the album and recalls Bay Area acts like the Sal Valentino-led Stoneground. The disc concludes with the sublime "Ride the Wind" which sports a very sophisticated and slightly Latin-flavored melody. 

by Lindsay Planer

Tracks 

Disc 1 

The Youngbloods 1967

1. Grizzly Bear (Jerry Corbitt) - 2:20

2. All Over The World (La La) (Corbitt) - 3:!3

3. Statesboro Blues (Blind Willie McTell) - 2:18

4. Get Together (Chet Powers) - 4:39

5. One Note Man (Paul Arnold) - 2:24

6. The Other Side Of This Life (Fred Neil) - 2:28

7. Tears Are Falling (Jesse Colin Young) - 2:25

8. Four In The Morning (George Remailly) - 2:51

9. Foolin' Around (The Waltz) (Young) - 2:50

10.Ain't That Lovin' You (Jimmy Reed) - 2:39

11.C.C. Rider (Mississippi John Hurt) - 2:37

Earth Music 1967

12.Euphoria (George Remailly) - 2:15 

13.All My Dreams Blue (Jesse Colin Young) - 3:17 

14.Monkey Business (Chuck Berry) - 2:49 

15.Dreamer's Dream (Jerry Corbitt, Lowell Levinger) - 3:35

16.Sugar Babe (Young, Jackie Lomax) - 2:08 

17.Long And Tall (Young) 4:05 

18.I Can Tell (Chuck Willis) - 4:29 

19.Don't Play Games (Corbitt) - 2:12 

20.The Wine Song (Young) - 2:24 

21.Fool Me (Levinger) - 2:57 

22.Reason To Believe (Tim Hardin) - 2:25

Disc 2
Elephant Mountain 1969
1. Darkness, Darkness (Jesse Colin Young) - 3:51
2. Smug (Young) - 2:13
3. On Sir Francis Drake (Lowell Levinger) - 6:44
4. Sunlight (Young) - 3:07
5. Double Sunlight (Levinger, Young, Joe Bauer) - 0:41
6. Beautiful (Young) - 3:49
7. Turn It Over (Levinger, Young, Bauer) - 0:15
8. Rain Song (Don't Let The Rain Bring You Down) (Corbitt, Pappalardi, Collins) - 3:13
9. Trillium (Levinger, Young, Bauer) - 3:08
10.Quicksand (Young) - 2:41
11.Black Mountain Breakdown (Levinger, Young, Bauer) - 0:40
12.Sham (Young) - 2:44
13.Ride The Wind (Young) - 6:37

The Youngbloods
The Youngbloods/Earth Music 1967
*Jesse Colin Young - Bass Guitar, Guitar, Vocals
*Jerry Corbitt - Guitar, Vocals
*Lowell "Banana" Levinger - Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar, Electric Piano
*Joe Bauer - Drums, Percussion
With
*George Ricci - Cello On "Foolin' Around"

Elephant Mountain 1969
*Jesse Colin Young - Bass, Acoustic Guitar , Vocals
*Lowell "Banana" Levinger - Guitar, Electric Piano, Backing Vocals
*Joe Bauer - Drums
With
*David Lindley - Fiddle
*Plas Johnson - Tenor Saxophone
*Joe Clayton - Trumpet
*Victor Feldman - Vibraphone

1969  Elephant Mountain (Sundazed 2008)
1970  The Youngbloods - Rock Festival (2003 Sundazed)
1971  Beautiful! Live In San Francisco (2005 Sundazed)

1971  Youngbloods - Ride The Wind (2003 Sundazed) 
1972  High On A Ridge Top (Sundazed remaster)

Related Acts

1972  Banana And The Bunch - Mid-Mountain Ranch (2015 Real Gone)

1973  Jesse Colin Young ‎– Song For Juli (2009 remaster)

1974  Jesse Colin Young ‎– Light Shine

1976  Jesse Colin Young ‎– On The Road (Japan remaster)

1972  Jesse Colin Young ‎– Together

1975  Jesse Colin Young - Songbird

1982  Jesse Colin Young - The Perfect Stranger  (Edsel)

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rep>>> The Chosen Few - The Chosen Few (1969 us, magnificent jazz brass rock)

The Chosen Few were a horn-rock group from Muncie Indiana and consisted of Carl Storie (lead vocals-percussion), Jack Hamilton (bass), Dave Bennet (electric/acoustic 12 & 6 string guitars), Dave Barnes (drums) and John Cascella (keyboards).

The group, originally a garage band, had earlier recorded for the local Denim label, releasing four singles among them "It Just Don't Rhyme" and then released a single on the Talun label which led to their contract with RCA.

Surely inspired by the success of such bands as Blood, Sweat & Tears, (and the sound that was popular in the Chicago area at the time), the group changed musical direction and with the help of Pete Dino and Lee Holdridge added horn arrangements to their sound. Speaking of B, S &T and Chicago, there are early remakes of “You Make Me So Very Happy” and “Beginnings” here, but the redeeming cuts here are “Safrowillie” (wish there were more cuts like this) and the album's closer "I Will Miss You". 

by Jack Dominilla

Tracks

1. Talk With Me (Carl Storie, David "Benny" Bennett, John Cascella) - 2:45

2. You Make Me So Very Happy (Berry Gordy, Brenda Holloway, Frank Wilson, Patrice Holloway) - 3:24

3. Maybe The Rain Will Fall (Carl Storie) - 3:05

4. Sea Of Tranquility (Carl Storie, Jack Hamilton) - 3:49

5. Spend One Night (Carl Storie, Dave Barnes, David "Benny" Bennett, John Cascella) - 2:35

6. Beginnings (Robert Lamm) - 3:27

7. Safrowillie (Carl Storie, Jack Hamilton) - 4:50

8. I'll Never Change You (Carl Storie, David "Benny" Bennett, John Cascella, Jack Hamilton) - 2:24

9. Deeper In (John Cascella) - 2:47

10.I Will Miss You (John Cascella) - 3:13

The Chosen Few

*Jack Hamilton - Bass 

*Dave Barnes - Drums 

*Dave Bennett - Electric, Twelve-String Guita, Acoustic Guitars

*Carl Storie - Lead Vocals, Percussion

*John Cascella - Piano, Organ, Electric Piano

With 

*Lee Holdridge - Horn Arrangements

*Peter Dino - Horn Arrangements 

Related Act

1973  Faith - Faith

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rep>>> Shawn Phillips - Collaboration (1971 us, magnificent orchestrated folk prog rock)

Phillips takes folk and throws it together with prog rock, with touches of jazz and classical.  This album is titled Collaboration and the jacket describes it as a collaboration by Shawn Phillips with Paul Buckmaster and Peter Robinson.  

Songs like “Moonshine” have some nice keyboards from Robinson too, with a dexterity and morose ease that works very well.  The side one closer “Armed” brings all the instrumentalists’ talents together best. 

by Syd Fablo

Tracks
1. Us We Are - 5:05
2. Burning Fingers - 3:33
3. Moonshine - 4:45
4. For Her - 2:00
5. What's Happenin' Jim! - 3:37
6. Armed - 6:52
7. Spaceman - 3:29
8. Times Of A Madman, Trials Of A Thief - 2:47
9. 8500 Years - 2:31
10.The Only Logical Conclusion - 4:51
11.Coming Down Soft And Easy - 5:17
12.Springwind - 9:37
Music and Lyrics by Shawn Phillips

Musicians
*Shawn Phillips - Vocals, Guitar
*Brian Odgers - Bass
*Paul Buckmaster - Cello, Orchestral Arrangements
*Barry deSouza - Drums
*Martin Ford - French Horn
*Tony Walmsly - Guitar
*Ann Odell - Electric Piano
*Peter Robinson - Piano, Organ, Bass, Orchestral Arrangements
*John Gustafson - Bass
*The David Katz Orchestra

1970  Shawn Phillips - Contribution / Second Contribution (2009 remaster)
1969-72  Shawn Phillips - Faces (2014 remaster) 

1971-74  Shawn Phillips - At The BBC (2009 release) 

1973  Shawn Phillips - Bright White 
1974  Shawn Phillips - Furthermore (2014 issue)
1976  Shawn Phillips - Rumplestiltskin's Resolve (2013 remaster)
1977  Shawn Phillips - Spaced (2013 remaster)
1978  Shawn Phillips - Transcendence (2015 remaster)

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rep>>> Faith - Faith (1973 us, excellent hard groovy rock)

 

Faith Band, like most great groups, evolved through several powerful incarnations. From The Invincibles, to The Chosen Few, with an album on RCA, to Limousine, with an album on GSF, they got strong radio airplay building a large, enthusiastic following. With 1973’s move to Terry Knight’s Brown Bag Records, Faith Band was born. In addition to the debut “Faith” album with Carl Storie, vocals and harp, Dave Bennett, guitar, Dave Barnes, drums and percussion, Johnny Cascella, keyboards, sax and vocals, and Mark Cawley on bass and vocals, they went on to release four more commanding original albums on Village/Phonogram/Mercury records and toured nonstop.

Along the way, Nigel Olsson’s cover of Faith’s “Dancin Shoes” was a Top 20 hit. Carl and Mark formed the duo Blinding Tears, releasing a CD in 1986. Mark has gone on to be an award winning songwriter whose songs have been recorded by an amazing array of artists from Tina Turner and Joe Cocker to Wynonna Judd and Chaka Kahn just to name a few. Carl released a self-titled solo CD in 1992, while Dave Bennett released the jazzy “Out of the Bleu” in 2004. John Cascella moved to John Cougar Mellencamp’s band, where he lit the fuse on “Cherry Bomb” and many more. “Boots” sparkled on accordion and keyboards with Mellencamp until his premature death in 1992. Dave Barnes joined forces with his brother and helped build one of the largest music industry service companies.

Now, the remaining members of Faith Band and John Cooper - Faith Band, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr have revisited their musical vaults and selected these 19 tunes, most never heard before, from the original sessions. Coop assembled all the tracks and with loving care and today’s vastly improved audio technology, mixed them for us as they envisioned them originally. This digital download “Boxed Set” also includes a booklet and three videos taken from live gigs. With liner notes from longtime DJ friend Mike Griffin and brand new cover art from Wille Faust who did the first two Faith Band albums, this is a labor of love and a one of a kind must have for Faith Band fans.

The lucky ones were there, and caught the band live. Most others have only heard the stories. Now, hear the legacy of music and creativity that gave voice to a generation of change. Actually their first album contains songs that already they recorded as "Limousine" renamed with new titles and different track list.

Tracks

1. Sometimes Sometimes - 5:47

2. Freedom - 3:18

3. Answer To The Master - 6:14

4. Looking For A Friend - 4:19

5. Such A Lady Such A Lover - 3:53

6. Dreamy Eyed Lady - 5:08

7. We're All Headed In The Same Way-The Last Song - 5:15

8. The Last Song - 1:05

All songs by Carl Storie, David Bennett, John Cascella, Mark Cawley, Dave Barnes

Faith

*Carl Storie - Lead Vocals, Harmonica, 

*David Bennett - Guitar

*John Cascella - Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals

*Mark Cawley - Bass

*Dave Barnes - Drums

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