Pookah - Pookah (1970 us, interesting experimental art prog rock)

For a band that released an album on a major label, there's surprisingly little information to be found on Pookah.  Featured keyboardist Pat Cupo, guitarist John Ippolito, and drummer Dave Ranaletta.  Cupo and Ippolito had been members of the mid-'60s Rochester, New York cover band The Trackers.  As for the band name, it was either a sly nod to a hookah, or taken from characters found in Irish folklore - spirits known as shape changers which could take the appearance of black horses, goats and rabbits. Given songs like 'Ha! Ha! I Can Fly ' and 'Rain On Your Grave'.

With  Ranaletta handling lead vocals, 'Blue and Peaceful' was built on a nifty Cupo piano riff and some tasty Ippolito bass.   With a pseudo-jazzy feel, this one actually sounded a bit like a mid-career Traffic tune.   Nice harmony vocals on the chorus.   United Artists tapped it as the American single. Opening up with some nice raga-flavored guitar and Ranaletta's martial drums, 'In a Field' came off as an interesting slice of acid-folk.   Very different from the rest of the album and quite attractive. 

With a spare, sluggish and distinctly lysergic feel, 'Merlin's Party' is probably the album's best known tune.  Hard to accurately describe, but along with Ippolito's raspy voice and Cupo's roller rink keyboards, it's one of those songs that sounds like it should have been featured on some sort of "B" flick. Album's standout performance, the combination of Cupo's keyboard-powered droning melody, and Cupo and Ippolito's stoned vocals meant 'Rain On Your Grave' simply oozed lysergic influences.

The album saw a couple of singles released. The band attracted a bit of attention opening for national acts stopping in Rochester (Family, Grand Funk Railroad, etc.), but simply couldn't break.  They were history by 1970 and seem to have all dropped out of music..  

Bad-Cat

Tracks

1. Blue And Peaceful - 4:17

2. In A Field - 3:07

3. Tomorrow's The Day - 3:21

4. Things Don't Matter - 2:56

5. Broken Dream - 5:55

6. Kickin' A Can - 3:44

7. Merlin's Party - 4:31

8. Lady Ostrich - 4:42

9. Ha Haii Can Fly - 3:10

10.The Heat - 0:32

11.Rain On Your Grave - 5:27

All compositions by Onorato Cupo, John Ippolito, David Ranaletta 

Pookah

*Onorato Cupo - Organ, Piano, Keyboards

*John Ippolito - Vocals, Bass, Guitar

*David Ranaletta - Vocals, Drums, Percussion

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Andy Robinson - Break Out Of The City (1970 us, wonderful folk psych rock, 2018 korean remaster)

The second album by Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter Andy Robinson.   Released in  1970/Janus Records with the support of Janis Ian.  

In addition to the original,  it also includes covers of "I'll Be There" Hall & Oates and "For Free" Joni Mitchell.  The two members of Hall & Oates were backed up by members of the folk rock band  Gulliver, of which Hall was a member. 

The highlight is the world of innocent songs  that reflect the gentle atmosphere of Woodstock,  where they were living at the time.

Tracks

1. Forever - 3:21

2. Break Out Of The City - 2:44

3. Where Do We Belong / Need Somebody On Your Bond (Andy Robinson / Traditional) - 4:15

4. The Right Way - 2:47

5. I'll Be Bye (John Oates) - 2:47

6. Party Ball - 3:35

7. Uptight Saturday Nite - 2:52

8. Sally She Weep - 1:56

9. Every Mother Father Brother Sister - 3:35

10.For Free (Joni Mitchell) - 3:25

Music and Lyrics by Andy Robinson except where noted

Musicians

*Andy Robinson - 12 And 6 String Acoustic Rhythm Guitars, Vocals 

*Tom Sellers - Bass, Piano, Organ, Franco

*Tim Moore - Lead Electric Guitar, 6 String Acoustic 

*Jim Helmer - Drums, Percussion

*Gerall Heiser - Cello 

*John Oates - Mouth Harp 

*Robert Cupit - Conga

*Daryll Hall - Backing Vocal 

1968  Andy Robinson - Patterns Of Reality (2018 korean remaster)   

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Karthago - Rock 'n' Roll Testament (1974 germany / uk, fascinating classic rock with southern feel, feat. Glenn Cornick from Jethro Tull fame)

Karthago were founded in Berlin by Joey Albrecht and Gerald Luciano Hartwig who had been performing together sicne 1968 as a duo called Blues Machine. The band became a quartet prior to their first recording in 1972 and in 1974 they added a well known bass player, Glenn Cornick formerly of Jethro Tull and Wild Turkey.

Probably no other Karthago album was as extensively and intensively prepared as this one with songs finally composed by Joey Albrecht. This 3rd album of Karthago was a big step foreword, produced in London and with the participation of Glenn Cornick, famous bass player of Jethro Tull. Karthago developed a more mainstream style than most Berlin acts with strong songs, jazz and funk elements, backed up by excellence musician ship. Especially Joey Albrecht, influenced by Jimi Hendrix, had a real rock star appeal. 

Shortly before recording "Rock 'n' Roll Testament" in 1974, two founding members had left Carthage : bassist Gerald Hartwig (who returned two years later) and drummer Norbert 'Panzer' Lehmann. A drummer was quickly found in Mannheim's Konni Bommarius , but all of the German bass players were 'in solid hands'. So they started looking around the 'island', but which Brit back then wanted to voluntarily go to a tiny island in the middle of the 'Red Sea'? It was a huge sensation back then that they were able to sign former Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick . He had just left the band he founded, Wild Turkey , and from then on was the attraction on the Kudamm with his American road cruiser. As a great bass player and a super nice guy, he was a perfect fit for Carthage . 

The 'opener' "Hard-Loving Woman": fantastically sparkling double leads open and then it sounds as if Carlos Santana and Skynyrds Honkettes had been brought into the studio. A song with hit potential at the highest international level. "We Gonna Keep It Together" breathes a casual, driving West Coast feeling and is crowned by Ingo Bischoff's unearthly good grand piano solo. "Now The Irony Keeps Me Company" is arranged in an almost dramatic and opulent way - just as deeply rooted in US popular music as its two predecessors. The title song "Rock'N Roll Testament" is reminiscent of Skynyrd's early phase in its unpolished, rough style . Joey Albrecht wails with the then emerging talk box in the blues "The Creeper" just like Peter Frampton does. "Back Again" is warm and 'funky' straight into your stomach and legs - the chorus that sings along is sensational in its simplicity. In the dreamy "Sound In The Air" you listen to Ingo Bischoff's extremely characteristic Mini-Moog with emotion - this is what you later heard from Kraan after he joined there.

"Highway Five" sets off a real funk rock fireworks display - everything is just right here: vocals, choirs, Joey's excellent guitar work, the driving percussions as well as Glenn Cornick's jumping bass figures . With "For Kathy" Santana is once again skillfully quoted, including Gregg Rolie 's asthmatic wheezing Hammond . "See You Tomorrow In The Sky" is dedicated to none other than Jimi Hendrix and can probably be described as the 'pearl' of this timelessly good record. I wonder why? Because I think I'm hearing my favorite southerners, Lynyrd Skynyrd, here again. Carthage's "Rock'N Roll Testament" is essential for any record collection.

by Steve Braun

Tracks

1. Hard Loving Woman - 3:38

2. We Gonna Keep It Together - 5:14

3. Now The Irony Keeps Me Company - 3:21

4. Rock N Roll Testament - 4:24

5. The Creeper (Joey Albrecht, Patricia Jordan) - 4:04

6. Back Again - 4:04

7. Sound In The Air - 5:09

8. Highway Five - 3:43

9. For Kathy (Joey Albrecht, Patricia Jordan) - 3:02

10.See You Tomorrow In The Sky (Joey Albrecht, Patricia Jordan) - 3:47

All songs written by Joey Albrecht, Tom Cunningham except where indicated

Karthago

*Joey Albrecht - Guitar, Lead Vocals 

*Ingo Bischof - Organ, Grand Piano, Clavinet, Electric Piano, Synthesizer, Vocals

*"Pedro" Tommy Goldschmidt - Congas, Bongos, Timbales, Drums, Vocals, Percussion

*Glenn Cornick - Bass

*Konni Bommarius - Drums

With

*Tom Cunningham - Harmony Vocals

*Barry St. John - Backing Vocals 

*Joanne Williams - Backing Vocals 

*Vicky Brown - Backing Vocals

1973  Karthago - Second Step (2011 remaster)  

Related Acts

1971  Wild Turkey - Battle Hymn (2013 remaster)  

1972  Wild Turkey - Turkey (2013 remaster)  

1975  Paris - Paris (2013 japan SHM remaster)  

1976  Paris - Big Towne 2061 (2013 japan SHM remaster)  

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Keith West - Wherever My Love Goes (1974 uk, good soft classic rock)

Having spent his entire career as a professional singer, songwriter, and musician, ‘Thinking About Tomorrow’ is the amazing tale of rock and roll survivor Keith West. From being inspired by Elvis in the 1950s to pop stardom and working alongside the greats of the music world in the 1960s, Keith was at the eye of the storm alongside peers including The Who, The Beatles, The Kinks, The Small Faces, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix and many, many more.

Wherever my Love Goes was an experimental album which Ken Burgess and Keith had recorded for general release as a duo. Sadly, that didn’t happen, so it was decided to put it out under Keith's to perhaps secure more sales. Andrew Oldham had been involved in the making of this record and produced a couple of tracks. It never really took off and has become a bit of a cult item over the years. The standout tracks are The West Country, Sad Song, and the Andrew Oldham production of the Power and the Glory which it was written for Elvis, at the behest of Freddy Bienstock who owned Carlin Music.

by Klemen Breznikar

Tracks

1. The Power And The Glory (Keith West, Ken Burgess) - 3:25

2. West Country (Keith West, Ken Burgess) - 4:50

3. Liet Motif - 2:45

4. The Visit - 5:47

5. Hope You're Feeling Better - 5:30

6. Going Home Song (Keith West, Ken Burgess) - 4:30

7. Company (Keith West, Ken Burgess) - 4:05

8. Marshwood - 2:25

9. Wherever My Love Goes - 4:30

10.Sad Song (Ken Burgess) - 4:40

Songs written by Keith West except where noted

Personnel

*Keith West - Electric Guitar, Vocals

*Ken Burgess - Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

*Lisle Harper - Bass

*Rod Coombes - Drums

*Ann Odell - Keyboards

*Roy Young - Keyboards

*Tommy Eyre - Keyboards, Flute

*Johnny Almond - Saxophone

*Glenn Campbell - Steel Guitar

*John Weider - Violin

*Twink - Drums

*Roger Sutton - Bass

Related Acts

1968  Tomorrow - Tomorow  

1973-75  Moonrider - Moonrider (2011 remaster)  

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Flow - Flow (1970 us, magnificent jazz blues brass psych rock, feat. Don Felder from Eagles fame)

Flow were an American sax-rock/psych band from Ocala, Fla., that released a self-titled album on CTI Records in 1970.  After graduation, Bill Ruff went on to become Road Manager for the Flow and co-authored the song “Chicken Farm”.

Flow formed by John Winter, keyboards, sax, flute, Mike Barnett, Drums (fellow members of Ocala High School Class of '66) Don Felder, guitar, and Chuck Newcomb, bass and vocals. They recorded this album on Creed Taylor Records.

Winter and Barnett were in The Incidentals, a British invasion cover band, and Felder was in The Continentals (with Stephen Stills, Bernie Leadon) and when Stills departed, they changed the name to the Maudy Quintet.

After the Maundy Quintet broke up, Felder went to Manhattan, New York City, were he  improved his mastery of improvisation on the guitar and learned various styles, the rest is history.  John Rogers Winter, died December 22, 2019 at the age of 71.

Tracks

1. Daddy (Chuck Newcomb) - 3:36

2. Here We Are Again (John Winter, Mike Barnett) - 6:51

3. Line'Em (Leadbelly) - 2:47

4. Gotta Get Behind Your Trip (Chuck Newcomb, John Winter) - 3:34

5. Chicken Farm (Bill Ruff, John Winter, Mike Barnett) - 2:55

6. No Lack Of Room (Chuck Newcomb) - 3:49

7. Summer's Gone (John Winter) - 5:50

8. Mr. Invisible (Chuck Newcomb, John Winter) - 3:59

9. Arlene (John Winter) - 5:10

Flow

*John Rogers Winter - Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Soprano, Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Harmonica 

*Don Felder - Guitar 

*Chuck Newcomb - Bass, Vocals 

*Mike Barnett - Drums 

*Ed Shaughnessy - Tabla, Congas, Cowbell

*Angel Allende - Tabla, Congas, Cowbell

*Johnny Pacheco - Tabla, Congas, Cowbell

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White Chocolate - White Chocolate (1973 us, groovy blues funky glam classic rock)

White Chocolate were a Fairfield County, CT based band that played predominately throughout the East Coast. The original line-up was Charlie Karp on Guitar, David Hull on Bass and Jimmy Maher on Drums. The name was later changed to Dirty Angels and a change was made to the line-up, with the addition of George Maher on Rhythm Guitar.

 

Charlie Karp has an impressive musical background. Starting out as a young teen with Buddy Miles, he has also performed with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, Meatloaf, Arthur Lee, Charlie Karp and the Namedroppers, Buster Poindexter and is now a member of Slo Leak along with Danny Kortchmar and Harvey Brooks. His is an example of the finest Blues guitar as well as Rock. 

David Hull is equally an impresario of the Bass. He also started out as a youth with Buddy Miles. His credits include Arthur Lee, the Joe Perry Project, Ted Nugent, Farrenheit (he used the pseudonym of Dave Heit), and most recently Pete Droge and the Sinners. Jimmy Maher was an excellent drummer and his contribution to the band was sizeable. 

Tracks

1. Getting Ready To Rock 'n' Roll (Charlie Karp) - 2:50

2. Midnight Flight - 3:03

3. I'm Crying - 3:37

4. Past History - 3:04

5. Make It Easy (Charlie Karp, David Hull, Richard Gordon) - 3:38

6. Let's Get Funked (Charlie Karp, David Hull, Jimmy Maher) - 3:28

7. Outcast - 4:12

8. Sad Eyes (Charlie Karp) - 3:36

9. Looking For Love - 3:54

10.I'm Alive - 4:35

Songs written by Charlie Karp, David Hull except where noted

White Chocolate

*Charlie Karp - Guitar, Lead Vocals

*David Hull - Bass, Vocals 

*Jimmy Maher - Drums, Vocals

 With

*André Lewis - Keyboards 

*Maxayn Lewis - Background Vocals 

*Gene Hull - Saxophone 

*Jerry Mirliani - Trumpet 

*Candido - Conga 

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Various Artists - Fading Yellow Vol.19 More Magic (1965-71 us, charming sunny pop psych trip, 2022 release)

Volume 19 contains artists only from USA, and it's another example of serious responsible work, an excellent release with an eight-page booklet containing information about the artists. Light ethereal sunny psychedelia.

Artists - Tracks

1. The Critters - You'd Better Slow Down - 2:14

2. Fragile Lime - Angie - 2:35

3. Shadow Casters - Cinnamon Snowflake - 2:39

4. Michael And The Trees - Nothing To Say - 2:28

5. His Majesty's Coachmen - Where Are You Bound - 2:20

6. Love Society - Drops Of Rain - 2:36

7. Bobby Langford - Love Seeds - 2:34

8. Rick And Ronnie - Misty Eyes - 2:08

9. Early Rock - Sunshine Sorrow - 2:53

10.Collection - The Good Times Are Over - 3:17

11.Barry Mann - She Is Today - 2:53

12.Tony And Terri - California L.A.- 2:40

13.Bobby Bond - Jennifer It's Goodbye - 2:17

14.Torquays - You're The One Who Loves Me - 2:03

15.Morning Mist - California On My Mind - 2:36

16.Gourdoux Huber Hall - Below - 3:07

17.Warlock - In A Dream - 2:40

18.Avengers - Softly (I Say To You) - 2:32

19.The Robbs - Castles In The Air - 3:06

20.Brett - Eternity - 2:54

1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 1

1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 2

1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 3
1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 4
1970-73 Fading Yellow - Vol. 5
1966-70 Fading Yellow - Vol. 6 
1968-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 7
1968-75 Fading Yellow - Vol. 8
1966-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 9
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 10
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 11
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 12
1960's      Fading Yellow Vol.13

1967-73  Fading Yellow Vol. 14
1966-74  Fading Yellow Vol.15

1966-76  Fading Yellow Vol.16

1968-76  Fading Yellow Vol.17

1966-74  Fading Yellow Vol.18 

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Various Artists - Fading Yellow Vol.18 Another Magical Selection (1966-74, multinational precious obscurities and rarities , 2021 hard sleeve issue)

Over Vol.18 installments the series is curated by leading experts on rare psych. Sometimes the volumes might dig into a specific country or theme, but mostly they're just a way to collect fine tunes. Busy Bee presents this 18th volume that includes gems from all over the world, including an unreleased song by Howling Wind (pre-Candle), an obscure Rhodesian 45 and a Danish cover of Keith West's 'On A Saturday' among other treats.

Artists - Tracks - Origin

The Kool - Look At Me Look At Me (UK) - 2:20

The Teenmakers - On A Saturday (Denmark) - 3:23

The Pussyfoot - Mr Hyde (UK) - 2:31

The Jay Five - It’s Raining (Germany) - 2:27

Paul Osborne - Ice (UK) - 3:56

The Shanes - Without Your Love (Sweden) - 2:32

Ice - Memories (UK) - 3:19

Jon Mark - All Neat In Black Stockings (UK) - 3:03

Science Poption - Back In Town (Sweden) - 2:36

Maxwell And Nicholson - Virgin (UK) - 2:18

Unknown Artist - The Bedd (UK)  - 2:40

Pamela - Je T’aime Un Peu...Beaucoup... Passion ment (Belgium) - 2:28

Howling Winds - Meditating (Sweden) - 3:31

I Fantoms - Katia (Italy) - 3:04

Jack Grunsky - Julie Knows (Austria) - 3:09

The Moonlighters - Mary Wilkins (Sweden) - 3:59

Ted Mulry - I Love You (Australia) - 2:32

The Maximillian King Trio - Indigo (Rhodesia) - 3:21

1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 1

1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 2

1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 3
1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 4
1970-73 Fading Yellow - Vol. 5
1966-70 Fading Yellow - Vol. 6 
1968-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 7
1968-75 Fading Yellow - Vol. 8
1966-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 9
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 10
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 11
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 12
1960's      Fading Yellow Vol.13

1967-73  Fading Yellow Vol. 14
1966-74  Fading Yellow Vol.15

1966-76  Fading Yellow Vol.16

1968-76  Fading Yellow Vol.17

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Various Artists - Fading Yellow Vol.17 The Better Side (1968-76 canada / us, delicate sunny psych, 2019 release)

Volume 17 of the compilation series which have named an own genre of '60s styled sunshine psych pop called simply 'Fading Yellow'. This time including US and some Canadian 45's from 1965 to 1971. A magical smörgåsbord of songs with that special FY vibe. Among many highlights is the original version of 'Kites' made famous by Simon Dupree and the Big Sound, The Rooftop Singers did the original version. Limited edition of 500 copies with 8 page booklet with info about the tracks and pictures.

Artists - Tracks

1. The Avant-Garde - Yellow Beads - 3:02

2. Alan Lorber - Congress Alley - 2:51

3. The Poppy Family - I'll See You There - 3:23

4. J.C. Cole - I Found Me Today - 2:27

5. The Rooftop Singers - Kites - 2:24

6. A Small World - I See You - 1:48

7. Space - Radio Song - 3:06

8. James, John And Francois - Carolina - 2:51

9. The Fifth Estate - Love Is All A Game - 2:27

10.The Celtics - Looking For You - 2:30

11.The Hobbits - Artificial Face - 2:32

12.The Surprise Package - The Other Me - 2:14

13.The Magpies - The Ballad Of Samuel Oscar Beasley - 3:37

14.The Looking Glass - Love Is Not Everything - 2:52

15.The Marshmellow Highway - I Don't Wanna Live This Way - 2:33

16.Bucky Wilkin - I Wanna Be Free - 2:11

17.Sound Carnival - I Wish I Could Tell You - 2:30

18.The Swiss Movement - Inside Of Me - 2:36

19.The In-Keepers - The Cobwebs Thread Of Autumn - 2:57

20.Salt And Pepper - In The Morning - 3:02

1965-69 Vol.1 - Timeless Pop-Sike And Other Delights
1965-69 Fading Yellow Vol. 2 US Pop Sikes
1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 3
1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 4
1970-73 Fading Yellow - Vol. 5
1966-70 Fading Yellow - Vol. 6 
1968-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 7
1968-75 Fading Yellow - Vol. 8
1966-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 9
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 10
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 11
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 12
1960's      Fading Yellow Vol.13

1967-73  Fading Yellow Vol. 14
1966-74  Fading Yellow Vol.15

1966-76  Fading Yellow Vol.16

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Various Artists - Fading Yellow Vol.16. Sad About The Times (1966-76 australia / uk / us, delicate psych obscurities)

Few years since the last volume. This time it´s all LP tracks from the US, UK and one from down under. Starting off with the lovely "Man of many faces" by Gary And Stu, proceeding with more magic gems including tracks by West, Hudson-Farnsworth, Wings (not the Paul McCartney group), Saint Jacques, Alexander Rabbit and more

Artist - Title

1. Gary And Stu - Man Of Many Faces - 3¨09

2. West - Sad About The Times - 2:34

3. John Wonderling - Jessica Stone - 3:56

4. Hudson-Farnsworth - Come To See My Lady - 2:07

5. The Open Window - Jack And Jill - 2:17

6. Bruce Woodley - New England Lady - 3:19

7. Tranquility - Nice And Easy - 3:10

8. Hobo - Open Up - 3:02

9. Saint Jacques - Susan - 2:49

10.Wings - That’s Not Real - 3:26

11.Cross Country - Just A Thought - 3:20

12.Ed Welch - Clowns - 3:38

13.Yellowstone And Voice - Lady Rita - 3:38

14.Hudson-Farnsworth - Lay Down Sheep - 2:15

15.Puff - Changes - 3:37

16.Michael Konstan - Long Before - 2:26

17.Alexander Rabbit - My Woman - 4:20

18.Willow - Evening - 4:10

19.Kind Hearts And English - A Wish For All Seasons - 6:34

Fading Yellow series..

1965-69 Vol.1 - Timeless Pop-Sike And Other Delights
1965-69 Fading Yellow Vol. 2 US Pop Sikes
1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 3
1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 4
1970-73 Fading Yellow - Vol. 5
1966-70 Fading Yellow - Vol. 6 
1968-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 7
1968-75 Fading Yellow - Vol. 8
1966-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 9
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 10
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 11
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 12
1960's      Fading Yellow Vol.13

1967-73  Fading Yellow Vol. 14
1966-74  Fading Yellow Vol.15

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