Emily - Emily (1972 us, amazing vocals in an acid psych folk rock trip, 2011 edition)

Emily Bindiger is a NY singer who has performed on hundreds of recordings, including commercials, movie soundtracks, industrials and records, as well as concert stages worldwide. 

She started out as a teenager playing clubs in Greenwich Village, then moved to France at 16 where she recorded and released in the spring of 1972, this extremely rare album that has been acclaimed as a psychedelic folk masterpiece. With sensitive backing from local progressive rockers Dynastie Crisis, the eight self-penned songs feature delicate arrangements and lyrics that show remarkable maturity and depth. A firmly established rarity in its original incarnation.

By her returning to US she made her Broadway debut in "Shenandoah," immediately followed by the revival of "Hair," and for seven seasons she starred as "Frannie" on the Peabody Award-winning children's TV show, "The Great Space Coaster." Emily has recorded and/or performed with such diverse artists as Leonard Cohen, Buster Poindexter, Ann Hampton Callaway, Joan Osborne, Lou Reed, Steve Van Zandt, Oscar Brand, Mary Fahl, Andy LaVerne, The Klezmatics, Peter White, Kevin Mahogany, Deodato, Michael Amante, Lesley Gore, Kathie Lee Gifford, David Friedman, Christine Lavin, Ben Vereen, Bobby Caldwell, Black 47, Laurie Beechman, Patti Austin, Ronnie Spector, Catherine Russell, Julie Gold, and the legendary Neil Sedaka, with whom she toured for several years.

Tracks
1. Confession - 2:28
2. Sunflower Seeds - 1:55
3. Jesus Said -  3:52
4. My Mother’s House - 4:00
5. Song For Steven (lyrics by Jeanne Claire Severac) - 2:35
6. Born Again -  2:39
7. Song Of Decision - 2:22
8. Old Lace (To John) - 9:26
Words and Music by Emily Bindiger except where indicated.

Musicians
*Emily Bindiger - Vocals, Guitar
*Jacques Mercier - Vocals, Guitar
*Jacky Chalard - Bass
*Philippe Lhommet - Keyboards
*Geza Fenzl - Drums

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Various Artists - Essential Pebbles Vol. 2 (60's us, fantastic garage beat gems, double disc set)

With 28 volumes in their vinyl version of the series and another 23 volumes in the companion High in the Mid-Sixties series (not to mention its ten-volume Rough Diamonds set), to put it all out on compact disc would have been perhaps a bit much, even for the most perversely dedicated of fuzz fanatics. What Bomp has opted for instead is to cherry-pick the absolutely most-requested tracks from the original volumes, then pad it out with a similar number of super-obscure and ultra-rare bonus tracks. 

Highlights include the Rogues' "How Many Times," Neal Ford & the Fanatics' "Shame on You," Jaybees' "I'm a Loner," the Baker Street Irregulars doing a great version of the Yardbirds' version of "I'm a Man," the Original Sinners' "You'll Never Know," the Fading Tribesmen's "More Feathers," the Vistas' "Don't Know" and Ye Court Jesters' "But I Still Love Her." If fuzz-toned guitars, Farfisa organs and lots of tambourine is what floats your boat, then this is the compilation you've been waiting all your life for. 

by Michael "Cub" Koda

Artists - Tracks

Disc 1

1. Rogues - How Many Times - 2:24

2. Neal Ford And the Fanatics - Shame on You - 2:13

3. Jelly Bean Bandits - Generation - 2:58

4. Sonny Flaherty And Mark V - Hey Conductor - 2:30

5. Denims - I'm Your Man - 2:22

6. Evil Encorporated - Hey You - 2:08

7. Ravin' Blue - It's Not Real - 2:29

8. Jaybees - I'm a Loner - 2:20

9. Spirit - Man Enough for You - 3:06

10. Wig Wags - On My Way Down the Road - 2:16

11. Four Fifths - If You Still Want Me - 2:07

12. Soul Survivors - Shakin' with Linda - 2:56

13. Magic Plants - I'm a Nothing - 2:43

14. Live Wires - Love - 3:21

15. Inmates - More Than I Have - 2:34

16. Sinners - Nice Try - 2:13

17. Cole And the Embers - Hey Girl - 2:25

18. Kama Del Sutra - She Taught Me Love - 2:17

19. Sweet Acids - That Creature - 3:01

20. Evil Encorporated - The Point Is - 2:34

21. Danny's Reasons - Triangles - 2:10

22. Baker St. Irregulars - I'm a Man - 4:47

23. Dee And Tee - Something's Comin' - 2:25

24. Yo Yo's - Crack in My Wall - 2:56

25. Original Sinners - You'll Never Know - 2:33

26. Les Lutins - Laissez-Nous Vivre - 3:23

Disc 2
1. Purple Haze - Shades of Blue - 2:18
2. Dawn 5 - Mike's Bag - 1:42
3. Denny Noie And the Catalinas - It Ain't a Big Thing - 2:20
4. Fading Tribesman - More Feathers - 2:22
5. Lost Souls - It's Not Fair - 2:06
6. Spirits Of Oxford - But You're Gone - 2:42
7. Vistas - Don't Know - 2:34
8. Chimes - #38 - 2:28
9. D.C. Drifters - Louisiana Blues - 3:23
10. Dean Kohler - Gooseberry Pie - 2:52
11. Children - I Can Feel It - 2:29
12. Why Four - Hard Life - 2:07
13. Why Four - Not Fade Away - 2:13
14. Doo And the Diddits - I'm a Man - 2:51
15. Night Watch - The Good's Gone - 2:18
16. Night Watch - Shake - 2:12
17. Rick And the Rivals - Stricken by You - 2:34
18. Sinders - Get Out of My Life - 1:34
19. Abstracts - Always Always - 2:10
20. Crying Shame - Come on Back - 2:37
21. Berries - Baby Won't You Follow Me Down - 2:34
22. Outcasts - I Wanted You - 1:59
23. Lunduns - It's Gonna Be Alright - 3:31
24. Ye Court Jesters - But I Still Love Her - 2:08
25. Checkmates - Eyes on You Baby - 2:18
26. Inner Prism - Bad Seed - 2:49
27. Classics 5 - Wine, Wine, Wine - 2:12
28. Inn Crowd - Gotta Find a Girl - 2:14
29. Lawson And Four More - If You Want Me - 2:42

More Pebbles
Essential Pebbles Vol. 3

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Wailers - Wailers Wailers Everywhere / Out Of Our Tree (1964-65 us, awesome garage beat)

August of 1964: the Fab Four are tearing it up on their first American tour, and one of the first stops is in the Pacific Northwest, where they are due to play the Seattle Center Coliseum to a typically riotous response. During a lull in the press conference prior to the show, George Harrison takes KJR dee jay Pat O'Day aside to politely enquire, "are those blokes the Wailers still around?"

Those blokes the Wailers were indeed still around, though since the onslaught of the Beatle-led British Invasion the Tacoma combos cachet had been dimmed somewhat, in record terms at least. The six year old Wailers had enjoyed a run of classic, timeless rock'n'roll singles such as Tall Cool One and Louie Louie, records that were both commercially successful and wielded considerable influence, and had additionally issued three long players, including one album - 1961s The Fabulous Wailers At The Castle that single-handedly established the benchmark for rock in the Northwest.

But like so many established American bands of that era, the Wailers confidence began to wither in the face of the ostensible glamour of their overseas cousins. So the band hit back with a fine collection of mostly self-penned British flavoured numbers, with hitherto emphasis on harmony vocals, thanks to multi-talented recent addition Ron Gardner. Released at the beginning of 1965, Wailers Wailers Everywhere is often overlooked by Wailers fans but it's a strong album and a lot better than most American attempts at Merseybeat. Of particular note is a storming take on Ya Ya, with tremendous playing from guitar god Rich Dangel.

Ironically, Dangel and original drummer Mike Burk soon tired of the bands Anglophile direction, and by the summer of 1965 both had quit the band. With the arrival of replacements, Neil Andersson on guitar and Dave Roland on drums, a new and exciting Wailers began making the scene up and down the West Coast, purveying a raucous garage-flavoured rock that owed some debt to the influence of the Wailers protoges the Sonics. Wailers' members and Etiquette label honchos Buck Ormsby and Kent Morrill wisely harnessed the youthful energy of their new line-up in the studio to produce the Out Of Our Tree album in late 1965, with the raucous, punchy single of the same name that preceded it constituting perhaps the combos finest moment on vinyl. Compared to the politely recorded "Everywhere", "Tree" was crude and deliciously distorted but remained undeniably in the Wailers tradition of stomping bring-down-the-house rock. And with punky originals like Gardener's snotty Hang Up, the masters could still teach the apprentices a thing or two.

This is the first time these classic Northwest 1960s albums have appeared on compact disc, and in common with the rest of our Etiquette series, the loaded 2-on-1 package feature great sound, rare pix and extensive notes, not to mention a handful of non-LP bonus cuts (including a classy Brian Wilson knock-off, All My Nights, All My Days). And this is not our last wail with the Fabulous Wailers, either- watch this space.

by Alec Palao 

Tracks
Wailers Wailers Everywhere 1964
1. You Better Believe It (Rich Dangel, John Ormsby, Kent Morrill) - 2.14
2. Do You Wanna Dance (Bobby Freeman) - 1.58
3. The Wailer (Rich Dangel) - 2.21
4. Tomorrow's Another Day (Rich Dangel, John Ormsby, Kent Morrill) - 3.02
5. Just A Little Bit Louder (Rich Dangel, John Ormsby, Kent Morrill) - 2.41
6. Hold Back The Dawn (Kent Morrill) - 2.04
7. Tears (Version I) (Rich Dangel, Kent Morrill) - 2.24
8. Since You Been Cone (Version 2) (Rich Dangel, John Ormsby, Kent Morrill) - 2.13
9. How Do You Feel (Rich Dangel, John Ormsby, Kent Morrill) - 2.17
10.I Think Of You (Rich Dangel, John Ormsby, Kent Morrill) - 2.27
11.Dont Take It So Hard (Rich Dangel, Kent Morrill) - 2.12
12.Ya Ya (Lee Dorsey, Morgan Robinson, Clarence Lewis) - 2.25
13.You Weren't Usinc Your Head (Version I) (Ron Gardner) - 2.12
14.Back To You (Rich Dangel, Kent Morrill) - 2.13
15.Hang Up (Version 1) (Ron Gardner) - 1:16
16.Livewire (Rich Dangel, Kent Morrill) - 2.14
17.All My Nights, All My Days (Ron Gardner) - 3.05

Out Of Our Tree 1965
18.Out Of Our Tree (Rich Dangel, John Ormsby, Kent Morrill, Neil Anderson) - 3.29
19.Mercy Mercy (Dog Covay, Ron Miller) - 2.46
20.Hang On Sloopy (Bert Russell, Wess Farell) - 3.33
21.I'm Down (J. Lennon, P. McCartney) - 2.27
22.Unchained Melody (Alex North, Hy Zaret) - 4.40
23.Baby Dont You Do It (E. Holland, L. Dozier, B. Holland) - 3.58
24.Dirty Robber (Version 4) (Rich Dangel, John Greek, Kent Morrill) - 2.36
25.I've Got Me (Rich Dangel, John Ormsby, Kent Morrill) - 2.05
26.Summertime (George Gershwin, DuBose Heyward, Ira Gershwin) - 5.04
27.Little Sister (Hank Ballard) - 1.57
28.Hang Up (Version 2) (Rich Dangel) - 2.24
29.Bama Lama Bama Loo (Richard Penniman) - 2.25

The Wailers
*Rich Dangel - Lead Guitar
*Buck Ormsby - Bass, Vocals
*Mike Burk - Drums, Vocals
*Kent Morrill - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano
*Ron Gardner - Tenor Sax, Vocals

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Various Artists - The Sound Of Young Sacramento (60's us, lightning flashes of brilliance from the golden state)

The mid-1960s rock scene in Sacramento may appear isolated and insular especially when compared to the activities of the neighbouring San Francisco Bay Area, but its teenage audience was as partisan as any other across the United States in those halcyon days. Major acts like the Stones and the Byrds played Sacramento before they ever properly visited San Francisco-.-on their rare stateside visits, the Hollies and the Zombies avoided the Bay Area altogether, heading straight for Sac. The hip programming of the city's two AM power-houses KROY and KXOA fuelled the teen market, whilst savvy promoters exploited it to the max. And there were hundreds of local garage bands ready to cater to the massive, restless audience in the city and its environs.

Five years of sleuthing have gone into the preparation of The Sound Of Young Sacramento, the latest volume in the Nuggets From the Golden State series, which focuses on the very best teen garage and folk-rock groups that visited the Bill Rase Recording Studio & Talent Centre from 1965 to 1967. Bill's modest operation in those years gave these teenage combos an affordable outlet with which to immortalise themselves on wax, and as a result many bands beat a path to his Franklin Boulevard door.

Rase custom-pressed singles for the acts to sell at their shows, often in batches of a few hundred or less, resulting in some captivatingly rare releases. Included here are several records that are acknowledged punk classics, such as the superbly snotty I'll Be Gone by the Opposite Six and the psychotic surf of Too Much Loving by Dixon's Liberty Lads. Also featured are the, lesser known yet no less worthy, records by the Children Of Stone, Hustlers, Kee-Notes and others. There's Brit-Invasion sounds from the Coachmen and cryptic minor key moodiness from the Living End and the Night.

Unlike so many other studios, Bill Rase meticulously archived all his master tapes from the period, and close examination of these has thrown up further unreleased and quite astounding gems of a punk and folk-rock variety. We therefore proudly present several previously unissued ear-opening cuts from both popular Sacramento groups like the Psy-Kicks and Fugitives, and hopelessly obscure high school combos such as the Mergers, Chelsea Sidecar, Kix and Goodtime Music Co. The high standard and idiosyncratic sound of all the recordings featured makes this an exceptionally strong and listenable compilation.

In addition, the diligent research for the project required tracing members of each act featured, which in turn uncovered a wealth of facts, photos and memorabilia, cramming the booklet with an authoritative history of both the groups and the scene from whence they came. After widely-acclaimed releases in the Nuggets' series from Sacramento-related groups like Kak, the Oxford Circle and She, The Sound Of Young Sacramento continues to mine the motherlode of great rock'n'roll from the mid-1960s heyday of California's capital.

by Alec Palao

Artists - Tracks
1.The Opposite Six - I'll Be Gone - 2:22
2.The Mergers - Love, You Funny Thing - 2:43
3.Liberty Lads - Too Much Loving - 3:55
4.The Coachmen - Money (That's What I Want) - 2:28
5.The Coachmen - And That's Why - 2:27
6.The Hustlers - Linda - 2:46
7.The Insurgents - Summertime - 2:33
8.The Kee-Notes - Quit Changing Your Mind - 1:53
9.The Psy-Kicks - Summer Tears - 2:32
10.The Psy-Kicks - The Second Time Around - 1:59
11.The Fugitives - Blowin' My Mind - 2:29
12.The Children Of Stone - Mary, Can't You See - 2:22
13.St. George And The Dragons - Trust Me - 2:41
14.The Living End - A Night Like This - 2:48
15.The Living End - Brigitta - 2:48
16.The Goodtime Music Company - Aristocrat - 2:20
17.The Goodtime Music Company - Passionate Love - 2:25
18.The Reflections - Let Me Go - 2:39
19.The Reflections - A Little Bit More - 2:34
20.Don Wright And The Head Set - Why Did You Lie? - 2:23
21.The Walking Flour - Hoochie Coochie Man - 4:30
22.The Walking Flour - I Want To Be Your Driver - 2:28
23.The Gallery Production - Do I Have To Come Right Out And Say It - 2:23
24.Organised Confusion - That I Love You - 2:47
25.The Kix - I'll Wait For You - 2:05
26.The Kix - What Would Life Be - 2:16
27.The Night - To Realize My Mind - 2:02
28.The Night - Too Much Loneliness - 3:00
29.The Chelsea Sidecar - Thinking Of You - 1:59
30.The Chelsea Sidecar - Special Girl - 2:22

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Blue Phantom - Distortions (1971 italy, fascinating heavy psych with a mushroom cloud, 2012 Kismet extra track edition)

This legendary 1971 album was recorded by unknown musicians in Milan, for use as incidental music in films, television and radio. Almost each and every track is a short, heavy acid rock symphony ... Disturbing, dissonant, and even downright menacing.  An astounding blend of creepy grooves and distorted guitar, it was released in tiny numbers in Italy, France and the UK, and is highly sought-after by collectors today. This welcome reissue comes complete with the only other track released under the Blue Phantom name. 

Tracks
1. Diodo - 3:48
2. Metamorphosis - 2:59
3. Microchaos - 2:43
4. Compression - 2:46
5. Equilibrium - 4:00
6. Dipnoi - 2:50
7. Distillation - 3:44
8. Violence - 3:08
9. Equivalence - 2:35
10.Psycho-Nebulous - 4:53
11.Uncle Jim (Bonus track) - 2:46

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Various Artists - English Freakbeat Vol.6 (1963-66 uk, exciting lost tunes)

English Freakbeat Vol. 6 the  CD has some different tracks from the original vinyl issue. Twink was one of the members of the Fairies, an under-appreciated British rhythm & blues band; Twink would later be one of the founding members of a very different band, the Pink Fairies. 

Members of the Cheynes include Mick Fleetwood, co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, as well as Peter Bardens and Phil Sawyer. They released several singles between 1963 and 1965.  The real name of the front man for Jason Eddie and the Centremen is Al Wycherley, the brother of Billy Fury, a pop star in the late 1950's. Their experimental treatment of "Singing the Blues" was released in the U.S. by Capitol Records in June 1966, Mike Patto did the vocals for Chicago Line and finally the Bo and Beep were actually Kim Fowley with Rolling Stones members.

Artists - Tracks
1. The Fairies - Get Yourself Home - 2:27
2. The Fairies - I'll Dance - 2:08
3. The Fairies - Anytime At All - 2:18
4. Junco Partners - Take This Hammer - 2:20
5. Cheynes - Respectable - 1:57
6. The Wild Ones- Bowie Man - 2:23
7. Rhythm And Blues Inc- Honey Don't - 2:28
8. Erkey Grant And Earwigs - I'm A Hog For You - 2:09
9. David John And The Mood - Bring It To Jerome - 2:14
10.David John And The Mood - I Love To See You Strut - 2:10
11.Bill And Will - Goin' To The River - 2:30
12.Blues By Five - Boom Boom - 2:20
13.Steve Aldo - Baby What You Want Me To Do - 3:38
14.Jason Eddie And Centremen - Singing The Blues - 2:33
15.Bo And Peep - Young Love - 2:41
16.Chicago Line - Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop - 2:51
17.Chicago Line - Jump Back - 3:07
18.The Wranglers - Little Liza Jane - 1:56
19.David John And The Mood - To Catch That Man - 2:12
20.David John And The Mood - Diggin' For Gold - 2:41
21.Nix-Nomads - She'll Be Sweeter Than You - 2:42
22.Bo And Peep - Rise Of The Brighton Surf - 4:22

UK Freakbeat story
English Freakbeat Vol. 1
English Freakbeat Vol. 2
English Freakbeat Vol. 3
English Freakbeat Vol. 4
English Freakbeat Vol. 5

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Window - Window (1974 us, fabulous acid psych folk rock)

Judy Kelly grew up in Dallas, Texas. She started singing at age 2 and always dreamed of singing professionally. Judy’s parents purchased her first guitar when she was 11. Her first songs were about school and the Beatles but as her lyrics and music matured, folk and folk rock became her main musical influences.

In the late 1960s, Judy began playing at folk clubs and on the college coffee house circuit. She also started singing with a garage band adding vocals to lyrics written by other band members.

In the summer of 1974, Judy asked several of her musician friends to work on a project which became the album Window. Window was released locally and the title song was picked up by Word records and included in a collection album.

This fabulous folky/psych album from the ‘70s is yet another example of another great album that fell through the cracks in the musical pavement. When references to Wi n d o w ’s self-titled album do pop up on the internet, it is usually in a Christian folk context, although there is precious little of this genre present on this lovely, wistful acoustic album. The star of the show is undoubtedly the (un-named) singer, whose range, poise and delivery are reminiscent of the vocal talents Linda Perhacs, Vashty Bunyan, and even Joni Mitchell in her Court And Spark/Hissing Of Summer Lawns heyday. 

Theres lots of trippy psych, particularly on the outstanding The Magician and Noah, and the strong, acoustic guitar-based accompaniment is tight but understated throughout. This, then, is an album that will appeal to lovers of folk-based female vocalist in particular, as well as appealing to those that just simply like good music. 

Tracks
1. Silver - 2:58
2. Noah - 3:24
3. Lullaby You - 3:26
4. Day Star - 2:29
5. Comfort Me - 2:42
6. Happy To See You - 2:15
7. Jamie - 2:33
8. Beginning - 3:29
9. The Magician - 1:56
10.You Can Pray - 2:09
11.Window - 2:07
12.Shine - 3:59
13.Jenny’s Song - 2:47
14.The Garden - 3:14
Words and Music by Judy Kelly.

Musicians
*Judy Kelly - Vocals, Piano
*Deni Kington - Harp
*Ed Helbing - Guitar
*Guy Moore - Drums
*Lisa - Contrabass
*Lela - Violin
*Cynthia - Violin
*Alan Steven - Acoustic Guitar
*Bobby Dennis - Keyboards
*Joe Cox -
*Liz Volk - Classic Piano
*Beth -
*Walter Bert Linebarger -
*Don Jordan -
*David Heyman -

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Various Artists - English Freakbeat Vol. 5 (1963-69 uk, more freakbeat treasures)

The English Freakbeat series is devoted to unearthing obscure, non-hit treasures of the British Invasion that are known only to obsessive collectors. Truth be told, many of those treasures were obscure for a reason, which makes these anthologies wildly uneven listening, but there are some gems to be found here. 

The highlights of this 21-song volume include a surprisingly pleasant slice of punk-pop from ex-Beatle drummer Pete Best, "The Way I Feel." Thane Russal's "I Need You" is a first-rate Them imitation; Geoff Goddard's "Sky Man" is a truly inspired piece of Joe Meek-produced lunacy about benign space aliens; and the Greenbeats' Merseyish "You Must Be the One" is undoubtedly the most obscure song that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote in the '60s (no, the Rolling Stones never did get around to recording it). 

That gives you the flavor of the manic variety on hand here. Some of the cuts are shamelessly derivative early British R&B, and others are simply not as striking as the gushing liner notes would have you believe. The CD also includes some extremely obscure productions by Shel Talmy and Joe Meek, as well as an obscure composition by Jackie DeShannon, that in no way approximates the greatness of their famous work. 

by Richie Unterberger

Artists - Tracks
1. The Pete Best Four - The Way I Feel About You - 2:01
2. The Darwin's Theory - Daytime - 2:51
3. The Peeps - Now Is The Time - 2:31
4. The Pickwicks - Hello Lady - 2:32
5. George Bean - Why Must They Criticize? - 1:59
6. Jason Eddie And The Centremen - Come On Baby - 2:25
7. The Untamed - It's Not True - 2:27
8. Geoff Goddard - Sky Man - 2:44
9. The Eggy - You're Still Mine - 2:49
10.New York Public Library - Gotta Get Away - 2:53
11.Chris Sandford - I Wish They Wouldn't Always Say I Sound Like The Guy From The Usa Blues - 2:20
12.The Cryin' Shames - What's News Pussycat - 2:33
13.A Wild Uncertainty - A Man With Money - 2:06
14.The Truth - Baby You've Got It - 2:02
15.Billy J. Kramer - Chinese Girl - 3:11
16.The Impac - Too Far Out - 2:34
17.The Paul Stewart Movement - Too Too Good - 2:52
18.The Greenbeats - You Must Be The One -  1:59
19.Rey Anton And The Peppermint Men - You Can't Judge A Book - 2:16
20.The Four + 1 - Don't Lie To Me -  1:54
21.Thane Russal - I Need You - 2:28

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Hendrickson Road House - Hendrickson Road House (1969-71 us, lost classic of the west coast psych folk, 2011 Wooden Hill extra tracks issue)

So good is this slice of acid West Coast folk that it’s difficult not to go overboard. Lost for more than 40 years and coveted by a handful of acolytes willing to exchange $1,000 for a copy, this is a rediscovered gem so pure it makes all previous claims to that title look like uneducated sycophancy.

The sophisticated jazzy undertow (in places not unlike contemporaries Seatrain) and sparse, intelligent arrangements are bound together by a female vocal so delicious, it could be picked and eaten. Opener Forget About You could be a template – pure, sparkly guitar and wispy, shuffling drums underpin that voice – but the coherence of the material belies its variety. Intense harmonising on Helping Hand, prog-like time changes on Tomorrow Your Sorrow and free-roaming jazz on Yesircantoo – the album is littered with unique and varied touches of class in all departments.

Wooden Hill have rightly lavished time and effort on the package and we get no less than six bonus racks. Whoever you are – or think you are – you need this record.

by Jan Zarebski

Tracks

1.Forget About You - 3:11

2.Theatre King - 2:12

3.Things I Never Knew - 3:42

4.Everybody's Told You - 2:51 

5.Sunny Day Rain - 3:04

6.Classical Misconceptions (Parts 1,2) - 2:22 

7.Tomorrow Your Sorrow - 3:43 

8.Helping Hand - 2:40 

9.That's All There Ever Was - 2:09

10.I Wondered If You Knew - 1:49 

11.Yesircantoo (Norman Lowe) - 3:39

12.The Seed That Grows - 2:09 

13.Tomorrow Your Sorrow - 3:43

14.Forget About You - 3:12

15.Back To Time - 2:03

16.Four And Twenty Blackbirds - 2:26

17.Beachcomber - 2:36

18.Can't Deny It - 2:26 

All song by Sue Akins unless otherwise stated.

Bonus tracks from 13-18.

Musicians

*Sue Akins - Autoharp, Guitar, Vocals

*Norman Lowe - Guitar, Vocals

*Phil Wilson - Bass

*Curt Lowe - Bass

*Don Mendro - Drums, Piano

*Dick Muldoon - Congas

*Ken Rose - Saxophone

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Various Artists - Essential Pebbles Vol. 3 (60's europe, still more ultimate '66 garage classics!, two disc set)

This double disc set focuses on European freakbeat from the lands of Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland. Disc 1 is a rollercoaster ride of entertainment, from great peaks of garage bliss to barren lows of wannabe-Stones and Kinks. All the selections from Holland and Denmark are here, with the latter half hailing solely from Sweden. Disc 2 kicks off with Swedish freakbeat before taking the train to Germany and finishing the tour in Switzerland.

Artists - Tracks

Disc 1

1.Rob Hoeke - When People Talk - 2:49

2.Fun of It - Drollery - 2:41

3.Phantoms - Someday I'm Somebody - 2:19

4.Jets - I Was So Glad - 2:21

5.Haigs - Where to Run - 1:53

6.Jets - Worker in the Night - 1:57

7.Lords - Day After Day - 2:14

8.Counsellors - I'll Be Your Man - 2:20

9.Golden Earrings - Not to Find - 1:55

10.Lazy Bones - I'm Driftin' - 2:54

11.A B & C - Vies - 2:08

12.Danny And the Royal Strings - Get Away - 2:29

13.Slaves - Shut Up - 2:16

14.Jack And the Outlaws - Step Into My Heart - 2:43

15.Meteors - Anytime - 3:16

16.Mad Sound - To Masturbate - 4:14

17.Beatcher - What'd I Say - 2:23

18.Tages - Bloodhound - 2:42

19.Palmes - Nazz Are Blue - 2:57

20.Shakers - Move Out of My Mind - 2:28

21.Baby Grandmothers - Somebody Keeps Calling My Name - 7:15

22.Lee Kings - Oriental Express - 2:45

23.Stringtones - Ode to Rhythm and Blues - 2:19

Disc 2
1.Sooner or Later - This Hammer - 2:44
2.Sooner or Later - Night Time - 2:35
3.Melvins - The Man Down There - 2:06
4.Trappers - Too Much Monkey Business - 1:43
5.Shakers - Tracks Remain - 3:41
6.Fabulous Four - 438 S. Michigan Ave. - 3:24
7.Shakers - Who Will Buy These... - 3:43
8.Cads - Call My Name - 2:17
9.Comancheros - It's So Right - 2:19
10.Dee Jays - Striped Dreams - 3:10
11.Demons - You - 1:55
12.Gents - Honor Bright - 2:30
13.Dee Jays - You Must Be Joking - 2:37
14.Flippers - Louie, Louie - 3:04
15.Bootjacks - Stoned - 5:01
16.Ones - Love of Mine - 3:05
17.Drafi And the Magics - I Don't Need That Kind of Loving - 2:12
18.Dukes - I'm an Unskilled Worker - 2:45
19.Sevens - Talk About Her - 2:13
20.Sevens - Panam - 3:10
21.Sauterelles - No No No - 3:01
22.Countdowns - Sex Maniac - 2:35
23.Sevens - In God We Trust - 2:26
24.Sevens - What Can I Do - 2:47
25.Sauterelles - Hong Kong - 3:32

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Various Artists - English Freakbeat, Vol. 4 (1963-67 uk, impressive raw rhythm and blues)

Issued in 1989 on LP, and on CD in 1997 with all fourteen original tracks intact, plus nine additional bonus cuts. The obscure mid-'60s British R&B here ranges from the generic to the truly exciting, like Thane Russal's Them-like cover of Otis Redding's "Security," and the Clique's pop-punk "She Ain't No Good," and the Syndicats' "Crawdaddy Simone," which has some of the most demented rock guitar of the mid-'60s (although the version here is of lower fidelity than ones that have appeared on other anthologies). Other highlights include the Sons of Fred manic rockabilly-R&B hybrid "I'll Be There" (with some of the zaniest guitar lines to be found on any British Invasion single) and Cops & Robbers' "You'll Never Do It Baby," which was covered by the Pretty Things. 

by Richie Unterberger

Artists - Tracks
1. Thane Russal And Three - Security - 2:41
2. Cops And Robbers - I've Found Out - 2:26
3. Cops And Robbers - You'll Never Do It Baby - 2:45
4. Clique - She Ain't No Good - 2:20
5. The In Crowd - Things She Says - 1:49
6. Mal Rider And Spirits - Forget It - 2:02
7. Snobs - Ding Dong - 2:32
8. Sons of Fred - Baby, What You Want Me to Do - 2:29
9. Sons of Fred - I'll Be There - 2:56
10.Sons of Fred - Sweet Love - 2:46
11.Soul Agents - Don't Break It Up - 2:56
12.Soul Agents - Mean Woman Blues - 2:59
13.Soul Agents - I Just Wanna Make Love to You - 2:27
14.Syndicats - Crawdaddy Simone - 3:11
15.Tony Dangerfield - She's Too Way Out - 2:23
16.Wheels - Call My Name - 2:08
17.Mickey Finn And Bluemen - Reelin' and Rockin' - 2:10
18.Others - Oh Yeah - 2:53
19.Primitives - Johnny Noooooo!!! - 3:12
20.Shorty And Them - Dimples - 5:57
21.4 Degrees - Too Much Monkey Business - 2:57
22.4 Degrees - I've Got My Brand on You - 2:56
23.Stovepipe No. 4 - Pretty Thing - 3:19

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Various Artists - The Cycle Savages / O.S.T. (1969 us, superb psychedelic rock with rare tracks, 2012 Reel Time edition)

Written and directed by Bill Brame (who usually served as an editor on TV shows such as Star Trek), this exceptionally violent biker movie concerns a Los Angeles gang named Hell's Chosen Few that kidnaps, drugs, rapes and sells women into a Las Vegas prostitution ring. It stars an intense Bruce Dern as their sociopathic ringleader, Keeg, who at one point orders a sensitive artist named Romko (played by Chris Robinson, later to star in TV soap The Bold & The Beautiful) to have his hands crushed in a vice, for the sin of having sketched his cohorts while the smashed up a hamburger joint. 

As well as Melody Patterson as the female lead Lea, it somewhat oddly features co-producer and famed DJ Casey Kasem in a cameo role as Dern's brother. Critical response was unenthusiastic, with the New York Times remarking that 'there's a plethora of senseless beatings, torture, love making and robbery, to say nothing of a gang rape before these crackpot cyclists are unseated or killed,' while Leonard Maltin dismissed it as nothing more than 'sadism and torture galore'. 

Its rare soundtrack appeared in early 1970, and is best-remembered for featuring rare tracks by two cult psychedelic rock bands, Orphan Egg and The Boston Tea Party. The former (who came from California) were involved because they'd won the Vox Band Battle For Stardom (held at a Simon & Garfunkel gig at Forest Hills in August 1967), the prize for which was 'a guaranteed film contract with American International Pictures and an all expenses paid trip to Hollywood'. 

Their sole album appeared in June 1968, and contained three tracks also included here (the exception is We Have Already Died, which was presumably taped at the same time, though Falling is offered in a different mix). The Boston Tea Party, meanwhile (who were also from California) had an album of their own out in 1968 too. Of their tracks, Chained To Your Heart is exclusive to the Cycle Savages soundtrack. 

Their drummer Dave Novogroski later joined Edge, while guitarist Mike Stevens formed cult hard rockers Highway Robbery. The remaining four tracks are credited to soundtrack co-producer Jerry Styner, vocalist Randy Johnson and studio band the Cycle-Mates. The LP sold poorly, and has changed hands on eBay in recent years for upwards of $75.

Tracks - Artists
1. Theme From Cycle Savages - The Cycle-Mates - 2:16
2. Fly, Superman Fly - Randy Johnson - 2:04
3. Fantasy - Boston Tea Party - 2:49
4. Falling - Orphan Egg - 3:45
5. I've Got To Let You Go - Jerry Styner And His Orchestra - 2:51
6. Chained To Your Heart - Boston Tea Party - 2:12
7. Don't Go To Him - Orphan Egg - 2:14
8. Virgin's Vengeance - The Cycle-Mates - 2:21
9. We Have Already Died - Orphan Egg - 2:40
10.Mourning Becomes Electra - Orphan Egg - 2:24

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Thunderduk - Thunderduk (1972-74 us, fine heavy guitar jamming psych with jazz elements, 2007 Footprint issue)

Spawned from the fertile musical grounds of Cleveland, Ohio, Thunderduk was part of a local scene that included the likes of The James Gang, Glass Harp, Bang and Dragonwyck. Their desire to play original music and their on stage antics made them one of the top draws on the club circuit in the early 70's. The combination of Phil Hilow's folk background and the versatility of Jeff Ulmicher produced a sound that included intricate rock ballads and long complicated concert pieces.

The foundation of their sound lied within the Bass work of Gary Wallis who spend many hours working on the band's equipment and developing new sound techniques to enhance the band's overall presentation. Rounding out the band was Bob Turchek on Drums who was later replaced by ex-Catscradle drummer Rick Fischer. Most of the material heard on this album was played by the band on two Agency Studio live broadcasts carried by local radio station WNCR. 

These recordings span a period from 1972-74 and we think you will agree that some forty years later they stand strong amongst the tradition of Cleveland Kick Ass Rock and Roll!!

by Rockadelic-recs

Tracks
1. Why Don't You Love Me? (Jeff Ulmicher) - 3:56
2. Mountain By The Moon (Phil Silow) - 3:28
3. Something To Look At (Phil Silow) - 3:35
4. Time And Again (Jeff Ulmicher) - 6:17
5. The Collector (Jeff Ulmicher) - 3:12
6. Keep On Comin (Phil Silow) - 2:58
7. Number One (Phil Silow) - 3:23
8. Once Again Darkness (Jeff Ulmicher) - 9:23
9. Take 26 (Jeff Ulmicher) - 2:36

Thunderduk
*Gary Wallis - Bass, Vocals
*Bob Turcheck - Drums, Congas
*Rick Fischer - Drums, Percussion
*Jeff Ulmicher - Guitar, Vocals
*Phil Silow - Guitar, Vocals

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Andwellas Dream - Love And Poetry (1969 ireland, brilliand psych, with killer guitar leads, occasionally veering towards progressive rock, 2009 Sunbeam extra tracks edition)

Andwella’s Dream was a thrusting injection of freakbeat that could not be ignored. Their slicing riffs were high core psyche injected from guitarist / keyboardist David Lewis, bassist Nigel Smith and drummer Gordon Barton who started out as The Method that at one time included Gary Moore.They were regulars at the Maritime Club where Van Morrison had his early days with Them.

The Method evolved into Andwella’s Dream and were the primal Irish psyche next to Eire Apparent. Dave Lewis the soaring guitarist who wrote all the songs also recruited keyboardist Dave McDougall, ex McCullochs Struthers & Paterson bassist Dave Stuthers, Nigel Portman Smith and ex One In A Million/Andromeda drummer Jack McCulloch.The bamboo flute and sax was played by future Egg Bob Downes. When Andwella’s Dream moved to London they released their primal 1969 debut Love And Poetry with surging numbers like the thrusty opener “The Days Grew Longer For Love” and guitar razzling “Sunday”.

Dave’s throttling axe exerts fury on “Lost A Number Found A King” with its ancient Indian flute and ambient acoustic textures. The two finest numbers “Cocaine” with McDougall pushing hard and the soaring “Shades Of Grey” where ex Thunderclap Newman Jack McCulloch’s drums are best heard create a furnace of fusion.

Acoustic delights are “Midday Sun”, “Goodbye” and the Hammond rolling “Felix” which opens into crescendo breaks by Lewis. In 1970 they evolved into Andwella and launched a further two albums Worlds End (1970) and Peoples People (1971) plus a bounty of singles. World’s End although a lyrical romantic masterpiece did ignite the past as on the psyche “Michael Fitzhenry” exalting frenetic flute and Dave’s insatiable guitar riffs. The harmonies and melody that bend around the brassy I’m Just Happy To See You Get Her are creative marvels.

Future Bad Company definitely copped the riffs from “Just How Long” while the double linked “World’s End” is just so underplayed. Sterling jazz riffs trip through Steely Dan styled “Back To The Road” with Bob Downes giving it stick in the wind. There’s a bit of Billy Joel in the People’s People or even Tremeloes in the opener “She Taught Me To Love” which crystalises into the spiritual “Saint Bartholomew”.

Lewis was the songwriter extraordinaire having written the award winning film War and songs as varied as “Happy To Be An Island In The Sun”, #1 for ex Aphrodite Child Demis Roussos. David’s 1969 The Songs Of David Lewis remain a collector’s dream.
by Shiloh Noone

Tracks
1.The Days Grew Longer For Love - 3:55
2.Sunday - 3:13
3.Lost A Number, Found A King - 6:03
4.Man Without A Name - 2:41
5.Clockwork Man - 2:44
6.Cocaine - 4:59
7.Shades Of Grey - 3:36
8.High On A Mountain - 2:31
9.Andwella - 3:15
10.Midday Sun - 3:40
11.Take My Road - 3:22
12.Felix - 4:16
13.Goodbye - 2:17
14.Mrs. Mann - 3:59
15.Mister Sunshine - 3:17
16.Every Little Minute - 3:55
17.Michael FitzHenry - 3:42
18.Take My Road - 3:26
19.Man Without A Name - 2:38
20.Paradise Isle - 3:44
21.Miles Away From My Baby - 4:37
All songs by David Lewis
Bonus tracks from 14-21.

Andwella's Dream
*Dave Lewis - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
*Nigel Portman Smith - Bass
*Gordon Barton - Drums
with
*Bob Downes - Flute, Percussion, Chinese Bells, Tam Tam
*Wilgar Campbell - Drums

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Various Artists - English Freakbeat Vol. 3 (1963-68 uk, 25 beat-pop pounders)

This mid-'60s British rock compilation, offers an occasional surprise: the protest folk-rock of the Mockingbirds' "One By One" (featuring Graham Gouldman), the weird cover of "Surf City" by the Raving Savages (Screaming Lord Sutch's backup band, with Ritchie Blackmore and Nicky Hopkins), and Bryan & the Brunelles' Zombies soundalike "Jacqueline." 

The biggest surprise, however, will bring this to the attention of listeners who don't collect these kinds of compilations: there are three 1963 demos by the Ravens, a pre-Kinks group led by Dave Davies. Actually, it sounds suspiciously like Ray Davies is singing on these tracks, liner notes to the contrary. It's bound to create excitement, and controversy about their actual origin, among Kinks collectors, but in any case, "I'm a Hog for You Baby" is a respectable R&B cover, "I Believed You" a poppy number in the spirit of the Kinks' two pre-"You Really Got Me" singles, and "This I Know" a more introspective, folky tune that (like "I Believed You") certainly sounds like an unreleased Ray Davies composition. 

by Richie Unterberger

Artists - Tracks
1.Sons Of Fred - I, I, I Want You Lovin' - 1:46
2.Sons Of Fred - She Only Wants a Friend - 2:18
3.In Crowd - Why Must They Criticise - 2:29
4.Thee - There You Go - 1:44
5.UK's - You Love Is All I Want - 2:06
6.Attraction - She's a Girl - 2:38
7.Bryan And Brunelles - Jacqueline - 2:28
8.Ways And Means - Breaking up a Dream - 2:29
9.Thoughts - Memory of Your Love - 2:09
10.Couriers - Take Away - 2:21
11.Mockingbirds - One By One - 2:24
12.Answers - It's Just A Fear - 3:19
13.Raving Savages - Surf City - 2:23
14.Svensk - Getting Old - 2:09
15.Ravens/Dave Davies - I'm a Hog For You Baby - 1:42
16.Ravens/Dave Davies - I Believed You - 1:59
17.Ravens/Dave Davies - This I Know - 2:03
18.Quakers - She's All Right - 2:41
19.Quakers - Talk to Me - 2:23
20.Talismen - You Break My Heart - 2:08
21.Frays - Keep Me Covered - 2:35
22.Favourite Sons - Walking Walking Walking - 2:09
23.Shakespears - Burning My Fingers - 2:11
24.Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick And Tich - He's a Raver - 2:09
25.Talismen - What Kind of Boy - 2:34

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Kippington Lodge - Shy Boy / The Complete Recordings (1967-69 uk, fabulous beat psychedelia, sunshine pop, with young Nick Lowe and Brinsley Schwarz, 2011 RPM release)

Before he taught us that it was cruel to be kind, and even before he first wondered “what’s so funny ‘bout peace, love and understanding?,” Nick Lowe was one fourth of the groovy lite psych-pop outfit by the name of Kippington Lodge. The group, however, was short-lived, and morphed into pub-rock pioneers Brinsley Schwarz, folk/country/rockabilly revivalists. Thanks to Cherry Red’s RPM label we have the chance to listen the complete recorded output of Kippington Lodge for a window into “what might have been” for Messrs. Lowe and Schwarz. Shy Boy: The Complete Recordings 1967-1969, due the last week in July, is named for the debut single of Kippington Lodge, and collects all ten single sides plus five bonus tracks: an unissued song, two alternate takes and two BBC performances.

Nick Lowe first met Brinsley Schwarz at the Woodbridge School, where they made music with Barry Landerman and Phil Hall. Lowe assumed bass duties and Schwarz guitar, while Landerman handled keyboards and Hall also guitar. As early as 1964, this group was performing as Sounds 4+1, but Sounds was short-lived, and Schwarz regrouped with Pete Whale (drums) and Dave Cottam (bass) as Three’s a Crowd in 1966. That, too, wasn’t destined to last, although Schwarz’s old friend Landerman joined in 1967 as the band was being renamed Kippington Lodge.

Three’s a Crowd/Kippington Lodge attracted enough local buzz to come to the attention of EMI’s Parlophone label and producer Mark Wirtz. The same year of 1967, Wirtz joined EMI as a staff producer where he helmed efforts by Keith West and Tomorrow. He was instrumental in signing The Pink Floyd to EMI, and is best known for 1967’s “Grocer Jack (Excerpt from A Teenage Opera),” a single he arranged, produced and conducted for West.

The hit single was just one part of Wirtz’s ambitious pop opera, but it was kept from the top spot on the British chart by Engelbert Humperdinck and “The Last Waltz.” (Engelbert was a force with which to be reckoned. His “Release Me” kept The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever”/”Penny Lane” double A-side from No. 1, too!) West and Wirtz followed up “Grocer Jack” with “Sam,” but that Teenage Opera tune stalled, leaving the whole opera’s fate in question. The complete Teenage Opera – shades of SMiLE – didn’t see release until 1996, but another song intended for it, “Shy Boy,” was given by Wirtz to Kippington Lodge for release in October 1967. Wirtz produced the first four sides (two singles) for Kippington Lodge, all in a lush harmony-pop vein.

It was around the same time that Dave Cottam left the band, and Nick Lowe filled the vacancy on bass. Lowe would soon be penning songs for the group, including “I Can See Her Face,” an edgier work than the sides produced by Wirtz. The band’s revolving door was still in full swing, though. Barry Landerman left to join Vanity Fare (“Hitchin’ a Ride”), Bob Andrews joined on keyboards and Pete Whale’s exit paved the way for Billy Rankin to join the band.

Kippington Lodge recorded “Tomorrow, Today,” a song by the hitmaking team of Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, and even attempted a Beatles cover (“In My Life”). None of Kippington Lodge’s singles, all released between 1967 and 1969, ever caught chart fire. The quartet of Lowe, Schwarz, Andrews and Rankin had quietly morphed into Brinsley Schwarz, the band, by 1970, adding Ian Gomm on rhythm guitar. (Following that band’s breakup, Schwarz and Andrews would join Graham Parker and The Rumour.)

Shy Boy: The Complete Recordings 1967-1969 compiles all ten Kippington Lodge singles for the first time on CD under the band’s name. (They had somewhat haphazardly been brought together on a Brinsley Schwarz rarities compilation, Hen’s Teeth, in 1998.) RPM has added one unreleased song, “Land of Sea,” and four other alternates and live performances to round out the disc. Shy Boy is in stores on July 26 in the United Kingdom and one week later in the United States.

by Joe Marchese

Tracks
1 Shy Boy (Keith Hopkins, Ken Burgess) - 2:38
2 Lady On A Bicycle (Brinsley Schwarz) - 3:02
3 Land Of Sea (Brinsley Schwarz) - 3:13
4 And She Cried (Barry Landeman, Brinsley Schwarz) - 2:39
5 Rumours (J. Ferdy, Mark Wirtz) - 2:23
6 And She Cried (Barry Landeman, Brinsley Schwarz) - 2:47
7 Land Of Sea (Brinsley Schwarz) - 2:59
8 Shy Boy (Keith Hopkins, Ken Burgess) - 2:32
9 Younger Girl (John Sebastian) - 2:09
10 Tell Me A Story (Barry Landeman) - 2:50
11 Understand A Woman (Derek Lekenby, Keith Hopwood, Roger Brook) - 2:58
12 Tomorrow Today (Roger Greenaway, Roger Cook) - 2:39
13 Turn Out The Light (Barry Landeman) - 3:04
14 In My Life (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) - 3:21
15 I Can See Her Face (Nick Lowe) - 2:16

Kippington Lodge
*Brinsley Schwarz - Guitar, Vocals
*Barry Landerman - Keyboards
*Pete Whale - Drums
*Dave Cottam - Bass, Vocals
*Nick Lowe - Bass, Vocals
*Bob Andrews - Keyboards
*Bill Rankin - Drums

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Various Artists - English Freakbeat Vol. 2 (1964-67 uk, great rough hard 'n' rhythm)

With 10 bonus tracks this CD version of English Freakbeat Vol. 2,  including many unknown and some well know names like Ritchie Blackmore - The Lancasters, Steve Howe - The Syndicats, The Wheels,  The Koobas and many others.  A worthwhile compilation not only for historical reasons but also for the chance to listen some great lost gems.

Artists - Tracks
1. Glenn Athens And the Trojans - Let Me Show You - 4:30
2. Sessions - Let Me In - 2:47
3. Mickey Finn - Garden of My Mind - 2:32
4. Mickey Finn - Time to Start Loving You - 2:42
5. Peter Kubaska - I Love Her - 2:38
6. Peter Kubaska - Face - 2:33
7. Beat Merchants - So Fine - 2:43
8. Beat Merchants - Messin' With the Man - 2:15
9. Wolf Pack - We're Gonna Howl - 1:39
10.Syndicats - Howlin' for My Baby - 2:51
11.Soul Agents - Gospel Train - 3:48
12.Soul Agents - I Just Wanna Make Love to You - 2:28
13.Muleskinners - Back Door Man - 3:49
14.Muleskinners - Missed Your Lovin' - 2:27
15.Wheels - Don't You Know - 2:50
16.Wheels - Road Block - 3:21
17.Blueberries - Please Don't Let Me Know - 2:34
18.Blueberries - It's Gonna Work Out Fine - 2:51
19.Blue Rondos - Little Baby - 2:38
20.Dakotas - 7 Pounds of Potatoes - 2:24
21.Limeys - Cara-Lin - 2:24
22.Lancasters - Earthshaker - 1:44
23.Lancasters - Satan's Holiday - 1:55

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The Search Party - Montgomery Chapel (1969 us, wonderful spiritual trippy mindmelter west coast psych)

If you think that all Christian rock blows, then you haven't heard the kids in Search Party. And if you think that 99.9 percent of Christian rock blows, then I guess you have. This, my little lambs, is the 0.1 percent that doesn't. You can usually file "Christian rock" alongside those other oxymoron, like "jumbo shrimp", "honest politician" or "parttime record collector." 

Maybe it's because most Christian music is made by twin brothers who dress identically, families who travel the South in silver motor homes, or pastors who've had half their faces burned off yet still manage to spread the message of hope. But perhaps the message might be spread more effectively if someone with even a modicum of hipness (not to mention a few vocal lessons) would step forward and sing the praises on electric guitar. 

Well, back in 1968, that's exactly what The Search Party did. On "Montgomery Chapel", you can tell these Christian kids were ignoring their parents' warning and listening to the latest Doors, Jefferson Airplane and Janis Ian records behind closed doors. So much so, that if you didn't know this was a Christian rock record, you might actually dig it. But don't let that stop you. 

These kids were good, and they even owned one of Satan's fuzz pedals. The Search Party weren't afraid to "rock out," as the heathens say, and filled their West Coast acid rock sound with loud, invasive blasts of heavenly fuzz on the blistering "You and I." Vocalist Joanie Goff had the same command and range as Dorothy Moskowitz of the United States of America, or Chris Christman from Ivory. 

Although occasionally...okay, frequently...she strayed into this possessed high-pitched shriek/yelp mode, like Gal Costa in the middle of a Pentecostal revival. When she's able to holster herself, though, things get downright trippy - check out the moody, ethereal "When He Calls" for some good smokefilled God-fearing acid rock sounds. With its jangly Roger McGuinn guitar and quivery psychedelic organ, I'd be tempted to say the band sounds "stoned" if I didn't know better. 

But as a languid leisurely stroll through the sounds of Haight- Ashbury, this is the Christian rock equivalent of a good It's a Beautiful Day ballad, complete with bof male and female harmony vocals. Joanie loses it near the end, sadly, and things unravel a bit, but when she keeps her cool, it's about as good a head-trip for Jesus as you'll hear. She's much more effective on the moody "Renee Child", adding some unsettling but very evocative banshee cries behind the male lead singer, who also subscribes to the school of vocal melodrarr; 

But it all works well together, and things are kept to a bare minimum - just vocals, two acoustic guitars and some occasional shots of xylophone – creating a very effective, ethereal and downright spooky slice of otherworldly sounding acid rock. It's not very often you'd apply the term "trippy mindmelter" to Christian music, but in this case, you would. And you'd be correct too, because there's no doubt that the boys and girls in Search Party listened to their share of Doors albums when recording "So Many Things Have Got Me Down" - at 9 minutes, riding a trancelike repetitive and very similar guitar riff, this absolutely has to be influenced by "The End". 

Side 2 loses the point a bit - "All But This", "Poem By George Hall" and "The Decidedly Short Epic of Mr. Alvira" all get bogged down in some fancy-schmancy Renaissance Faire medieval prog folk, far too quiet and moody for a band who owns a fuzz guitar and a female singer prone to sudden histrionics, unless you're a big fan of the folkier aspects of Jefferson Airplane (i.e. "Comin' Back to Me). 

However the big finale, the band's welcome return to fuzz and fury, is the closer "The News is You". A monster fuzz ripper of the Camera variety, which means it's a big, loud fire-breathing papier-mache tortoise. And Japanese kids like to hitch a ride on its back. Only thing is. Joanie's in full shriek and yelp mode here, wailing and screaming like Yoko Ono under demonic possession, which helps to end this strange little Jesus rock album on the most demented note possible. 

Not that a fuzz-shredding, mind-melting Christian rock band with a Jones for the Doors isn't already demented enough. And there's nary a Winnebago or red velour sports jacket in sight. If anything, the Search Party proved that you could love Jesus and also be a legitimate acid rock band. They looked and sounded just like the nondenominational co-ed West Coast bands - Jefferson Airplane, the United States of America. Ivory, Stoneground - only they sang about Jesus and their lead singer flew off the handle more often than Joan Crawford in "Mommy Dearest." But that only makes 'em all the more interesting. You've heard of the School of Rock. Now grab yoursetf a Psalter and a tab of acid, and check out the Chapel of Rock.

Tracks
1. Speak To Me (N.T. Freund, The Search Parly) - 2:54
2. Renee Child (N. T. Freund, The Search Party) - 2:43
3. Melanya (P. Apps) - 1:46
4. When He Calls (N. T. Freund, The Search Party) - 4:26
5. So Many Things Have Got Me Down (N. T. Freund, Pete Apps, The Search Party) - 9:19
6. You And I (N. T. Freund, The Search Party) - 3:11
7. All But This (J. Catvalho) - 3:23
8. Poem By George Hall (Pete Apps, George Hall) - 3:46
9. The Decidedly Short Epic Of Mr Alvira (J. Carvalho) - 3:36
10.The News Is You (N. T. Freund) - 4:39

The Search Party
*Joanie Goff - Vocals, Guitar
*Jim Carvalho - Bass Guitar, Vocals
*Pete Apps - Lead Guitar, Vocals
*Tim King - Drums

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