Colours / Christian – Voluptuous Doom / Good vs. Evil (1968-70 us, slpendid psychedelia, 2009 Frantic release)

Thank's to Frantic Records for unearthing more forgotten gems of California's rich musical heritage. Having languished in the vaults for close to 40 years, the Colours and Christian tapes finally make their way to CD for the very first time after the fickle hand of fate conspired to deny them the success they so obviously deserved. 

If everything had gone according to plan then I'm positive that Colours would be as well known and regarded today as any of the big name Californian groups and that they would have achieved legendary status amongst devotees j& sixties rock. 

Their blend of West Coast psychedelia and fey British pop stylings set them apart from many of their peers, the intricate arrangements and lush production coupled with delicate orchestra and beautiful harmonies contrast dramatically with  the loose improvisational jamming that was typical of many of their Bay Area counterparts. 

Amid all vibrancy of the Northern California music scene, The   Colours stand out as something special. It's fascinating to hear the transition from Colours' baroque grandeur to the stripped down Rock of Christian. Electric and Acoustic Guitars have replaced the orchestration and ornate  keyboards, indicating the influence of groups such as Moby Grape and Buffalo Springfield, while the British pop leanings are perhaps even more overt evidenced by covers of Hollies and Beatles material. 

Listening to these recordings is akin to hearing! a microcosm of the progression of late sixties rock music. That they have remained hidden away for so long is a crime, to be able to hear them now is a wonder. It's time to welcome Christian in to your life. Prepare to experience Colours you! Never dreamed existed.

by Gray Newell

Tracks

Disc 1 - Colours

1. Picture Windows - 4:35

2. Dreams - 3:49

3. Voluptuous Doom - 2:44 

4. Thoughts Of Love - 5:08

5. Who’s Been Sleeping - 2:41

6. Memories - 3:34

7. Ferdinand Smash-Me-Toe - 3:29

8. Candy Coloured Lover - 8:06

9. Communicate - 3:45

10.Are You Free - 5:16

11.Candy Coloured Lover (instrumental) - 13:41

12.Wood For Sale (live) - 3:46

13.Candy Coloured Lover (live) - 10:50

14.Wood For Sale (instrumental) - 4:03

15.Alan Lau Introduction - 3:22

Tracks 1-10 arranged and recorded in 1968 by Colours for an unreleased album
Tracks 11-15 live at the Matrix, summer 1967

Disc 2 - Christian
1. Mary The Wither - 3:11
2. Charlie And Fred (Alan Clarke, Graham Nash) - 3:29
3. Don’t Worry - 4:15
4. Are You Free - 5:35
5. American ’69 - 3:21
6. Good Vs. Evil - 5:25
7. Hope That You Survive - 2:28
8. Stand Naked - 3:56
9. Another Day (Marc Kellett) - 1:55
10.With A Little Help From My Friends (John Lennon, Paul McCartney)- 7:28
All songs by Bob Brien, Mark Cipolla, except where noted.
Recorded in late '69 early '70 at Sierra Sound in Berkeley and Realistic Sound in Chico

Musicians
*Chuck Edwards - Vocals, Guitars
*Bob Brien - Guitar, Vocals
*John Healy - Drums
*Mark Cipolla - Bass, Keyboards, Vocals
*Ed Seymour - Keyboards
With
*Marty Paich - Strings, Horns (Disc 1, Tracks 1-10)
*Steve Parsons - Drums (Disc 2)
*Kurt Kearnes - Lead Guitar (Disc 2)

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