In The Land Of FREE we still Keep on Rockin'

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Plain and Fancy

Music gives soul to universe, wings to mind, flight to imagination, charm to sadness, and life to everything.

Plato

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Buffalo - Dead Forever (1972 aussie, powerful hard proto metal, Aztec digi pack remaster and expanded)



I remember when I first bought this album. It would have been around 1974 or '75 on my first visit to Sydney's famous Ashwoods Records in Pitt Street (RIP). Being a poor high school student, the idea of cheap second-hand albums was cool beyond words! For about $2-3 each I scored Slade "Slayed", "Black Sabbath Vol 4" and, of course, Buffalo’s debut LP "Dead Forever".

I remember thinking the cover was very evil ..and that these guys were proberly worshippers of some sick Satanic cult! There's even a photo on the inside gate- fold of the band (complete with Amps and P.A) playing a gig in a graveyard. Having said that, I'm sure the boys had good religious beliefs (while still enjoying the indulgences of non-prescription medications and having “relations" with young ladies to whom they were not married)

Now, over 30 years later, Aztec Music has reissued this proto-stoner gem. This is a great crunching 1972 heavy rock album which still wipes the floor with its contemporaries. The interesting thing about this line-up of Buffalo is that the band had two lead vocalists, however this was not uncommon for the time (think the Mamas and the Pappas, Blood Sweat and Tears and the aura of the Beatles, which was still lurking around).  

The opening track “Leader” kicks off very doomily, with a droning acoustic guitar and vocals before building into a frantic heavy metal ending! “You...yes YOU are the Leader”. Very way out (man).

"Suzi Sunshine" was an early hit single for the band is a great piece of heavy melodic rock with some neat slide guitar from John Baxter. Two cover versions follow, Blues Images’ "Pay My Dues" (which shows the band's early progressive hippy roots) and a 10-minute version of Free's "I’m a Mover" which starts off faithful to the original but quickly builds into some manic jamming rivalling the Stooges and The MC5 ! I can imagine this track hitting the 30 minute mark in a live setting.

A few of the tracks following this have a distinctively heavy, progressive "San Francisco-meets-Quicksilver-Messenger-Service" vibe before returning with some powerful riff-o-mania rockin' on the five-minute title track, which again shows Buffalo's ability to do some great jamming (no doubt picked up from playing countless shows around the Sydney Town hall dances and nightclub scene)

Bonus tracks include some early 7" inch cover version B-sides which more than anything display the bands early high energy rhythm and blues/rock 'n' roll roots. Also included is an ultra rare early pre–Buffalo 1971 single by the band Head (featuring three members of Buffalo in Tice, Baxter and Wells) which reminds me of Eric Burdon and The Animals or early Cream

As with all Aztec releases this re-release comes a great 22 page colour booklet featuring some jaw-dropping early photos, gig posters and magazine adverts. The early photo of Dave Tice and Pete Wells in 1967 looking very Carnaby Street is worth the cost of the album alone. 
by Steve Danno-Lorkin


Tracks
1. Leader (Tice, Baxter, Wells) - 6:03
2. Suzie Sunshine (Brett, Baxter) - 2:53
3. Pay My Dues (Lala, Pinera) - 5:34
4. I'm A Mover (Rodgers, Fraser) - 10:46
5. Ballad Of Irving Fink (Milano, Baxter) - 4:30
6. Bean Stew (Tice, Baxter) - 7:05
7. Forest Rain (Tice, Baxter) - 6:30
8. Dead Forever (Tice, Baxter) - 5:39
9. Hobo  (Recording By Head) (Tice, Baxter) - 2:48
10.Sad Song, Then  (Recording By Head) (Baxter) - 2:37
11.No Particular Place To Go (Chuck Berry) - 4:53
12.Just A Little Rock And Roll (A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues) (Terry Thompson) - 2:24
13.Barbershop Rock (Baxter) - 5:07

Buffalo
*Dave Tice - Lead Vocals
*Alan Milano - Lead Vocals
*Peter Wells - Bass
*John Baxter - Guitar
*Paul Balbi - Drums

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Rory Gallagher - Deuce (1971 ireland, splendid 2nd album, blues rock, japan mini LP remaster with bonus track)



'Deuce' was the culmination of Rory's musical apprenticeship. He'd toured with an Irish showband, released acclaimed records with 'Taste' and played the Isle Of White Rock Festival, but this was the first time he'd had the necessary level of control, self belief and technical ability to record the album he'd always wanted to. His eponymously titled first album had seen Rory's transition from group member to solo artist, allowing him a degree of artistic freedom he'd so tar not encountered.

This resulted in an excellent debut album, highlighting Rory's musical development since 'Taste'. In 1971 when he began working on 'Deuce', he decided on a different approach to the recording of his second album. His first album, 'Rory Gallagher, had a precise, organised sound, Rory was keen 'Deuce' would capture the raw energy of a live performance. To achieve this, many of the sessions were recorded just before or immediately after gigs and production was kept to a minimum. The results were electric.

Rory came alive when he played in front of an audience, as he said, "I love playing to people. The audience means a lot to me. It's not the whole thing, I love recording too, hut I need regular and frequent contact with the public. 'It gives me energy". That was why capturing a 'live' feel on the album was so important to Rory.

'Deuce' was the first, but certainly not the last time, he achieved this. 'Deuce' was recorded at Tangerine Studios in Dalston, which was built by the innovative 60 s producer, Joe Meek. This North London studio was sited next to a bingo hall and any fans blessed with a keen sense of hearing may just be able to make out the distant shouts of the bingo caller.

'Deuce' saw Rory and his band reach a new musical high. Band members, Gerry McAvoy and Wilgar Campbell, played with a fresh, raw quality that complimented Rory's amazing Strat. work. They were young and talented, with a point to prove, the ingredients that have produced some of the greatest music in history. 'Deuce' would become part of that illustrious tradition.

This album has been re-mixed from the original multi-track master tapes by Colin Fairley, who worked with Rory on many of his recordings. When the recording of 'Deuce' was complete Rory was ecstatic with the results. The album had successfully captured the 'live' sound he'd wanted to replicate. After more than three decades 'Deuce' has lost none of it's youthful power and for me, and many other fans, it represents the beginning of a musical friendship that would last many years.
by Shu Tomioka, Charles Stanford


Tracks
1. Used to Be  - 5:06
2. I'm Not Awake Yet  - 5:24
3. Don't Know Where I'm Going  - 2:42
4. Maybe I Will  - 4:15
5. Whole Lot of People - 4:57
6. In Your Town - 5:47
7. Should've Learnt My Lesson - 3:36
8. There's a Light - 5:59
9. Out of My Mind  - 3:05
10.Crest of a Wave  - 6:00
11.Persuasion  - 4:42
All songs composed by Rory Gallagher

Musicians
*Rory Gallagher - Vocals, Guitars, Harmonica
*Gerry McAvoy - Bass Guitar
*Wilgar Campbell - Drums, Percussion

1971  Rory Gallagher (Japan Mini Lp replica)
with Taste
1970  On The Boards (Japan SHM edition)
1971  Live Taste
1971  Live At Isle Of Wight

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Various Artists - Fading Yellow Volume 14 (1967-73 spain, popsike and other delights)



Delicate and sunshiney softsike, and the series steps into a whole new territory: Spain. In recent years there's been a few releases excavating the orchestral side of Spanish 60s music, but Madrid and co. are still mostly known for Rand B swagger, with horns turning up everywhere. These singles have great strings and choral work, with a few choice covers (Simon and Garfunkel, the UK songsmith team Bickerton and Waddington, and even John Pantry).


Artists - Tracks
1. Los Iberos - Fantastic Girl - 2:57
2. Los Mustang - Suspira La Nia - 3:02
3. Modulos - Ya No Me Quieres - 3:03
4. Amores - Ana - 3:37
5. Los Pasos - Yo Fu El Mejor - 3:12
6. Mocedades - Esta Noche Ha Llovido - 3:28
7. Los 5 Musicales - Feria De Scarborough - 2:47
8. Pic-Nic - You Heard My Voice - 2:17
9. Nuevos Horizontes - Tio Vivo - 2:50
10.Isasi - Cantandole Al Viento - 2:38
11.Las Cuatro Monedas - Mira De Frente - 2:36
12.Los Sirex - Eva - 2:25
13.Los Mitos - Cuando Vuelvas - 3:08
14.Albert Band - En Sueos -  3:07
15.Los Iberos - Back In Time - 2:38
16.Pic Nic - Hush Little Baby - 3:27
17.Los Iberos - Nightime - 2:52

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
1966-74  Fading Yellow Vol.15

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Monday, June 10, 2013

Demian - Rock Star Farm (1974 us, amazing hard experimental prog rock, 2013 Flawed Gems edition)



Great and completely unknown US hard-progressive from 1974. This is not a better-known Demian group from Texas (popular for their classic, heavy rock LP on ABC Records from 1971, ex-Bubble Puppy), but completely different band which recorded their album...in Austin! 

This privately pressed and now very rare concept album was issued in 1974 by local Starbust label. It contains an excellent and quite eloquent rock opera, with trippy organ work and very fine and strong vocals similar to early David Bowie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop,  little bit of Peter Hammill's dramatic way, and the theatrical approach of Arthur Brown. Musically, they encapsulate the aspects of Zappa's styles, and sometimes they sound  like "The Doors meets early Bloodrock". 

It´s an amazing record, with plenty of great hooks, and unusual psychedelic sounds and solid, hard rock music with a distinct, progressive tones. It´s a really hard to believe that this excellent LP was never reissued before!


Tracks
1. Prologue To The Dream - 1:02
2. Hot Ride And The Prayer - 2:59
3. Time Warp - 0:20
4. Nucleus Shane - 3:06
5. We Want The Witch Dead - 1:16
6. Where's My General ? - 2:47
7. The C'Zar - 0:59
8. The General / Leigh Ashford - 5:36
9. Snake Head - 4:27
10.Acid Queen - 2:29
11.No Mirror Tonight - 1:59
12.Leeches At The Fairground - 3:22
13.Rock Star Farm - 3:53
All Words and Music by Shane Skinner

Demian
*Shane Skinner - Vocals
*Craig Terrill - Keyboards
*William Lynd - Percussion
*Alanson Clark - Guitar
*Lloyd Harper - Bass

Rory Gallagher - Rory Gallagher (1971 ireland, 1st solo album, classic blues rock, japan mini lp remaster)



In 1971 Taste were on the brink of international success. They had built up a loyal fon base (which included John Lennon), played the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight Rock Festival and recorded two blistering albums,  but to the surprise of both their fans and their contemporaries the band split due to musical and managerial differences Rory, keen to utilise this new found musical freedom, returned to London's Advision studios with engineer Eddy Offord whom Rory had worked with during the recording of the Taste album On The Boards. The resultant sessions became Rory's first solo album, the eponymously titled Rory Gallagher.

The album opens with a trademark Gallagher riff leading into 'Laundromat', a track written at the time of the Taste split when the group were residing in a bedsit in Earls Court which had a public laundromat in the basement. In typical Rory style he used this uninspiring subject matter to create a highly inspirational song. 'Just The Smile' shows Rory's folk roots with an acoustic and percussion sound influenced heavily by Pentangle, the late 60's early 70's British folk band that included Burt Jansch and John Renbourn. 'I Fall Apart1 is an engaging love song with a big melodic Stratoeaster guitar riff and a wonderful chord sequence. 

'Wave Myself Goodbye' is the first of two tracks featuring keyboard genius with Crane, who made his name playing with Atomic Rooster and Arthur Brown during the 7()'s and Dexys .Midnight Runners in the 80's. After Taste split I became tour manager for Atomic Rooster and when Rory needed a pianist Vince was my first choice. For this track he delivers a barrel-house piano feel to compliment Rory's acoustic blues guitar. 'Hands t:p' is a highly motivational song written post Taste. The track's positive lyrical message is delivered with lines such as 'hands up and reach for the .vAV and 'gel np you know if a lime' which act to counter the negativity Rory felt when the group disbanded. "Sinner Boy".

This powerful lyric about hitting rock bottom exposes Rory's compassion and understanding for his fellow exiled man. Listen out for the Telecaster slide playing and 'scatting'. Even at the tender age of 23 Rory's natural technical ability was incredible. 'For The Last Time' is reminiscent of another great Rory track 'On The Boards' and carries a message about his treatment during the demise of Taste. 'It's You' is an upbeat country influenced track enlivened by Rory's steel-slide guitar playing, which is underscored with his excellence on the mandolin (an instrument he had only recently mastered). 

I'm Not Surprised' - This is (he second track featuring Vince Crane on piano performing a Tats Domino' style accompaniment to Rory's raucous guitar riffs. Even at this early stage of his career Rory was keen to experiment with the music he created. He was never satisfied to follow trends or take the easy path and 'Can't Believe It's True' demonstrates the infliieiicc that Jazz had on him. On this track Rory plays alto saxophone which has been double tracked, capturing a jazz/folk feel that came from his admiration of artists like Erie Dolphy and John Coltrane. 

Recorded during the original sessions for llory Gallagher the final two bonus tracks, both available here for the first lime, see Rory paying homage to two of his blues heroes: 'Gypsy Woman' was originally recorded by .Muddy Waters whom Rory greatly admired and would eventually work with on Muddy's London Session album.  The final track is a cover of It Takes Time' first recorded by premier Chicago blues guitarist Otis Rush.
by Donal Gallagher, London 1999.


Tracks
1. Laundromat - 4:38
2. Just The Smile - 3:41
3. I Fall Apart - 5:12
4. Wave Myself Goodbye - 3:30
5. Hands Up - 5:25
6. Sinner Boy - 5:04
7. For The Last Time - 6:35
8. It's You - 2:38
9. I'm Not Surprised - 3:37
10.Can't Believe It's True - 7:16
11.Gypsy Woman (Muddy Waters) - 4:02
12.It Takes Time (Otis Rush) - 3:34
All tracks composed by Rory Gallagher except as else stated.
Bonus tracks 11-12

Musicians
*Rory Gallagher - Vocals, Guitars, Alto Sax, Mandolin, Harmonica
*Gerry Mcavoy - Bass Guitar
*Wilgar Campbell – Drums,  Percussion
*Vincent Crane - Piano

with Taste
1970  On The Boards (Japan SHM edition)

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Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sunday Funnies ‎– Sunday Funnies (1971 us, brilliand soft progressive rock, 2013 Flawed Gems issue)



Detroit band the Sunday Funnies were comprised of vocalist Richard Fidge, guitarist Ronald Aitken, keyboardist Richard Kosinski, and drummer Richard Mitchell, releasing in 1970 the single "Heavy Music" / "Path Of Freedom"  issued on the local Hideout label.

Their excellent debut album, produced by infamous Andrew Oldham (an early The Rolling Stones´ manager) and released in 1971 on Motown´s Rare Earth label. This brilliantly recorded, very melodic, soft-progressive album consisted of very memorable and cleverly-arranged, stylish songs based on rich and strong Hammond organ sounds and attractive vocal parts. Some tracks are just unbelievably beautiful! Stylistically this record is not far away from 1967-68 Procol Harum era and early Traffic.

Richard Kosinski  also contributed to albums by Bonnie Raitt, The Temptations, the Four Tops and Aretha Franklin. He was a member of the soft rock ensemble Wha-Koo from 1977-1979.


Tracks
1. Walk Down The Path Of Freedom - 4:05
2. It's Just A Dream - 3:18
3. You And I - 3:16
4. Tell Me - 4:47
5. The Axe - 4:23
6. Crack In A Bell - 3:00
7. Let The Son Shine In - 4:01
8. Child Of Mine (Carole King, Gerry Goffin) - 4:02
All songs by R. Konsinski and R. Aitken except where noted.

Sunday Funnies
*Richard Walter Kosinski - Keyboards, Vocals
*Richard Glen Fidge - Vocals
*Ronald Clark Aitken - Guitar, Bass, Vocals
*Richard Martin Mitchell - Drums

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Saturday, June 8, 2013

Various Artists - Piccadilly Sunshine Part 12 (1967-70 uk, pop psych and other flavours)



Don't think that there's nothing to be found just because it's Vol. 12. This series may've just taken a step up or two. Effervescent and dreamy UK popsike singles with way too many sound effects. A few detours for Animals-style R'n'B. 

Connections to Steve Hillage, Cat Stevens, the Syn. A couple of bands are Irish and there's one that's from Sri Lanka. Mostly though, it's TV starlets who were moving into singing, a great Scott Walker knockoff with a dash of prog (Egg's 'You Are All Princes'), and some slight missteps by Larry Page or Pye.


Artists - Tracks
1. Jigsaw - Mr. Job - 2:16
2. Kytes - End Of The Day - 2:31
3. Brotherhood - Paper Man - 2:24
4. Heatwave - Rastus Ravel / Is A Mean Old Man - 2:44
5. John Street And The Inmates - My Kind Of Luck - 2:06
6. Peter Janes - For The Sake Of Time - 2:04
7. A New Generation - Police Is Here - 2:52
8. Ayshea - Mister White's White Flying Machine - 3:42
9. Egg - You Are All Princes - 3:43
10.Dave Berry - Oh What A Life - 2:16
11.The Monopoly - We Belon Together - 3:31
12.The Nerve - Mystery Lady - 2:28
13.Granny's Intentions - Sandy's On The Phone Again - 2:19
14.Brian Parrish - In Good Time / Love Chant - 3:05
15.Marc Brierley - Autograph Of Time - 1:35
16.Friday Brown - The Outdoor Seminar - 1:28
17.Ranee And Raj - Razor Edge - 2:41
18.Dave Justin - Rachel - 3:24
19.Fable - She Said Yes - 3:10
20.Jigsaw - A Great Idea - 2:31

The Piccadilly Sunshine flavours 
1968-70  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 1
1966-71  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 2
1967-70  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 3
1967-69  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 4
1966-69  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 5
1967-70  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 6
1966-70  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 7
1966-71  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 8
1964-71  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 9
1966-69  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 10
1966-70  Piccadilly Sunshine Part 11 

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V.A. - Fading Yellow Vol.15 Sunshowers (1966-74 us/canada, popsike and other delights)



The latest Fading Yellow Volume 15, where standards are always set on the highest level. This time digging deep in USA & Canada late 60´s. All the tracks on a compilation for the first time, The Cd comes as Limited edition 1000 copies with detailed linernotes 

Whatever you call it, pop-sike, magic pop etc. i call it "that special Fading Yellow sound" which by now has became a household name among listeners who loves this genre of music. Classic compilation series of purest popsike of the 60-70´s.


Artists - Tracks
1. Bob And Kit - Autumn Too Long - 2:11
2. The Phaetons - Where Are You? - 2:38
3. The Others - Morning - 2:03
4. Mark Barkan - A Great Day For The Clown - 3:07
5. The New Establishment - Time For Everything - 2:28
6. Michael - Gotta Make My Heart Turn Away - 2:50
7. National Bank Of Sound - Me And My Friends - 2:45
8. The Thomas Group - Ordinary Girl - 2:18 
9. Willapuss Wallapuss - To Jone - 2:53
10.The Mouse - Mouse - 3:09
11.Terry McManus - Sunshower In The Spring - 2:36
12.The Promise - Sundown Sky - 2:22
13.The Travel Agency - Time - 2:36
14.Bridey Murphy - The Time Has Come - 2:10
15.The MFQ - I Had A Dream Last Night - 2:36 
16.Coloured Rain - On Their Carousel - 2:41

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

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Friday, June 7, 2013

Rod St.James - Has Anybody Seen The Superstar (1972 us, wailing fuzz psych, with funky soul and folk rock shades)



We don't do it very often, but there are a couple of labels that attract our attention regardless of whether or not we know anything about the act.  One of those labels is the Louisiana-based Paula Records.  Home to the likes of Fontana Bass, John Fred and Little Tommy Taylor, Paula also released a host of interesting material by unknown acts such as The Montclairs, Joy Thunderfoot and this 1972 set by Rod St. John.

We know nothing about this guy and the liner notes to 197'2's "Has Anyone Seen the Superstar" don't provide any real information.   That said, his seems to be kind of a one man show with St, James writing the material, as well as handling arrangements.  Propelled by a blazing electric guitar, the rocking title track starts the album out with a bang and seldom lets up.  So how to describe this LP?  

Well to our ears St, James comes off as a cross between a harder rocking John Fred and the Playboy Band with a dash of Tony Joe White Cajun flavor added to the mix.  Elsewhere, " Three Quarters of An Hour" sounds like something that would have fit Jose Feliciano had he been able to get funky.  To be honest, the only real disappointments are St. James' isolated stabs at ballads.  

While pretty, "Let it Shine" and Dylan-ish "Wandering Minstrel" just don't cut it.  The album certainly won't change your life, but it's one of those unexpected little pleasant surprises collectors occasional come across.  Very nice and worth the price of admission.


Tracks
1. Has Anyone Seen the Superstar - 4:45
2. Three Quarters of An Hour - 4:36
3. Let It Shine - 5:03
4. Mr. Coffey - 3:45
5. I'm Going Home - 3:10
6. Dream Chain - 3:25
7. Wandering Minstrel - 2:32
8. Now Is the Time - 3:25
9. Pisces Child - 3:30
10.Born To Ride the Restless Wind - 2:20
All tracks by Rod St. James.

*Rod St. James - Vocals

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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Wizard - The Original Wizard (1971 us, great heavy psych, Gear Fab extra tracks edition)



The University Of South Florida at Tampa, 1970: Paul Forney was playing gigs as a bass player when a good friend of his Charlie Souza (later of Cactus fame) gave him Ben Schultz's number. Ben invited Paul to play a gig with them, straight jam. no rehearsal. Ben apparently took an immediate liking to Paul. Chris Luhn was Brother's roadie. Ben Schultz met Chris during his sophomore year at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

 When they were not performing on stage, they were rehearsing, writing and jamming with everyone in sight. The road trips consisted of a 1967 Pontiac Bonneville pulling a U-Haul trailer full of instruments, amps, and a half-assed p.a. system that Ben and their then-manager had soldered together in Ben's family room. The highlight of that first summer "tour" was the Goose Lake Festival, outside Detroit.

Wizard crashed with the members of Third Power, and spent the better part of two weeks sleeping all day. and jamming all night with the Power, and whoever happened to drop in. including some of the people from Catfish, Frijid Pink, Bob Seeger. And God-knows-who else. By the time they bull shitted their way on to the program at Goose Lake, they had been together for only about ten weeks, but had logged about 1,000 hours of rehearsing and jamming. Chris was the oldest member of the group at 19 but the guys nevertheless managed to achieve a great sense of pride and accomplishment in their work.

Eventually,  Wizard caught the attention of Decca Record's Bob Fletcher, who brought the group to Atlanta for a recording session. The session lasted only a few days. Virtually every song on the album The Original Wizard was a "live" take (i.e., no dubbing and no multiple tracks). The following winter, they played one of their more memorable gigs at an indoor festival at the Hollywood (Florida) Fair-grounds. Van Morrison was the big draw for the night, and they were supposed to have gone on in the morning. Because of some snafu, the band wound up sitting around the fairgrounds until about 5:00 p.m. when they were practically shoved onto the stage.

Although Wizard continued to perform on the same stage with groups like Chicago. Mountain, Rod Stewart and Iron Butterfly, they never made it back into the studio. Within 16 months of forming, the group born so spontaneously just called it quits. After the break up of Wizard. Paul went on to play with the trio "Bacchus" for several years and played a lot of clubs in Southern Florida. He did stints with Timmy Thomas.

Little Beaver, Gwen Macrae, and the Jimmy Castor Bunch until finally quitting the tour circuit in 1980 and earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from USF. He retrained in classical music but now enjoys a career in industrial automation and lives, plays, and works in Southern California. Ben Schultz went on to both live and studio work with the likes of Carmine Appice, Schultz & Butcher,, Buddy Miles , Belinda Carlisle, Gregg Alexander, Barefoot Servants, Steve Stills, Diana Ross, Small Faces, Rod Stewart, Ric Ocasek and Rick Nelson.

He now resides in Southern California. Chris wandered wandered in and out of college before settling in in Baltimore where, in 1982, he went back to school, getting a law degree in 1985 and set up a law practice in upstate New York. None of the band deludes themselves that this release will do anything other than gratify some collectors and trivia buffs. Still, here it is, for whatever it is worth. After twenty-seven odd years, Ben, Paul and Chris have reestablished their friend-ship, and are humbled to know that there are some "out there" who still care about raw, loud, no-holds-barred rock. They hope that this offering satisfies a small measure of that craving.
from 1999 CD Liner-notes


Tracks
1. Freedom (Forney, Luhn, Schultz) - 5:15
2. Come and See The Bride (Forney) - 2:58
3. What Do You Know About Mary? (Forney) - 2:25
4. Opus Ate (Forney, Schultz) - 3:26
5. Coin' Away (Forney) - 1:49
6. Killing Time (Schultz, Luhn) - 3:58
7. Got To See My Way (Forney, Schultz, Luhn) - 2:38
8. Ride (Schultz, Forney) - 3:03
9. Seance (Forney) - 3:48
10.Talkin' To God (Forney, Schultz) - 2:30
11.Evergreen (Forney) - 3:53
12.Got Love (Forney) - 3:09
13.Freedom (Forney, Luhn, Schultz) - 4:03

Wizard
*Ben Schultz - Lead, Rhythm Guitars, Vocals
*Paul Forney - Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar
*Chris Luhn - Drums

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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Red Dirt - Red Dirt (1970 uk, fantastic heavy blues folk rock, 2010 expanded issue)



Red Dirt were a blues band formed in East Yorkshire around 1968 comprised of Dave Richardson (vocals), Steve Howden (guitar), Kenny Giles (bass) and Steve Jackson (drums) who built up an impressive live reputation in clubs and venues in the North of England. They were subsequently signed to Morgan Bluetown, When released in 1970, on the Fontana label, their self-titled debut album sunk without trace and legend - or rumour - has it sold something like 100 copies. In the last forty years Red Dirt has become a rare and expensive album with more people having heard about it than actually seen an original copy. Although valued in the 2010 edition of the Record Collector Rare Record Price Guide at E650 copies have sold for over £800 on eBay. 

But what was the story behind Red Dirt? Amazingly, when Record Collector announced the first vinyl reissue of the album in late 2009 the article was read by an aspiring American journalist Betsy Green who was in touch with original guitarist Steve Howden, now working as a delivery driver in Hollywood. Green interviewed Howden and four decades later we finally found out that the band came together after drummer Steve Jackson approached Howden in a pub in Bridlington in their native East Yorkshire. Howden was keen and Jackson's friends Kenny Giles and Dave Richardson were drafted in on bass guitar and lead vocals. Richardson had worked with future Hull legend Mick Ronson as well as Michael Chapman.

The band attracted the interest of Morgan Bluetown who signed them. Red Dirt were put into the studio with producer Geoff Gill. "We recorded the album in Morgan studios London," recalls Howden, "McCartney finished his album in there which was a big buzz for us. They booked us in from midnight onwards, to six in the morning and the album didn't take that long, around twelve hours I think. They managed overdubs for the vocals to get them right but I don't think they ever put them on. It was all very rushed and was only ever released in England" In fact the album was licensed by Morgan to the Fontana label who released Red Dirt in 1970 and it literally vanished without trace. 

There has been much speculation in recent years as to whether legendary record sleeve designer Barney Bubbles was responsible for the eye-catching sleeve image of a red Indian with 4 bullet holes in his forehead dripping blood. The rear sleeve credits the design to Teenburger, Bubbles Notting Hill based company. As a number of people worked for Teenburger it is impossible to confirm if Bubbles had a hand in the, sleeve design.

As for the music, Red Dirt is a lost classic. There is an element of the Doors Morrison Hotel period and a whiff of Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band in the rocking driving blues of tracks like Death Letter and Problems. Song For Pauline on the other hand harks back to the Delta of Robert Johnston comprising of only slide guitar and vocals. Memories and In The Morning were probably considered as songs fit for release as singles as both have a compelling commercial edge and benefit from more extensive arrangements which the band augmented by what sounds like a mellotron and an organ that gives their powerful music more texture and depth. 

That Red Dirt's natural musical chemistry was honed on the live circuit is demonstrated on the riff and harmonica prowl of Ten Seconds To Go and the driving locomotive engine of Maybe I'm Right. There is also the acid smoke-folk of Summer Madness Laced With Newbald Gold which opens with Richardson groaning and laughing against a dirty guitar riff and the song is then propelled forward by drum pattern straight out of Safe As Milk. "It seems as if the red dirt is blowing into my eyes," sings Richardson on this outstanding track which sadly reflected the critical and commercial indifference that greeted the release of the album. It appears that the band later returned to the studio to record additional material earmarked for a second album that was, according to one press report when the band were supporting Mott The Hoople on a tour in January 1971 "nearing completion and should be available shortly". 

Sadly, the young Red Dirt dudes never did issue that second LP but this CD features five bonus tracks featuring Ron Hales on guitar who had replaced Steve Howden. So, as well as enjoying their debut you can also get down in the dirt and wrap your ears around From End To End, Yesterday And Today, The Circle Song, I'd Rather Go Back 15 Years and Tolly Cobbold. Thanks to Secret Records you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to do so!
by Ian Shirley, Record Collector magazine


Tracks
1. Memories - 2:01
2. Death Letter - 3:09
3. Problems (Howden) - 3:44
4. Song for Pauline - 3:22
5. Ten Seconds to Go (Howden) - 2:31
6. In the Morning - 2:25
7. Maybe I'm Right - 2:37
8. Summer Madness Laced With Newbald Gold (Howden) - 6:10
9. Death of a Dream - 5:23
10.Gimme a Shot (Gill, Howden) - 3:28
11.Brain Worker (Giles) - 3:09
12.I've Been Down So Long (Howden) - 2:32
13.From End to End (Richardson, Giles, Jackson, Hales) - 5:11
14.Yesterday and Today (Richardson, Giles, Jackson, Hales) - 7:30
15.The Circle Song (Richardson, Giles, Jackson) - 4:33
16.I'd Rather Go Back 15 Years (Richardson, Giles, Jackson) - 7:37
17.Tolly Cobbold (Richardson, Giles, Jackson, Hales) - 2:36
Songs written by Dave Richardson unless as else stated.

Red Dirt
*Steve Jackson - Drums
*Ken Giles - Bass
*Dave Richardson - Steel Guitar, Piano, Organ, Harmonica, Lead Vocals
*Steve Howden - Lead Guitar, Piano, Lead Vocals, Bass

Related Acts
1967  The Smoke - It´s Smoke Time 
1970  Bobak, Jons, Malone - Motherlight
1970  Orange Bicycle
1971  Fickle Pickle - Sinful Skinful

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Monday, June 3, 2013

Fickle Pickle - Sinful Skinful (1971 uk, delicate blend of psych baroque pop and jazzy tunes)



Reissue of original 1971 and 14 more bonus trax of extremely highly quality. What are we talking here? Well, first listen below. We hear The Move, The Zombies, Blue Ash, Rockin` Horse, Emitt Rhodes, Badfinger, The Hollies, Marmalade, solo McCartney, Bonzo Dog Band, The Smoke and more! Fickle Pickle consisted of multi-instrumentalist Cliff Wade, Geoff Gill (ex-Smoke) and Wil Malone (formerly of Orange Bicycle) and bassist Steve Howden who saw time in the highly regarded Vertigo prog-band Red Dirt. 

Their solitary album, which only saw release on the Dutch micro-label Explosion, shows the quartet in possession of a w-i-d-e ranging knowledge of musical forms. They can scoot from Badfinger-like pop-rockers (Our Time is Thru and Let Me Tell You) to the Beach Boys harmonies and Scots trad intros/outros of Only For The Summer.

It’s a  long lost and if you go by the very best ingredients on the disc, it is indeed a pop classic. It is not though, in any shape or form `psych`. There are some nice dayglo pop touches for sure but that`s as far as it goes. Pedentry apart, to assemble not just the orignal album, but no less than 14 associated bonus tracks for an act so well buried is no mean feat. This is a fine collection (with no small thanks to Mark Frumento here for ferreting out some of the bonus singles). 

The Fickle Pickle LP itself (tracks 1-12 and only ever originally released in the Netherlands) leaves no room for fence sitting. Its best tracks are blissful, sublime almost majestically effortless pop classics; `Sandy`, `Saturday`, `Sunshine Pie`, `Barcelona` all employ strong harmonies and melodies and leave you speechless at their craft. Of the bonuses `Millionaire`, `Sam And Sadie`, `The Letter` (no, not that one), `Here And Now` and `Ask The People` all stand out for their first class writing, production and execution...

Taken as a whole, its 26 tracks present a collection of significant substance and help fill a substantial gap in British pop history, which even in this know-all age are still being revealed. Full marks to everyone involved with this project, which is as much an exercise in public history as pop musical archiving.
from Shindig-Magazine


Tracks    
1. California Calling (Gill, Beckerman) - 2:15
2. Sinful Skinful (Gill, Malone) - 3:11
3. Sandy (Wade) - 3:21
4. Doctor Octopus (Gill, Wade, Malone) - 3:21
5. Saturday (Gill, Malone) - 3:05
6. Only for the Summer (Wade) - 3:21
7. Let Me Tell You (Gill, Malone) - 2:16
8. Down Smokey Lane (Gill, Malone) - 4:27
9. Blown Away (Gill, Malone) - 2:48
10.Sunshine Pie (Wade, Malone) - 2:30
11.Barcelona (Howden) - 2:50
12.Our Time Is Thru (Gill, Malone, Wade, Howden) - 4:03
13.Maybe I'm Amazed (McCartney) - 2:38
14.Sitting on a Goldmine (Gill, Malone) - 2:19
15.Millionaire (Malone) - 3:22
16.Sam and Sadie (Beckerman) - 2:18
17.The Man with One Leg (Howden, Wade, Gill, Malone) - 2:21
18.Old Feet New Socks (Malone) - 3:44
19.Holiday Farm (Wade, Gill, Malone) - 3:15
20.Poor Little Frogs (Wade, Gill, Malone) - 2:38
21.Sweet Wilfred - A Rodent of Note (Gill, Malone, Wade) - 3:00
22.American Pie (McLean) - 4:02
23.The Letter (Jeckinson, Hampson) - 2:16
24.Here and Now (Gill, Wade) - 3:21
25.Ask the People (Gill, Wade) - 3:11
26.Just an Old Fashioned Love Song (Williams) - 3:03

Fickle Pickle
*Geoff Gill - Drums, Vocals
*Cliff Wade - Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Organ, Drums, Vocals
*Wil Malone - Piano, Organ, Vocals
*Steve Howden - Vocals, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Bass

Related Acts
1967  The Smoke - It´s Smoke Time 
1970  Bobak, Jons, Malone - Motherlight
1970  Orange Bicycle

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Sunday, June 2, 2013

Roger Morris - First Album (1972 us, amazing country folk, slight rock, korean remaster with extra tracks)



Roger Morris’ First Album, released by Emi/Regal Zonophone in 1972, stakes a claim as one of the most American sounding British-folk albums of the seventies. Along with the painfully obscure solo album by Ernie Graham, First Album is one of a handful of rustic singer-songwriter lps of the era that landed unjustly under the radar. 

Owing much to the back-to-the-roots sound and vibe of The Band, Bobby Charles, and Hungry Chuck, and falling somewhere in between the British folk of the late 60s, the British country-rock of the early 70s, and the pub rock renaissance that would follow several years later, this album features contributions from a host of talented British musicians, including: the popular De Lisle Harper; Glen Campbell of Juicy Lucy and The Misunderstood; Family’s John Weider; Rod Coombes of Strawbs and later, Stealer’s Wheel; Chris Mercer; Terry Stannard of Kokomo; and Bruce Rowlands of the Greaseband. Obviously, the playing on this album is top notch. Furthermore, Morris comes across as a surprisingly accomplished songwriter.

On album opener “Taken for Granted” Morris mourns the loss of past loves to the tune of a folky country-rock number that calls to mind the early work of Help Yourself, as well as Ian Matthews. “Golightly’s Almanac” has a funky Bearsville ragtime feel, complete with a Tuba holding down the low end and a catchy horn part, sounding very similar to The Band’s “Rag Mama Rag” or Hungry Chuck’s “Hats Off America.” Morris’ vocals, which can sometimes be hit or miss, really excel on “Showdown”, one of the standout tracks of the set.  “Northern Star” features some tasty pedal steel and fiddle riffing courtesy of talented multi-instrumentalist John Weider, while “Livin’ On Memories” sounds similar to “Orange Juice Blues” off of The Basement Tapes, with Morris taking a cue from Richard Manuel’s vocal phrasing.

Morris’ account of one man’s experience in the years after the Civil War ,“All My Riches,” is his equivalent to The Band’s epic “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” Morris’ tune, while not a total failure, never comes close to reaching the heights of The Band’s legendary song. If there’s any complaint to be made about First Album, it would be that Morris’ influences are worn right on his sleeves. However, this was in fact his first album, so you’ve gotta give the guy a break for letting his influences show a little bit.

Needless to say, First Album is essential listening for fans of the rustic Americana The Band perfected on their first three records, as well as fans of Silver Pistol era Brinsley Schwarz, early McGuiness Flint and Help Yourself, and Matthews Southern Comfort. Simply one of the best obscure British folk/Americana flavored singer-songwriter lps of the era, this one is worth tracking down. 

Although this, his first lp, was virtually ignored upon its initial release, Roger would later find his audience when he went on to achieve international recognition as the guitarist in The Psychedelic Furs. In 2009 Bella Terra Presents released a tastefully remastered limited edition cd reissue featuring four previously unreleased bonus tracks that were recorded just a year after First Album, as well the original album artwork and a lyric sheet insert.
by D.A. Glasebrook


Tracks
1. Taken For Granted - 2:59
2. The Vigil -  4:10
3. Golightly's Almanac - 3:11
4. Showdown - 3:11
5. All My Riches - 3:14
6. The Trail Of Tears - 3:08
7. Northern Star - 3:13
8. Livin' On Memories - 2:43
9. Poor Lucy - 4:53
10.First Snow - 2:42
11.Let The Four Winds Blow - 3:58
12.Idaho -  4:39
13.Mississippi Story - 4:10
14.Down The Meadow - 3:27
15.The Number I Need - 3:11
16.Copenhagen Moon - 4:15
Words and Music by Roger Morris

Musicians
*Roger Morris - Piano, Guitars, Vocals
*Lisle Harper - Bass
*Bruce Rowlands, Terry Stannard, Rod Coombes - Drums
*Tommy Eyre - Piano, Organ, Piano Accordion
*Keith West - Guitar, Vocal Harmonies
*Glen Campbell - Pedal Steel Guitar
*Johnny Almond, Chris Mercer - Saxes
*John Weider - Guitar, Fiddle
*John Tuck - Vocal Harmonies

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Creative Rock - Gorilla (1972 germany, magnificent jazz brass rock)



With a good deal more invention and a powerful lead singer, their debut Gorilla was barely recognisable as German rock, yet despite this it was still rather good, full of complex brass arrangements and a most energetic rhythm section. LADY PIG followed in a similar, but heavier vein, with a bit more experimentation.

The last we know of Creative Rock was that in 1975 they were touring with an adventurous rock ballet production called “Die Creative Rock-Dekadenz-Show”. After that they transformed into Flight. Rainer Erbel is still active (2006) with the project “Steve Haggerty”. 
by Steven Freeman and Alan Freeman


Tracks
1. Natron (K. Weber, M.M. Maas, R. Erbel) - 6:17
2. A Horseman's Morningsong (Hauff, M.M. Maas, R. Erbel) - 5:00
3. Tapeworm (K. Weber, R. Erbel) 5:30
4. Hear What I'm Talking (K. Weber, R. Erbel) 5:20
5. Blind People (K. Weber, R. Erbel) 9:10
6. This World Between 6 And 8 A.M. (K. Weber, R. Erbel) 4:47
7. Wunderbar (M.M. Maas, R. Erbel) - 6:40
8. Preussens Gorilla (Conny Plank, K. Weber) - 2:13

Creative Rock
*Rainer Erbel - Vocals
*Hubertus Kreutner - Trumpet, Vocals
*M.M. Maas - Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
*Gunter Schmeide - Bass, Guitar
*Heiko Steinsiek - Drums, Percussion
*Rudiger Stremmel - Saxophone, Vocals
*Klaus Weber - Guitar, Percussion

1974  Lady Pig

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Saturday, June 1, 2013

Chris Youlden - Citychild (1974 uk, magnificent blues jazzy funk rock)



Youlden has a great voice and is capable of writing classic material. Here the results are kind of hit-or-miss. His second solo effort, the collection found Youlden handling production duties. Self-produced, the album was more varied than his debut. While the bluesy "Little Cog In a Big Wheel", "Love and Pain" and "It Ain't for Real" recalled his Savoy Brown-styled roots, "Conjure Wife" was an out-out-out rocker, while "Born and Raised In the City" and "Keep Your Lamp Lit" were actually funky (in a Boz Scaggs kind of way). Best of the lot was the haunting ballad "Spare Change". Like the debut, the set proved commercially stillborn.


Tracks
1. Conjure Wife- 3:40
2. Born And Raised In The City- 4:00
3. The Morning Light- 3:25
4. Keep Your Lamp Lit- 3:24
5. Little Cog In A Big Wheel- 3:54
6. Peace Of Mind- 3:23
7. Walking The Streets Again- 2:27
8. Spare Change- 3:44
9. Love And Pain- 5:49
10.It Ain't For Real- 3:09
All titles by Chris Youlden

Musicians
*John Beecham - Trombone
*Dave Caswell - Trumpet
*Michael Cotton - Trumpet
*Rosko Gee - Bass
*Derek Griffiths - Guitar
*Suzanne Lynch - Vocals
*Jack Mills - Guitar
*Nick Newell - Saxophone
*Anna Peacock - Vocals
*Terry Stannard - Drums
*Pete Wingfield - Keyboards
*Joy Yates - Vocals
*Chris Youlden - Vocals

1973  Nowhere Road
with Savoy Brown
1967-68  Shake Down / Getting To The Point
1969-70  Raw Sienna / Looking In

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Friday, May 31, 2013

Chris Youlden - Nowhere Road (1973 uk, fabulous blues rock with funky soul vibes)



Nowhere Road is an underrated album, which is easily explained. Chris Youlden is illustrated with Savoy Brown in the late sixties. But this first solo album goes in a different direction. Youlden are indeed reveals a facet soul / funk at risk of losing its public road, which did not fail to occur. 

It was therefore too soul for some and too blues for others. Yet Nowhere Road is a beautiful piece and deserves to be included in the collections funk worthy of the name.  Our bluesman lost there appears indeed to his best and here his vocal qualities are no longer any doubt. The instrumental part, delicate, jazzy and full of groove is not used and remains perfectly adventures Youlden. 

The overall result goes beyond the specifications announced. This is particularly the last tracks that deserves all the praise, and with In the Wood Street Sounds and especially Wake Up Neighbour, genial way, that alone can motivate and justify the hearing of this album. 


Tracks
1. Nowhere Road - 4:51
2. One October Day - 2:25
3. Chink Of Sanity - 4:01
4. Crying In The Road - 3:38
5. Mamma Don't You Talk So Loud - 3:13
6. Standing On The Corner - 3:29
7. In The Wood - 4:14
8. Wake Up Neighbour - 2:39
9. Street Sounds - 4:31
10.Time Will Tell - 2:43
11.Pick Up My Dogs - 2:40
All songs written by Chris Youlden

Musicians
*Chris Youlden – Vocals
*Danny Kirwan – Guitar
*Chris Spedding – Guitar
*Ray Fenwick – Guitar
*Foggy Lyttle – Acoustic Guitar
*Andy Silvester – Bass
*Roy Babbington – Bass
*Bruce Rowland – Drums
*Mike Macnaught – Piano
*Pete Wingfield – Piano
*Sue Glover – Backing Vocals
*Sunny Leslie - Backing Vocals

with Savoy Brown 
1967-68  Shake Down / Getting To The Point
1969-70  Raw Sienna / Looking In

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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Eire Apparent - Sunrise (1969 ireland, splendid varied imaginative psychedelia, 2010 Flawed Gems issue)



Eire Apparent was in fact the last lineup of The People, a band whose history dates back through several lineup changes to the early 1960's. The People had been managed by David Robinson and had moved from North Ireland to Blackpool and then spent a highly successful and influential period in Dublin, before setting off for London in May 1967. There they endured a tough couple of months until old manager Dave Robinson got them a gig at the UFO club. This brought them to the attention of Mike Jeffreys & Chas Chandler which led to a new management deal, a name change to Eire Apparent courtesy of Chandler, and support slots on the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Move and Pink Floyd tour of November - December 1967.

Eire Apparent's recording debut was an excellent single for Track Records, "Follow Me" / "Here I Go Again". Released in January 1968, it failed to take off and Track did not pick up the option for an LP. Nevertheless the band's fortunes were picking up especially in North America, where they spent most of 1968 touring as support act either for Hendrix or The Animals, and often with the Soft Machine on the same bill, as all these acts were managed by Jeffreys & Chandler. Unfortunately Henry McCullough was busted in Canada sometime in the first half of 1968 and had to leave the country to avoid a jail sentence. The rest of the band were understandably reluctant to quit the tour, and so McCullough's place was taken by Mick Cox (ex The End, The Alleykatz). The band eventually signed a deal with Buddah Records and were the first non-USA act on the label.

With a new lead guitarist and Jimi Hendrix in the producer's chair, the band recorded it's debut LP for Buddah Records in October 1968. "Sunrise" is a mix of rock, 60s pop, psychedelia and some early progressive moves. It's diverse nature is held against it in some quarters but it's long been a staple for psych collectors. It sold reasonably well at the time and was kept in print for some years. It was once a common bargin bin find, but now it's become somewhat harder to find in good condition. One track on the album "Mr. Guy Fawkes" became a hit for Australian psych band The Dave Miller Set, who recorded a fantastic version of the song. Mick Cox left the band for reasons unknown before the album was released. He was replaced by David 'Tiger' Taylor (ex Teddie & The Tigers) in November 1968.

Back in London in early 1969, the band recorded a new song "Rock'N'Roll Band" for the A-side of their second single. Buddah released their debut LP in January(?) 1969 in the USA only. The rest of January was spent touring in Europe with Hendrix. Rough tapes survive of the bands performances in Stuttgart (January 19) and Vienna (January 22nd) on this tour. Their half hour set included covers of "The Price of Love" (Everly Brothers), "Highway 61 Revisited" (Dylan) and "Gloria" (Them), the later including extended instrumental sections complete with drum solo. At the end of this tour the relationship with Mike Jeffreys and Hendrix ended, and the band returned to the UK without management or record company support.

The rest of 1969 was spent by the band trying to establish itself in the UK but they paid the price for concentrating on touring in the USA and being signed to a US label. They found themselves starting from scratch again. The second single came out in March 1969 to promote the upcoming UK release of the debut album. "Rock'N'Roll Band" is very good but the B-side, "Yes I Need Someone" is superb. It failed to chart. On April 20th they recorded three tracks for a John Peel BBC Top Gear session which have never been released. The debut LP which was finally released in the UK in May 1969 with a slightly altered track listing.

The band continued to tour through 1969 and into 1970. After a long year spent touring the small clubs and universities in Britain and with nothing to show for it, the band finally split in late 1970 (or May 1970?). Tiger Taylor had left by this stage to form Anno Domini. His short-lived replacement was Peter Tolson (guitar/vocals), better known for his time with the Pretty Things in the mid-70s. Ernie Graham recorded an excellent solo LP for Liberty Records in 1971, on which he was backed by members of Brinsley Schwartz, and was involved in Help Yourself (briefly, in 1972) and then formed Clancy. Dave Lutton played drums with Heavy Jelly, Ellis and Marc Bolan. Chrissie Stewart joined Frankie Miller's Full House and was later in Spooky Tooth.

After Henry McCullough left the band, he'd briefly been in Sweeney's Men and later joined Joe Cocker's Grease Band, and eventually released two solo albums on George Harrison's Dark Horse label. His list of guest appearances is long. Mick Cox later fronted his own Mick Cox Band and recorded with Van Morrison in the 80s.


Tracks
1. Yes I Need Someone (Chris Stewart, David Lutton, Ernie Graham, Mick Cox) - 3:09
2. Got To Get Away (Ernie Graham) - 3:19
3. The Clown (Chris Stewart) - 3:17
4. Mr. Guy Fawkes (Mick Cox) - 5:52
5. Someone Is Sure To (Want You) (Ernie Graham) - 2:34
6. Rock 'n' Roll Band (Ernie Graham, Tiger Taylor) - 3:24
7. Morning Glory (Mick Cox) - 3:24
8. Magic Carpet (Ernie Graham) - 2:50
9. Captive In The Sun (Mick Cox) - 5:38
10.1026 (Ernie Graham, Chris Stewart) - 4:08
11.Let Me Stay (Chris Stewart, David Lutton, Ernie Graham, Mick Cox) - 3:37
12.Here I Go Again (Chris Stewart, David Lutton, Ernie Graham, Henry McCullough) - 2:09
13.Follow Me (Mickey Keen, Neil Landon, Robin Shaw) - 2:43
14.The Price Of Love (Don Everly, Phil Everly) - 12:20 
15.Highway 61 (Bob Dylan) - 4:35 
16.Blues - 4:38 
17.Gloria (Van Morrison) - 11:37
Track 11 from US Album
Tracks 12-13 UK 1968 Single
Tracks 14-17 Live recordings Stuttgart Germany, 19th Jan 1969 

Eire Apparent
(Original album lineup)
*Ernie Graham - Lead Vocals, Guitar
*Mick Cox - Lead Guitar
*Chris Stewart - Bass
*Dave Lutton - Drums
Special  Guests
*Jimi Hendrix - Guitar
*Noel Redding - Harmony Vocals
*Robert Wyatt - Harmony Vocals
Bonus Live Tracks lineup 
*Ernie Graham - Lead Vocals, Guitar
*David 'Tiger' Taylor - Lead Guitar
*Chris Stewart - Bass
*Dave Lutton - Drums

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