Pysch/Prog/Folk Thread for Anybody Interested
Posted by: Guido Fawkes on 06 August 2006
JWM - asked if I'd considered a compendium of Prog rock. Well I'm probably not up to the task and as I'll probably drift in to Pysch and Folk and Euro and Space Rock without even noticing, I've titled the thread accordingly. So I'm afraid it's a case of Irk The Purists and lets give it a go. See also the Prog thread.
So where do we start - lets go back to 1926. Janáček’s Sinfonietta was written in the spring of 1926. And yes you know it - it was borrowed by ELP on their first album and called Knife Edge and it was also used to introduce the 60s classic court room drama - Crown Court. So if you haven't got this in your collection then you should have and if you are one of those who posts that he (or she) doesn't like classical music then give it a try.
Of course, when we arrive in the 1960s things start to happen. Perhaps most significant are these albums
Shirley Collins - should be Dame Shirley as she has done more for English music than anybody - Shirley Collins is without doubt one of England's greatest cultural treasures - Billy Bragg
Folk Roots, New Roots - Shirley Collins and Davey Graham: it is simple really: collect some of the best songs from our heritage and bring together a superb singer and a very good guitarist. You have a masterpiece.
1. Nottamun Town
2. Proud Maisrie
3. The Cherry Tree Carol
4. Blue Monk
5. Hares On The Mountain
6. Reynardine
7. Pretty Saro
8. Rif Mountain
9. Jane, Jane
10. Love Is Pleasin'
11. Boll Weevil, Holler
12. Hori Horo
13. Bad Girl
14. Lord Greggory
15. Grooveyard
16. Dearest Dear
Growing up listening in a house where jazz, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley dominated, Folk Roots, New Roots was a breath of fresh air - it made me want to listen to music. I've been an addict ever since.
Of course, we have got to mention the Beatles and the Kinks - it is easy: simply buy all their albums: there are no duff ones. But that is obvious and I think my compendium should focus on the less obvious
So lets kick of with the Incredible String Band - it was they that influenced the Beatles. The two albums that you simply must listen to are
The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion contains alternating Heron and Williamson songs. Every track is sensational and it combines eastern and western music in a unique way.
"Chinese White" (Mike Heron) – 3:40
"No Sleep Blues" (Robin Williamson) – 3:53
"Painting Box" (Heron) – 4:04
"The Mad Hatter's Song" (Williamson) – 5:40
"Little Cloud" (Heron) – 4:05
"The Eyes of Fate" (Williamson) – 4:02
"Blues for the Muse" (Williamson) – 2:49
"The Hedgehog's Song" (Heron) – 3:30
"First Girl I Loved" (Williamson) – 4:55
"You Know What You Could Be" (Heron) – 2:46
"My Name Is Death" (Williamson) – 2:46
"Gently Tender" (Heron) – 4:49
"Way Back in the 1960s" (Williamson) – 3:11
I'm tempted to say The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter is more of the same and in many ways it is, but it contains an epic song: 'A Very Cellular Song' which drifts from one musical style to another and yet maintains its coherence.
"Koeeaddi There" (Robin Williamson) - 4:49
"The Minotaur's Song" (Williamson) - 3:22
"Witches Hat" (Williamson) - 2:33
"A Very Cellular Song" (Mike Heron) - 13:09
"Mercy I Cry City" (Heron) - 2:46
"Waltz of the New Moon" (Williamson) - 5:10
"The Water Song" (Williamson) - 2:50
"Three Is a Green Crown" (Williamson) - 7:46
"Swift as the Wind" (Heron) - 4:53
"Nightfall" (Williamson) - 2:33
So these are my first two recommendations for anybody vaguely interested. I don't think these albums would have surfaced had it not been for Shirley Collins and I doubt if we would have had Sgt Pepper had it not been for the Beatles love of ISB (though it was the ISB's first album from '66 that John Lennon and Paul McCartney both acknowledged).
So where do we start - lets go back to 1926. Janáček’s Sinfonietta was written in the spring of 1926. And yes you know it - it was borrowed by ELP on their first album and called Knife Edge and it was also used to introduce the 60s classic court room drama - Crown Court. So if you haven't got this in your collection then you should have and if you are one of those who posts that he (or she) doesn't like classical music then give it a try.
Of course, when we arrive in the 1960s things start to happen. Perhaps most significant are these albums
Shirley Collins - should be Dame Shirley as she has done more for English music than anybody - Shirley Collins is without doubt one of England's greatest cultural treasures - Billy Bragg
Folk Roots, New Roots - Shirley Collins and Davey Graham: it is simple really: collect some of the best songs from our heritage and bring together a superb singer and a very good guitarist. You have a masterpiece.
1. Nottamun Town
2. Proud Maisrie
3. The Cherry Tree Carol
4. Blue Monk
5. Hares On The Mountain
6. Reynardine
7. Pretty Saro
8. Rif Mountain
9. Jane, Jane
10. Love Is Pleasin'
11. Boll Weevil, Holler
12. Hori Horo
13. Bad Girl
14. Lord Greggory
15. Grooveyard
16. Dearest Dear
Growing up listening in a house where jazz, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley dominated, Folk Roots, New Roots was a breath of fresh air - it made me want to listen to music. I've been an addict ever since.
Of course, we have got to mention the Beatles and the Kinks - it is easy: simply buy all their albums: there are no duff ones. But that is obvious and I think my compendium should focus on the less obvious
So lets kick of with the Incredible String Band - it was they that influenced the Beatles. The two albums that you simply must listen to are
The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion contains alternating Heron and Williamson songs. Every track is sensational and it combines eastern and western music in a unique way.
"Chinese White" (Mike Heron) – 3:40
"No Sleep Blues" (Robin Williamson) – 3:53
"Painting Box" (Heron) – 4:04
"The Mad Hatter's Song" (Williamson) – 5:40
"Little Cloud" (Heron) – 4:05
"The Eyes of Fate" (Williamson) – 4:02
"Blues for the Muse" (Williamson) – 2:49
"The Hedgehog's Song" (Heron) – 3:30
"First Girl I Loved" (Williamson) – 4:55
"You Know What You Could Be" (Heron) – 2:46
"My Name Is Death" (Williamson) – 2:46
"Gently Tender" (Heron) – 4:49
"Way Back in the 1960s" (Williamson) – 3:11
I'm tempted to say The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter is more of the same and in many ways it is, but it contains an epic song: 'A Very Cellular Song' which drifts from one musical style to another and yet maintains its coherence.
"Koeeaddi There" (Robin Williamson) - 4:49
"The Minotaur's Song" (Williamson) - 3:22
"Witches Hat" (Williamson) - 2:33
"A Very Cellular Song" (Mike Heron) - 13:09
"Mercy I Cry City" (Heron) - 2:46
"Waltz of the New Moon" (Williamson) - 5:10
"The Water Song" (Williamson) - 2:50
"Three Is a Green Crown" (Williamson) - 7:46
"Swift as the Wind" (Heron) - 4:53
"Nightfall" (Williamson) - 2:33
So these are my first two recommendations for anybody vaguely interested. I don't think these albums would have surfaced had it not been for Shirley Collins and I doubt if we would have had Sgt Pepper had it not been for the Beatles love of ISB (though it was the ISB's first album from '66 that John Lennon and Paul McCartney both acknowledged).
quote:Originally posted by Andy Devon:
Rotf - this is an excellent thread and I fully concur with all your choices although I don't have anywhere near all the albums you list by each artist and only a dim memory of Dantalion's Chariot even though I really enjoyed Zoot Money's work.
This has all set me thinking more:
You mention all Pentangle being worthy of mention - I agree. Although Danny Thompson is usually thought of as the superb bass player for people like Richard Thompson and John Martyn, I really rate a lot of his solo work specifically:
Whatever
Whatever Next
Elemental
These 3 albums combine modern jazz, folk and celtic music in an entirely different way to Pentangle and with some outstanding players like Tony Roberts, Paul Dunmall and the addition of John Etheridge on Elemental it has a much harder edge to the music.
Next would be Robin and Barry Dransfield. My personal favourite is 'Lord of All I Behold'. Melody Maker Folk album of the year probably in 1971, it has some great original music but I remember it for the very original version of 'The Wild Rover'(that well known Irish drinking song which I have always hated)but which is transformed by them into something of beauty.
They also have a good double cd compilation called 'Up to Now' - unfortunately without 'The Wild Rover'.
Finally, as you broaden the scope with the inclusion of Dantalion's Chariot I'll slip another one in:
Blossom Toes - If Only for a Moment.
The first track is quite heavy and unlike the rest of the album which I love for the excellent twin lead guitar work of Brian Godding and Jim Cregan. A real pyschedelic classic from 1969 for me.
Wow Andy - lots of great stuff in your post to explore.
I wish I could get some Blossom Toes elpees/CDs - the only thing I've got by them is the A side of
which is on Rubble 20.
Thanks, Rotf
When psych group Kaleidoscope went progressive they changed their name to Fairfield Parlour - dspite playing the fabulous single Bordeaux Rose on TOTP, no hit followed.
As Kaleidoscope, Peter Daltry and his friends released two great albums - the first of these is the better IMO, but both are worthy.
Tangerine Dream and Faintly Blowing are tremendous psych albums from the golden age of British pop music. The comilation Dive Into Yesterday contains most of Tangerine Dream and all of Faintly Blowing and is worth having if the two separate albums are too hard to find.
When the group became Fairfield Palour they released From Home To Home - a very good melodic album that didn't sell very well and then became one of those sort after collectors items passing hands for well over £100. Eventually, it, coupled with the previously unreleasd album White Faced Lady, was released along with losts of bonus tracks on Kaleidoscope : The Fairfield Parlour Years which is the version I have and thoroughly recommend.
So a psych group that went prog (in the subdued melodic sense of prog - more I talk to the wind than schizoid man).
I don't know Peter Daltry's solo efforts so would welcome any comments.
Both Kaleidoscope and Fairfield Parlour are worth checking out. The Sunnyside Circus (a non-album single that you can find on Kaleidoscope : The Fairfield Parlour Years) web site has the difinitive information on the group ( here)
As Kaleidoscope, Peter Daltry and his friends released two great albums - the first of these is the better IMO, but both are worthy.
Tangerine Dream and Faintly Blowing are tremendous psych albums from the golden age of British pop music. The comilation Dive Into Yesterday contains most of Tangerine Dream and all of Faintly Blowing and is worth having if the two separate albums are too hard to find.
When the group became Fairfield Palour they released From Home To Home - a very good melodic album that didn't sell very well and then became one of those sort after collectors items passing hands for well over £100. Eventually, it, coupled with the previously unreleasd album White Faced Lady, was released along with losts of bonus tracks on Kaleidoscope : The Fairfield Parlour Years which is the version I have and thoroughly recommend.
So a psych group that went prog (in the subdued melodic sense of prog - more I talk to the wind than schizoid man).
I don't know Peter Daltry's solo efforts so would welcome any comments.
Both Kaleidoscope and Fairfield Parlour are worth checking out. The Sunnyside Circus (a non-album single that you can find on Kaleidoscope : The Fairfield Parlour Years) web site has the difinitive information on the group ( here)
OK - not much background but some psych classics that you may want to check out from some familiar names - these are better than you think
The Status Quo - Picturesque Matchstickable Messages from the Status Quo and Spare Parts - they disown these two Pye albums now, but no need to Mr Rossi and Mr Parfitt and Mr Lancaster, as this remains your greatest achievement, but like ice in the sun, it just melted away and you went down, down, deeper and down.
However, the Hollies need apologise to none. They made superb pop albums and led by Graham Nash made two psych greats
Butterfly and Evolution are great records, as is the non-album psych single King Midas In Reverse
Lastly, in this post I'd like to recommend What a State I'm in: the Psych-Pop Sessions by The Tremeloes.
24 great tracks including the hit single Call Me Number One
The Status Quo - Picturesque Matchstickable Messages from the Status Quo and Spare Parts - they disown these two Pye albums now, but no need to Mr Rossi and Mr Parfitt and Mr Lancaster, as this remains your greatest achievement, but like ice in the sun, it just melted away and you went down, down, deeper and down.
However, the Hollies need apologise to none. They made superb pop albums and led by Graham Nash made two psych greats
Butterfly and Evolution are great records, as is the non-album psych single King Midas In Reverse
Lastly, in this post I'd like to recommend What a State I'm in: the Psych-Pop Sessions by The Tremeloes.
24 great tracks including the hit single Call Me Number One
Joe Boyd produced was responsible for us hearing some great music from the Incredible String Band and Fairport Convention, but one of his greatest triumphs was his supervision of Vashti Bunyan for he superb album Just Another Diamond Day. The musical accompaniment is from none other than Robin Williamson, Dave Swarbrick and Simon Nicol with string arrangements from Robert Kirby, who worked with Nick Drake. This is a haunting album with an outstanding feel. It is a very happy record from 1970
1. Just Another Diamond Day
2. Glow Worms
3. Lily Pond
4. Timothy Grub
5. Where I Like to Stand
6. Swallow Song Bunyan
7. Window Over the Bay
8. Rose Hip November
9. Come Wind Come Rain
10. Hebridean Sun
11. Rainbow River
12. Trawlerman's Song
13. Jog Along Bess
14. Iris's Song for Us
The follow-up was not until 2005 (35 years later) and Leftaftering is a great folk record - up there with the best of current efforts in genere (i.e. Karine Polwart).
More details of Vashti are on the Vashti Bunyan web site.
Just another diamond day
Just a blade of grass
Just another bale of hay
And the horses pass.
Just another field to plough
Just a grain of wheat
Just a sack of seed to sow
And the children eat.
Just another life to live
Just a word to say
Just another love to give
And a diamond day
1. Just Another Diamond Day
2. Glow Worms
3. Lily Pond
4. Timothy Grub
5. Where I Like to Stand
6. Swallow Song Bunyan
7. Window Over the Bay
8. Rose Hip November
9. Come Wind Come Rain
10. Hebridean Sun
11. Rainbow River
12. Trawlerman's Song
13. Jog Along Bess
14. Iris's Song for Us
The follow-up was not until 2005 (35 years later) and Leftaftering is a great folk record - up there with the best of current efforts in genere (i.e. Karine Polwart).
More details of Vashti are on the Vashti Bunyan web site.
Just another diamond day
Just a blade of grass
Just another bale of hay
And the horses pass.
Just another field to plough
Just a grain of wheat
Just a sack of seed to sow
And the children eat.
Just another life to live
Just a word to say
Just another love to give
And a diamond day
One of my favourite psych bands were The Action - the classic line-up was
Richard Sherman (vocals)
John DuCann (guitar)
Jim Avery (bass)
George Watt (keyboards)
Chris Allen (drums)
John DuCann went on to join Atomic Rooster and was on their best albums Death Walks Behind You and In The Hearing Of, but it is not John I want to make the subject of this post - it's Jim Avery.
After leaving the Attack, Jim joined Hooked and then he joined forces with Terry Stamp and formed one of Britain's great unsung bands: Third World War.
TWW made two great albums
Third World War and Third World War 2.
This was intelligent pub/punk rock long before such things were fashionable - yet there was a psych/prog feeling in it too. The albums are unique and you must not take the titles of the tracks seriously: the themes were meant as a joke. So fear not about tracks like Preaching Violence or Cosh An Old Lady Blues or you won't, no you get that load, up Stardom Road.
Third World War were doing it when everything else was dead - Joe Strummer
Listening this week to the Clash’s album, noting its attitude and sentiments, I was driven back to Third World War, and having played the old album a couple of times afresh I'm convinced that it is one of the most prophetic yet neglected items in all of British rock. Richard Williams, Melody Maker 1977 Their two LP’s are wonderful listening, and fans of the “Kick Out the Jams” era MC5 will find Third World War (the name says it all) as kindred spirits and even more political.
The first Third World War was one I and friend played relentlessly at school back in 1970. Ascension Day was a Radio Luxembourg record of the week. My favourite TWW track was, of course, Stardom Road
Well, I kicked on my mule, and he obeyed me,
Everyone else snuffed and delayed me.
They said you ain't got the voice,
And you ain’t got the chords,
Living in Bayswater on floorboards.
And you won’t, no you won’t, no you won’t,
Take that load up Stardom Road.
“Stardom Road” 1970
Richard Sherman (vocals)
John DuCann (guitar)
Jim Avery (bass)
George Watt (keyboards)
Chris Allen (drums)
John DuCann went on to join Atomic Rooster and was on their best albums Death Walks Behind You and In The Hearing Of, but it is not John I want to make the subject of this post - it's Jim Avery.
After leaving the Attack, Jim joined Hooked and then he joined forces with Terry Stamp and formed one of Britain's great unsung bands: Third World War.
TWW made two great albums
Third World War and Third World War 2.
This was intelligent pub/punk rock long before such things were fashionable - yet there was a psych/prog feeling in it too. The albums are unique and you must not take the titles of the tracks seriously: the themes were meant as a joke. So fear not about tracks like Preaching Violence or Cosh An Old Lady Blues or you won't, no you get that load, up Stardom Road.
Third World War were doing it when everything else was dead - Joe Strummer
Listening this week to the Clash’s album, noting its attitude and sentiments, I was driven back to Third World War, and having played the old album a couple of times afresh I'm convinced that it is one of the most prophetic yet neglected items in all of British rock. Richard Williams, Melody Maker 1977 Their two LP’s are wonderful listening, and fans of the “Kick Out the Jams” era MC5 will find Third World War (the name says it all) as kindred spirits and even more political.
The first Third World War was one I and friend played relentlessly at school back in 1970. Ascension Day was a Radio Luxembourg record of the week. My favourite TWW track was, of course, Stardom Road
Well, I kicked on my mule, and he obeyed me,
Everyone else snuffed and delayed me.
They said you ain't got the voice,
And you ain’t got the chords,
Living in Bayswater on floorboards.
And you won’t, no you won’t, no you won’t,
Take that load up Stardom Road.
“Stardom Road” 1970
Kevin Ayres was a founder member of the Soft Machine - if your interested in their early years then Jet Propelled Photographs is the one to go for - you can also find the Softs first single Love Makes Sweet Music on a Rubble CD - I think it's 19 or 20. Of course the first Soft Machine album is good too, as are Kevin's first and second albums:Joy For A Toy and Shooting At The Moon - the second introduces a 17 year old Mike Oldfield on guitar. Mike is still on Kevin's third album - the absolutely marvelleous Whatevershebringswesing
This album contain lots of great music, but two tracks stand out for me: Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes and Song From The Bottom Of A Well. I have never heard another track quite like Song From The Bottom Of A Well.
Kevin's subsequent albums are good, but for me Whatevershebringswesing is his best and indeed my favourite album from the Canterbury scene.
Rotf
Second Hand
I don't know too much about this group but the first album is strange and the second album is weired.
1. A Fairy Tale
2. Rhubarb!
3. Denis James the Clown
4. Steam Tugs
5. Good Old '59 (We Are Slowly Gettin' Older)
6. The World Will End Yesterday
7. Denis James (Ode to D.J.)
8. Mainliner Reality
9. The Bath Song
Line-up
- Ken Elliott / keyboards, vocals
- Kieran O’Connor / drums & percussion
- Nick South / bass
- Bobby Gibbons / guitar
Guest musician:
- Chris Williams / flute, cello, violin & saxophone
1. Death May Be Your Santa Claus (2:38)
2. Hangin' on an Eyelid (4:19)
3. Lucifer and the Egg (7:48)
4. Somethin' You Got (2:54)
5. Dip It Out of the Bog Fred (*) (1:37)
6. Baby R U Anudda Monster (*) (3:20)
7. Cyclops (6:29)
8. Sic Transit Gloria Mundi (1:00)
9. Revelations Ch. 16, Vs. 9-12 (3:35)
10. Take to the Skies (2:03)
11. Death May Be Your Santa Claus (Reprise) (5:20)
12. Funeral (3:00)
Line-up
- Ken Elliott / organ, mellotron, vocals, piano
- Kieran O'Connor / percussion, drums, noise, vibraphone, vocals
- George Hart / bass, vocals, violin
- Moggy Mead / guitar
- Rob Elliot / vocals
Guest musicians:
- Lol Coxhill / saxophone
- Tony McGill / guitar
Well worth a listen.
There is a bio here
I don't know too much about this group but the first album is strange and the second album is weired.
1. A Fairy Tale
2. Rhubarb!
3. Denis James the Clown
4. Steam Tugs
5. Good Old '59 (We Are Slowly Gettin' Older)
6. The World Will End Yesterday
7. Denis James (Ode to D.J.)
8. Mainliner Reality
9. The Bath Song
Line-up
- Ken Elliott / keyboards, vocals
- Kieran O’Connor / drums & percussion
- Nick South / bass
- Bobby Gibbons / guitar
Guest musician:
- Chris Williams / flute, cello, violin & saxophone
1. Death May Be Your Santa Claus (2:38)
2. Hangin' on an Eyelid (4:19)
3. Lucifer and the Egg (7:48)
4. Somethin' You Got (2:54)
5. Dip It Out of the Bog Fred (*) (1:37)
6. Baby R U Anudda Monster (*) (3:20)
7. Cyclops (6:29)
8. Sic Transit Gloria Mundi (1:00)
9. Revelations Ch. 16, Vs. 9-12 (3:35)
10. Take to the Skies (2:03)
11. Death May Be Your Santa Claus (Reprise) (5:20)
12. Funeral (3:00)
Line-up
- Ken Elliott / organ, mellotron, vocals, piano
- Kieran O'Connor / percussion, drums, noise, vibraphone, vocals
- George Hart / bass, vocals, violin
- Moggy Mead / guitar
- Rob Elliot / vocals
Guest musicians:
- Lol Coxhill / saxophone
- Tony McGill / guitar
Well worth a listen.
There is a bio here
Far better IMHO than either of the Second Hand albums (although they are still worth a listen) is Mike Heron's first solo album: Smilin' Men With Bad Reputations
Mike is backed by John Cale, Brotherhood of Breath, Dr Stangely Strange and Tommy and the Bijoux (a.k.a. The Who). This is a great record and all but forgotten.
Hey I'm a hungry man and you know I ain't taling 'bout grits
Yeah I'll bid for the puzzle 'cos I think I know how it fits
You could be fat as a hog, still you want to chew it
One day you're gonna find out - hot dog doesn't do it
Talkin' bout warm hot pastry sure nuf I am
1. Call Me Diamond
2. Flowers of the Forest
3. Audrey
4. Brindaban
5. Feast of Stephen
6. Spirit Beautiful
7. Warm Heart Pastry
8. Beautiful Stranger
9. No Turning Back
I think there are extra tracks on the CD version that I don't know, but it is a superb record that I thoroughly recommend.
Mike is backed by John Cale, Brotherhood of Breath, Dr Stangely Strange and Tommy and the Bijoux (a.k.a. The Who). This is a great record and all but forgotten.
Hey I'm a hungry man and you know I ain't taling 'bout grits
Yeah I'll bid for the puzzle 'cos I think I know how it fits
You could be fat as a hog, still you want to chew it
One day you're gonna find out - hot dog doesn't do it
Talkin' bout warm hot pastry sure nuf I am
1. Call Me Diamond
2. Flowers of the Forest
3. Audrey
4. Brindaban
5. Feast of Stephen
6. Spirit Beautiful
7. Warm Heart Pastry
8. Beautiful Stranger
9. No Turning Back
I think there are extra tracks on the CD version that I don't know, but it is a superb record that I thoroughly recommend.
And then there was Pussy
Pussy Plays is a keyboard laiden album that has good and self indulgent parts. The good outweighs the self indulgent and it is well worth a listen
1. Come Back June
2. All Of My Life
3. We Built The Sun
4. Comets Listen
5. Tragedy In F Minor
6. Open Ground
7. Everybody's Song
8. GEAB
But you'd be better off with The Wimple Winch Story if you can find it =
Wimple Winch released three Fontana singles with great tracks on both sides
What's Been Done/I Really Love You (fontana 1966)Fontana TF686
Save My Soul/Everybody's Worried 'bout Tomorrow (fontana 1966)Fontana TF718
Rumble On Mersey Square South/Typical British Workmanship (fontana 1967)Fontana TF781
and no I haven't got any of the originals - expect to pay over £100 for mint versions. I do have Wimple Winch - The Psychedelic Years which contains these tracks and, of course, you'll find them plus Atmospheres on Rubble (1 & 2). It depends what day of the week you ask me what is my favourite single and I usually answer See Emily Play, though sometimes I say Defecting Grey, but if anybody says Save My Soul by The Wimple Winch is the best single ever then I'm not going to argue as they are probably right (*). Oh BTW Wimple Wich were originally called the Four Just Men and then the Just Four Men and released some singles under those names, not worth the effort of tracking down IMO - stay with The Wimples.
BTW this album is now deleted, but you can still get it you want - e.g. Freak Emporium.
(*) I naturally assume all HMHB records are excluded in any such lists.
Pussy Plays is a keyboard laiden album that has good and self indulgent parts. The good outweighs the self indulgent and it is well worth a listen
1. Come Back June
2. All Of My Life
3. We Built The Sun
4. Comets Listen
5. Tragedy In F Minor
6. Open Ground
7. Everybody's Song
8. GEAB
But you'd be better off with The Wimple Winch Story if you can find it =
Wimple Winch released three Fontana singles with great tracks on both sides
What's Been Done/I Really Love You (fontana 1966)Fontana TF686
Save My Soul/Everybody's Worried 'bout Tomorrow (fontana 1966)Fontana TF718
Rumble On Mersey Square South/Typical British Workmanship (fontana 1967)Fontana TF781
and no I haven't got any of the originals - expect to pay over £100 for mint versions. I do have Wimple Winch - The Psychedelic Years which contains these tracks and, of course, you'll find them plus Atmospheres on Rubble (1 & 2). It depends what day of the week you ask me what is my favourite single and I usually answer See Emily Play, though sometimes I say Defecting Grey, but if anybody says Save My Soul by The Wimple Winch is the best single ever then I'm not going to argue as they are probably right (*). Oh BTW Wimple Wich were originally called the Four Just Men and then the Just Four Men and released some singles under those names, not worth the effort of tracking down IMO - stay with The Wimples.
BTW this album is now deleted, but you can still get it you want - e.g. Freak Emporium.
(*) I naturally assume all HMHB records are excluded in any such lists.
Gentle Giant was formed by Derek, Ray, and Phil Shulman in 1970 after they dissolved their pop group Simon Dupree and the Big Sound. The brothers joined with Gary Green, Kerry Minnear, and a succession of drummers to produce a series of twelve albums throughout the 1970s, finally dissolving quietly in 1980.
Simon Dupree and the Big Sound released the exotic top 10 single Kites - a truly superb record - I've got a complitation by them, but it is not that great really, it is not awful either.
However, Gentle Giant, are well worth a listen
My recommendations are
Acquiring The Taste and Octopus.
GG are different with the focus on very unusual vocals and some quite complex musical passages. You either love 'em or hate 'em. I've heard them described as Jethro Tull meets Barclay James Harvest. I think they are one of the more interesting prog bands and worthy of more credit for their innovative approach.
Simon Dupree and the Big Sound released the exotic top 10 single Kites - a truly superb record - I've got a complitation by them, but it is not that great really, it is not awful either.
However, Gentle Giant, are well worth a listen
My recommendations are
Acquiring The Taste and Octopus.
GG are different with the focus on very unusual vocals and some quite complex musical passages. You either love 'em or hate 'em. I've heard them described as Jethro Tull meets Barclay James Harvest. I think they are one of the more interesting prog bands and worthy of more credit for their innovative approach.
Art were
Luther Grosvenor: Guitars
Mike Harrison: Vocals, keyboards
Mike Kellie: Drums and percussion
Greg Ridley: Bass, Guitar
They recorded an excellent 1967 album called Supernatural Fairy Tales and then along came Gary Wright (you know the Dream Weaver guy). He joined Art and they became Spooky Tooth.
They realeased two great albums
It's All About and my favourite spooky album [/i]Spooky Two[/i] with Wright and Harrison swapping the vocals around on Evil Woman much better than the Three Dog Night version IMHO.
Then came one of the oddest albums I have ever bought.
It featured Pierre Henry on Synthesizer and Electronics and if it hadn't then it may have been a great album, but he was on it and he spoilt it - he just didn't seem to understand his role.
Gary wright wrote all the songs and Pierre Henry wrote the funny noises - both left for the The Last Puff which was a rather inconsequential album.
Three years went and Spooky returned with Gary Wright and Mike Harrison and the reasonably good, though not great, You Broke My Heart So I Busted Your Jaw: it does contain Self Seeking Man, which is worth the price of the album on its own - by far and away the best track. After that we had the mediocre Witness and the somewhat better The Mirror - thanks to Mike Patto joining.
My recommendations are the first three albums - with Spooky Two if you want to try just one.
Rotf
BTW Luther Grosvenor joined Mott The Hoople and was called Aerial Bender - why I have no idea, but it's a mighty long way down rock n roll.