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).
ROTF quotes
Have you forgotten Wigwam?
Finnish band late 60's to 70's recorded for Swedish label Love Records. Did sign to Virgin Records for short time and released two albums for them.
Discography
* Hard & Horny (1969)
* Tombstone Valentine (1970)
* Fairyport (1971)
* Wigwam (1972)(compilation)
* Being (1974)
* Live Music From The Twilight Zone (1974)
* Nuclear Nightclub (1975)
* The Lucky Golden Stripes And Starpose (1976)
* Dark Album (1977)
* Rumours On The Rebound (1979)(compilation)
* Classics - The Rarest (1990)(compilation)
* Light Ages (1993)
* Highlights (2000)(compilation)
* Fresh Garbage Rarities 1969-1977 (2000)
* Wigwam Plays Wigwam Live (2001)
This link to Dutch Progressive Rock Page ( an excellent site for prog fans) has good history and detailed reviews of the albums, they are a band really well worth exploring.
http://www.dprp.net/forgotten/wigwam/index.html
Steve
quote:I don't know many Scandinavian progressive groups.
Have you forgotten Wigwam?
Finnish band late 60's to 70's recorded for Swedish label Love Records. Did sign to Virgin Records for short time and released two albums for them.
Discography
* Hard & Horny (1969)
* Tombstone Valentine (1970)
* Fairyport (1971)
* Wigwam (1972)(compilation)
* Being (1974)
* Live Music From The Twilight Zone (1974)
* Nuclear Nightclub (1975)
* The Lucky Golden Stripes And Starpose (1976)
* Dark Album (1977)
* Rumours On The Rebound (1979)(compilation)
* Classics - The Rarest (1990)(compilation)
* Light Ages (1993)
* Highlights (2000)(compilation)
* Fresh Garbage Rarities 1969-1977 (2000)
* Wigwam Plays Wigwam Live (2001)
This link to Dutch Progressive Rock Page ( an excellent site for prog fans) has good history and detailed reviews of the albums, they are a band really well worth exploring.
http://www.dprp.net/forgotten/wigwam/index.html
Steve
Lightning Tree records has re-issued The Huge World of Emily Small by Picadilly Line on vinyl and there's a CD reissue to follow on 2nd October.
Picadilly Line were a psychedelic pop band who featured future Edwards Hand founders Roger Hand and Rod Edwards (also later in Jade) and who also played at the UFO and Middle Earth. Picadilly Line were produced by Donovan's producer, John Cameron. and were the backing band on Sunshine Superman.
Another Scandinavian Prog Rock group to search out are The Flower Kings-modern Swedish group, notable for typical long tracks, vocals suspect at times but quality of musicianship is excellent-there was one track from them on last months Classic Rock free cd-a prog themed disc-Shine On-to go with prog theme in magazine
Discography for Flower Kings
# Instant Delivery - (2006)
# Paradox Hotel (2006)
# Adam & Eve (2004)
# Meet The Flower Kings - 2CD (2003)
# Unfold The Future (2002)
# The Rainmaker (2001)
# Space Revolver (2000)
# Alive On Planet Earth (2000)
# Flower Power (1999)
# Stardust We Are (1997)
# Retropolis (1996)
# Back In The World Of Adventures (1995)
# The Flower King (1994)
Steve
Discography for Flower Kings
# Instant Delivery - (2006)
# Paradox Hotel (2006)
# Adam & Eve (2004)
# Meet The Flower Kings - 2CD (2003)
# Unfold The Future (2002)
# The Rainmaker (2001)
# Space Revolver (2000)
# Alive On Planet Earth (2000)
# Flower Power (1999)
# Stardust We Are (1997)
# Retropolis (1996)
# Back In The World Of Adventures (1995)
# The Flower King (1994)
Steve
Edward's Hands
UK duo of Rod Edwards (Jade and The Piccadilly Line) and Roger Hand (Piccadilly Line) - a bit like Kaleidoscope during their Fairfield Parlour years.
quote:Originally posted by ROTF:
I know nothing of Circulus other than Amazon kept recommending them to me. Most of my collection is back in 1960/70s. Perhaps I should investigate more recent bands. If they are as good as Curved Air, Renaissance and Caravan then that is a top recommendation...
...Interested to know what it's like, please keep us posted.
I am delighted to report that the first good indications seem to be confirmed!
Their 2006 album 'Clocks are like people' awaited my return from a Conference this week - what a wonderful tonic!
Yes, in Circulus I can still hear those traces of Caravan, Curved Air and Renaissance, but with their own take too. Thoroughly recommended (by the JWMs - myself and Mrs!)
James
I'm going to have to listen to Circulus. Are the Ozric Tentacles on the Classic Rock CD? I really like the Ozrics. I've not heard Porcupine Tree, but I know RC gives them good write-ups.
I'm a bit stuck in the 60/70s for most of my collection. I really should listen to some more modern bands to see how they have progressed.
I quite like Cathedral - they are sort of psych Black Sabbath.
I'm a bit stuck in the 60/70s for most of my collection. I really should listen to some more modern bands to see how they have progressed.
I quite like Cathedral - they are sort of psych Black Sabbath.
Sam Gopel was a percussionist; he formed Sam Gopel's Dream and then a new band called Sam Gopel. The bassist Ian Wilson, was really called Ian Kilminster, so to avoid confusion he subsequently changed it to Lemmy. He was still Ian Wilson here and wrote most of the material on Escaltor - nice album.
Shocking Blue's debut album is very good BTW. I'm not too keen on any of their subsequent output that I've heard, but this album which contains their one and only hit Venus is well worth a listen
At Home with Shocking Blue
Talking of Dutch debut albums, has anybody listened to In and Out of Focus lately.
Warning if you're feeling depressed don't listen to Why Dream - if you're happy when you listen it'll depress you and if you're already in sad frame of mind then .......
Good album though excellent keyboards and guitar as expected from Thijs Van Leer and Jan Akkerman. More psychedelic than their subsequent albums. Hamburger Concerto and Moving Waves are good. Focus III is excellent - their best IMO.
I know the pope is too old to rock n roll, I'm quite aware that he's got no soul sings Kevin Coyne in his 1978 song Dynamite Daze - a tribute to Sid Viscious and other punks, as Coyne announced Seen it all, seen it all before.
For me Dynamite Daze was Coyne's best album. Kevin is no longer with us, his mental health problems finally wore him down. However this psychedelic blues masterpiece is evidence of just how talented he was.
Also mandatory in any collection is Coyne's second album Marjory Razorblade where he explores songs about mental health, over-rich elderly ladies in Eastboune and neglected elderly soldiers who made Britain what is.
Coyne shunned commercialism and bit the hand that fed him on Millionaires And Teddybears. I really like Having A Party, a song about a singer who gets invited to a wild rock n roll party and gets kicked out because he's too honest and uninterested in the stupid antics of the rich and famous.
If you haven't tried the music of Kevin Coyne then these three albums are a great place to start. He was refreshingly different.
re The Enid
Beware that there are different versions of many albums. Like BigH47 i really like the first two, In The region of the Summer stars and Aerie Faerie Nonsense, I also rate the third album, Touch Me. When they were re-released on vinyl in the 1980's they were essentially re-recorded- I prefer the originals.
The following website gives you the history of R J Godfrey-The Enid founder- linked closely at one time to Barclay james Harvest- did the orchestration to Mockingbird- and of the Band and gives a critical review of the albums:-
http://www.dprp.net/forgotten/enid/index.html
Steve
Beware that there are different versions of many albums. Like BigH47 i really like the first two, In The region of the Summer stars and Aerie Faerie Nonsense, I also rate the third album, Touch Me. When they were re-released on vinyl in the 1980's they were essentially re-recorded- I prefer the originals.
The following website gives you the history of R J Godfrey-The Enid founder- linked closely at one time to Barclay james Harvest- did the orchestration to Mockingbird- and of the Band and gives a critical review of the albums:-
http://www.dprp.net/forgotten/enid/index.html
Steve
This lots got to be worth 4 gongs at least. The superb Camembert Electrique and the Radio Gnome Invisible Trilogy which is the story of Zero the Hero in the land of The Pot-head Pixies = Steve Hillage who was an L of a guitarist and David Allen, Didier Malherbe and Gilli Smyth.
Well you can't kill me so would you like a nice cup of tea. Great stuff.
I don't know if the Groundhogs quite count as Prog, but I definitely regard them as progressive in the fullest sense.
I particularly know (all of which I have on charity shop vinyl):
(and what a fantastic LP sleeve!)
Groundhogs albums don't seem that easy to get hold of. I know I should try Blues Obitary, what about the various live recordings (Leeds 71, BBC Live, something 76)?
I came across the Groundhogs in two ways. Some years ago, a friend would play these 'obscure' records late at night, alternating with Grateful Dead.
But when I moved to my current community a band called Egypt played a local pub - it comprises later Groundhogs members (Phil, Eric, Peter), who included a few old faves in their excellent set - Eccentric Man stands out in the memory.
I have now seen Egypt a few times, including one memorable occasion nearby, when none other than Tony (TS) McPhee himself was on the same bill (playing with Joanna Deacon). Egypt appeared separately as the final set, and the night was rounded off by an encore with McPhee joining them for a blistering, blistering performance of Cherry Red, Eccentric Man and Split - absolutely superb. - And all in front of about 50 people on a rainy night in Wisbech.
(Elme Hall Blues Club - worth checking out.)
James
I particularly know (all of which I have on charity shop vinyl):
(and what a fantastic LP sleeve!)
Groundhogs albums don't seem that easy to get hold of. I know I should try Blues Obitary, what about the various live recordings (Leeds 71, BBC Live, something 76)?
I came across the Groundhogs in two ways. Some years ago, a friend would play these 'obscure' records late at night, alternating with Grateful Dead.
But when I moved to my current community a band called Egypt played a local pub - it comprises later Groundhogs members (Phil, Eric, Peter), who included a few old faves in their excellent set - Eccentric Man stands out in the memory.
I have now seen Egypt a few times, including one memorable occasion nearby, when none other than Tony (TS) McPhee himself was on the same bill (playing with Joanna Deacon). Egypt appeared separately as the final set, and the night was rounded off by an encore with McPhee joining them for a blistering, blistering performance of Cherry Red, Eccentric Man and Split - absolutely superb. - And all in front of about 50 people on a rainy night in Wisbech.
(Elme Hall Blues Club - worth checking out.)
James