"Futurama" by BE-BOP DELUXE – May 1975 UK Second Studio Album on Harvest Records - featuring Bill Nelson, Charles Tumahai of Alta Mira and Simon Fox of Hackensack with guests Andy Evans and The Grimethorpe Colliery Band conducted by John Berryman (May 2019 UK Esoteric Recordings 2CD Expanded Edition – Ben Wiseman Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With Over 300 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

PROVE IT ALL NIGHT 

Music Of 1975 to 1979 

Your All-Genres Guide To 

Exceptional CD Reissues & Remasters

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs

Just Click Below To Purchase (No Cut and Paste Crap)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B071P5X2GW&asins=B071P5X2GW&linkId=716e2a561b29ac39bd11daa25c37986b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

"...Futurist Manifesto..."

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B07P2JBCLT&asins=B07P2JBCLT&linkId=028eaaafb2f0994708bd7f95186f9e05&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

With a solid rawk debut in July 1974's "Axe Victim" in the bag and in the shops – Bill Nelson's band eclectic sounding Be-Bop Deluxe toured with Cockney Rebel in the UK to something of a rude awakening. 

Things were not working out down at the oh-so-tight-on-stage farm. The first album's four-piece band worked well in the studio, but still the overall soundscape wasn't coming together as Bill had hoped. At the insistence of his record-company EMI - Nelson auditioned and quickly found two musicians that gelled perfectly – a Mauri bassist with a huge Afro who had played with cult band Alta Mira called Charlie Tumahai and the Drummer from Hackensack – Simon Fox. And the classic Be-Bop Deluxe line-up was born. 

Bill Nelson and Harvest Records now had the power trio with the sympatico feel to go to the next stage, studio album number-two - "Futurama" - and then on to their breakthrough album in January 1976 - "Sunburst Finish" that finally saw the band chart in both the UK and America. 

Which brings us to the superlative 'Be-Bop Deluxe Remasters Series' from Esoteric Recordings of the UK (part of Cherry Red) – the British home to all things Progtastic, Glam and Art Rock. You could look at CD2 and of course notice that it is (aside from some unreleased) little more than a Remix of CD1 masquerading it would appear as a 'Bonus'. But then if you've been used to the original version – this new Stereo beauty will feel like a Steve Wilson remaster of say Crimson or Tull or Yes - revelatory. It really is great and having that bloody rare 45 tagged onto the end of both discs is an actual 'Bonus' too. 

For those who want to the full Dreamland - there is even a Deluxe Edition of "Futurama" with 3CDs+1DVD issued on the same day, 31 May 2019 – search Esoteric Recordings PECLEC 42670 on Barcode 5013929477049 to get the Box Set skinny on that one. But for the futuristic manifesto digipak we do have, let's deal with this 2CD Expanded Edition...

UK released 31 May 2019 - "Futurama" by BE+BOP DELUXE on Esoteric Recordings PECLEC 22672 (Barcode 5013929477247) is a 2CD Expanded Edition of their Second Studio Album from May 1975 that plays outs as follows: 

CD1 "Futurama" The Original Stereo Mix (41:46 minutes):
1. Stage Whispers [Side 1]
2. Love With The Madman
3. Maid In Heaven 
4. Sister Seagull 
5. Sound Track 
6. Music In Dreamland [Side 2]
7. Jean Cocteau 
8. Between The Worlds 
9. Swan Song 
Tracks 1 to 9 are their second album "Futurama" – released May 1975 in the UK on Harvest Records SHSP 4045 and May 1975 in the USA on Harvest/Capitol ST-11432. Produced by ROY THOMAS BAKER (Engineered by Pat Moran) – it didn't chart in either country. The band was credited as BE+BOP DELUXE at this point because of the artwork, but would become their more commonly used moniker BE-BOP DELUXE when they reached "Sunburst Finish" in 1976. 

BONUS TRACKS: 
10. Between The Worlds (Single Version)
11. Lights
Tracks 10 and 11 are a February 1975 UK 45-single on Harvest HAR 5091 with the B-side "Lights" being non-album. The A-side "Between The Worlds" is a different version to the one on the LP and was withdrawn in the UK (copies in either Demo or Stock form are very hard to find). In June 1975 EMI UK decided to issue the popular "Maid In Heaven" track from the LP as a 45-single instead – Harvest HAR 5098 also using the non-LP "Lights" as its flipside. October 1975 then saw the US 45-single of "Maid In Heaven" on Harvest Records 4151 with "Sister Seagull" from the LP on its B-side. 

CD2 "Futurama" New Stereo Mix (50:45 minutes): 
1. Stage Whispers [Side 1]
2. Love With The Madman
3. Maid In Heaven 
4. Sister Seagull 
5. Sound Track 
6. Music In Dreamland [Side 2]
7. Jean Cocteau 
8. Between The Worlds 
9. Swan Song 
BONUS TRACKS:
10. Between The Worlds (Single Version)
11. Lights 
12. Music In Dreamland (Phonogram Studios Version) *
13. Between The Worlds (Alternate Single Version) *
* Previously Unreleased

A four-flap foldout card digipak offers colour galore - that great George Hardie artwork very similar in fact to Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" hands logo that would appear in September 1975 - colour photos of the three-piece in varying weird garb (don't get me started on that suit and tie) - tape boxes pictured beneath the see-through CD trays and a properly informative 28-page booklet. It opens with five or so pages of reminiscences from Nelson (penned January 2019) that give insights straight from the horse's mouth - the text peppered with period memorabilia - gig posters (supporting Cockney Rebel on June 13th, 1974) - Harvest promo photos and even one of Bill smiling outside a record shop with a copy of "Futurama" in hand whilst the entire window is filled with the band's second album (bet those freestanding card cut-outs of the album artwork are worth a few quid now). To satiate that lust, Esoteric have put a foldout poster of the beautiful "Futurama" PECLEC 22672 artwork in one of the flaps (booklet in the other). 

As if that's not enough, head honcho and co-ordinator MARK POWELL gives it six more pages of even deeper detail - all sided with unpublished photos and so forth. People integral to the album's feel and sound like Audio Engineer Pat Moran at Rockfield Studios and hot-from-Queen-success Producer Ray Thomas Baker get more than honorary mentions – Nelson praising Moran expertly splicing in edits into the tapes at a time when computers were not around. Weird then (having sung its praises) that the booklet and digipak would leave out the original LP's inner sleeve with the lyrics (could have been put on the back of the poster - perhaps Nelson didn't want printed?)

But the big news is the newly remastered AUDIO - transfers from original master tapes done the vastly experienced BEN WISEMAN. And if you'll forgive the obvious pun - they don't 'alf Art-Rock and Roll man. I have to say too that I'm more partial now to the CD2 Mix than the original - it's like someone has done it right. To the tales of tomorrow...

Coming over like King Crimson mated with Rush before either band ever existed - it's clear from the immediate density of ideas swirling around the opening minute of "Stage Whispers" that "Futurama" isn't going to be a Christmas sing-along record tailored to everyone’s pallet. Nelson sings in that weirdly neither here nor there voice of his "...this guitar does not lie..." - yeah man - but it sure does make for some jagged-edged rhythms. Suddenly the fuzzed-up Aladdin Sane sounding guitars of "Love With The Madman" have a power - his keyboard work way better than Nelson ever gives it credit. 

In his mind BN rates "Maid In Heaven" and it's easy to hear why - that difficult-to-fully-embrace Be-Bop Deluxe sound given a sudden accessibility by the song. Riffage upon riffage upon guitar licks fill up ever second of "Sister Seagull" - will you meet me there - he asks - might do Buffalo Bill if yer bird keeps his poop off the bonnet of my car. "Sound Track" ends Side 1 with some welcome keyboard tinkling – a joyful little tune where those drums and high hats are clearer than they were before – an accomplished Be-Bop Deluxe sounding like Todd Rundgren meets Sparks meets Queen circa A Night At The Opera.

"...Maybe we'll make music in dreamland tonight..." gushes the rather oddly romantic Prog Rock of Side 2's "Music In Dreamland" where The Grimethorpe Colliery Band give the tune old-fashioned horns. I've always found it a little too melodramatic but I know there are fans who see it as brilliant, just another BBD mishmash that needs time and repeated listens. Acoustic Salsa now sails out of your speakers in the shape of "Jean Cocteau" - the Remix version amazing in its clarity (what playing chops they had even then). 

Back to wild rhythms and density, the very Sheer Heart Attack sounding "Between The Worlds" seems like a bloody odd choice for an album lead-off single, but maybe Harvest must have thought that its slightly Sparks "This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us" loony-sounding-Rock-meets-pantomime vibe would carry it with the public - it didn't. Huge chords and even bigger keyboard-washes fill your Siamese-twins speakers - an epic piece that talks of staying a while in Bill's dreams as he sings for you his swan song. And on it goes...

Even now in the Prog Revival of these last five years (right into 2020) - for absolutely sure, Be-Bop Deluxe and their dense soundscapes will not be for everyone looking for a chart topper. But re-visiting these albums has been something of an eye-opener for me - far better than I remember them and now sounding like perhaps Wakefield's weird man of Rock was cool all along. 

Impressive and recommended...

"One Step On" by JODY GRIND – October 1969 UK Debut Studio Album on Transatlantic Records in Stereo - featuring Tim Hinkley, Ivan Zagni, Louis Cennamo and Barry Wilson with Guest Arranger David Palmer (November 2016 UK Esoteric Recordings Expanded Edition CD Reissue – Mark Powell Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With Over 310 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites
CADENCE /CASCADE 

PROG ROCK, PSYCH, AVANT GARDE...
And Others Genres Thereabouts
Exceptional CD Remasters

Covering 1967 to 1977 - It Also Focuses On

Fusion Rock, Acid Folk, Art Rock and Underground 

Just Click Below To Purchase

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...Night Today..."

Taking their name from Horace Silver's 1967 Jazz album on Blue Note called "The Jody Grind" - England's short-lived but mighty JODY GRIND managed only two Progressive Rock albums on the largely Folk Indie label Transatlantic Records.

Their October 1969 debut "One Step On" received favourable press and elicited a devout fan following (especially in Europe) - while their second and last album "Far Canal" from September 1970 massively improved on its predecessor. But neither did any real business sales-wise. Still - that hasn’t stopped good labels like Akarma in Italy and Strange Days in Japan reissuing Jody Grind’s recorded legacy on CD. Which brings us to these new and superlative 2016 remasters out of the UK...

England’s Esoteric Recordings (part of Cherry Red) have built up a huge rep with collectors for quality in both Audio and Presentation – and these two November 2016 CD Expanded Edition Reissues for this long forgotten British Prog Rock Trio will only add to that growing list of Reissue accolades.

The first album "One Step On" is really good - a Hammond-Organ and Guitar-driven band let loose in the studio with Jethro Tull's arranger David Palmer helping out on Horns and Brass. And it's easy to hear why both of their albums have a stonking £200+ price tag allocated to each (and often a lot more). There's a shed load of details to get through - so here are the (wait for it) peaky grinders (ouch)...

UK released 26 November 2016 - "One Step On" by JODY GRIND on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 2567 (Barcode 5013929466746) is an Expanded Edition CD Reissue and Remaster with Two Bonus Tracks and plays out as follows (49:13 minutes):

1. One Step On [Side 1]

(a) In My Mind (b) Nothing At All (c) Interaction (d) Paint It Black

2. Little Message [Side 2]

3. Night Today

4. U.S.A.

5. Rock 'N' Roll Man

Tracks 1 to 5 are their debut studio album "One Step On" - released October 1969 in the UK on Transatlantic Records TRA 210. Produced by HUGH MURPHY and Arranged by DAVID PALMER - the album was not issued in the USA and didn't chart in the UK. All tracks written by Ivan Zagni and Tim Hinkley except "Paint It Black", which is a Rolling Stones cover version.

BONUS TRACKS:

6. Night Today (Alternate Version)

7. Rock 'n' Roll Man (Single Version)

JODY GRIND was:

TIM HINKLEY – Hammond Organ, Piano, Electric Piano and Lead Vocals

IVAN ZAGNI - Electric Guitars

LOUIS CENNAMO – Bass on "Paint It Black", "Little Message" and "Rock 'N' Roll Man"

BARRY WILSON - Drums and Percussion

The 16-page booklet has informative and well-researched liner notes from Esoteric’s own MARK POWELL – who also compiled, co-ordinated and remastered the original tapes. The elaborately constructed picture of a Wizard in his big pointy hat and cape stood in front of a recording console that adorned the inner gatefold of original British LPs is repro’d throughout the pages (Tim Hinkley doing the honours). Powell gives a potted history of the band (slots in Timebox and Patto), slogging it out on the Prog Rock/Avant Garde live circuit as Jody Grind, signing their eclectic music with Nat Joseph to his Transatlantic Records label and on onwards up to entering Morgan Studios in July 1969 to record the album. Beginning with its eighteen-minute long Side 1 opus in four parts, the Audio is fantastic – beefy without being too trebled for the sake of it – very clear and impressive work.

Formed in November 1968 by Keyboardist Tim Hinkley with Guitarist Ivan Zagni and Drummer Martin Harryman. Harryman left to work with Elkie Brooks in Dada (over on Atlantic Records) to be replaced with Drummer Barry Wilson.

As the Side 1 eighteen-minute title-track four-parter opens with tasty Hammond Organ and Guitar licks chugging-mellow as they build a very definite vibe, you are immediately reminded of several imaginative bands who pushed the envelope of Rock – Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Flock, The Nice, Vanilla Fudge, Iron Butterfly and even dollops of Brian Auger’s Retaliation. The playing is great and the music way better than it had any right to be. Zagni lets rips with impress guitar soloing as the "In My Mind" portion smooches on, only to be followed by Hinkley getting all Spencer Davis Group on his Hammond (you can imagine that this must have been a blast live). About nine-minutes in we get doomy with the "Nothing At All" second section where Brass fills accompany the huge Hammond chords – looking for a place to go – travelling in that direction. The "Interaction" segment is a drum solo that is followed by the final five minutes - a clever fast-paced whig-out – a cover of "Paint it Black" by The Rolling Stones that feels perfectly placed.

Transatlantic clearly thought the extended very-Ten Years After guitar boogieing cover version had some legs so someone turned it into a 7" single in both Germany and Portugal - giving it a Mono Single Mix. The German single from 1970 on Metronome M 25 201 had "Little Message" from Side 2 as its B-side and came in a wicked picture sleeve (Tim Hinkley giving some Keith Emerson on his Hammond) – while the Portuguese 45 on Zip Zip Records 30 011 had a Single mix of "Rock n' Roll Man" on its flipside – one of the two Bonus Tracks presented here.

Over on Side 2, a very ELP Hammond keyboard run opens "Little Message" – a rapid Blood, Sweat & Tears puncher with relentless heavy-guitars that tells everyone that the band want to get down (yeah baby). I can’t help thinking it would have made for a better A-side choice than the obvious lunge for the known Stones winner and would have established Jody Grind as perhaps in there with the "25 Or 6 to 4" Chicago mob. Things get decidedly keyboard Jazz Prog with "Night Today" – a slowy that is accompanied by some sexy brass fills but is perhaps let down by Hinkley and his forced vocals. The heavy-heavy 6:41 minutes of "U.S.A." has our heroes going back to America – a long road they just got to take (there could be a devil woman involved). Their debut ends with four and half minutes of uncharacteristic Chuck Berry type boogie about Tennessee and Rock and Roll that has to go Johnny go (you get the drift). Once Zagni plays a blinder channelling his inner Johnny Winter as that axe pans from speaker to speaker.

After the first album - both Zagni and Wilson exited too to be replaced with Bernie Holland and Pete Gavin for album number 2 - "Far Canal" – an even more sophisticated effort than the debut. Following the collapse of Paul Korda's Dada after only one self-titled LP on Atlantic Records – Tim Hinkley (ex Climax Line Blues Band) then joined Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer for the first Vinegar Joe LP over on Island Records – later starring in Mike Patto's offshoot band Boxer too (Patto and he were both in Climax Line Blues Band). Hinkley subsequently played on stage with Chapman & Whitney's Streetwalkers (ex Family), Dr. Feelgood, Bad Company, Snafu, Thin Lizzy and has done session work on solo LPs for The Who's Roger Daltrey and Vinegar Joe's Elkie Brooks.

The four then three-piece JODY GRIND are a footnote in Rock's History now (2020) – Prog Rockers who liked to boogie too (with their Arthur Brown face paint and Wizard hats on), and I can so understand why their two albums garnish such fever in collector’s circle. Well done to all involved for getting their legacy out there and in such good shape too...

"Time Machine: A Vertigo Retrospective" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (April 2005 UK Universal 3CD Mini Box Set – Paschal Byrne Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With Over 310 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites
CADENCE /CASCADE 

PROG ROCK, PSYCH, AVANT GARDE...
And Others Genres Thereabouts
Exceptional CD Remasters

Covering 1967 to 1977 - It Also Focuses On

Fusion Rock, Acid Folk, Art Rock and Underground 

Just Click Below To Purchase

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…Let It Happen…"

Ah! the VERTIGO Record Label – subject of affection and ridicule in unequal amounts...

So what makes me buy a 41-track 3CD mini box set full of the eclectic and the indulgent? Because on rehearing this much-maligned label's output - there's so much to enjoy on here that isn't crap - especially if you like your Rock with a Funky Fusion kick in the nuts. 

Here are the Black Sabbaths having a Warhorse by the Beggars Opera in the Tudor Lodge (if you know what I mean)…

UK released April 2005 – "Time Machine: A Vertigo Retrospective" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Universal/Vertigo 9827982 (Barcode 602498279823) is a 3CD Mini Clamshell Box Set of Remasters that breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 – Vertigo 9827984 - (78:09 minutes):

1. The Kettle – COLOSSEUM (from the album "Valentyne Suite" released November 1969 on Vertigo VO 1. Charted at 15 in the UK. The band featured Drummer JON HISEMAN (ex Graham Bond ORGANization), Saxophonist DICK HECKSTALL SMITH with Keyboard Player DAVE GREENSLADE and Bassist TONY REEVES who later formed GREENSLADE)

2. Who Do You Love? – JUICY LUCY (February 1970 UK 7" single on Vertigo V 1. A Bo Diddley cover – it reached No. 14 on the UK charts)

3. My Heaven – CLEAR BLUE SKY (on the album "Clear Blue Sky" released April 1971 on Vertigo 6360 013)

4. Travelling Lady – MANFRED MANN'S CHAPTER THREE (on the album "Manfred Mann Chapter Three" released November 1969 on Vertigo VO 3)

5. Behind The Wall Of Sleep – BLACK SABBATH (on their debut album "Black Sabbath" released February 1970 on Vertigo VO 6. It reached No. 8 in the UK charts)

6. To Play Your Little Game – CRESSIDA (on the album "Cressida" released February 1970 on vertigo VO 7)

7. Introduction – GRACIOUS! (From the album "Gracious!" released June 1970 on Vertigo 6360 002)

8. Three Sisters – AFFINITY (from the album "Affinity" released June 1970 on Vertigo 6360 004. The band featured LINDA HOYLE who also had a Solo album on Vertigo in 1971 called "Pieces Of Me")

9. Walking On – BOB DOWNES (from the album "Electric City" released July 1970 on Vertigo 6360 005)

10. I Don’t Know – MAY BLITZ (from the album "May Blitz" released July 1970 on Vertigo 6360 007)

11. Torrid Zone - NUCLEUS (from the album "Elastic Rock" released June 1970 on Vertigo 6360 008)

12. Handbags And Gladrags – ROD STEWART (From his UK Debut Album "An Old Raincoat Won't Let You Down" released February 1970 in the UK on Vertigo VO 4 - was released as "The Rod Stewart Album" in the USA in 1969 on Mercury Records SR 61237)

13. Nothing At All – GENTLE GIANT (on the album "Gentle Giant" released November 1970 on Vertigo 6360 020. They went on to have a long career on both WWA Records and Chrysalis in the UK and remain highly collectable to this day)

14. The Influence – BEN (on the album "Ben" released August 1971 on Vertigo 6360 052)

Disc 2 - Vertigo 9827985 – (76:58 minutes):

1. Evil Woman's Manly Child – Dr. Z (on the album "Three Parts To My Soul" released August 1971 on Vertigo 6360 048)

2. Borne On The Solar Wind – JADE WARRIOR (on the album "Last Autumn's Dream" released November 1972 on Vertigo 6360 079)

3. The Man – PATTO (on the album "Patto" released November 1970 on Vertigo 6360 016)

4. Thinking Of My Life – JUICY LUCY (on their 2nd album "Lie Back And Enjoy It" released October 1970 on Vertigo 6360 014)

5. Half Baked – JIMMY CAMPBELL (on the album "Half Baked" released August 1970 on Vertigo 6360 010)

6. For Madmen Only – MAY BLITZ (on their 2nd album "Second Of May" released June 1971 on Vertigo 6360 037)

7. The Lady's Changing Home – TUDOR LODGE  (on the album "Tudor Lodge" released July 1971 on Vertigo 6360 043)

8. Time Machine – BEGGARS OPERA (on the album "Waters Of Change" released September 1971 on Vertigo 6360 054)

9. Bring Out Your Dead – COLOSSEUM (on the album "Daughter Of Time" released November 1970 on Vertigo 6360 017)

10. Mouthpiece – WARHORSE (on the album "Red Sea" released May 1972 on Vertigo 6360 066)

11. Lady In Black – URIAH HEEP (on the album "Salisbury" released February 1971 on Vertigo 6360 028)

12. Through The Years – FREEDOM (on the album "Through The Years" released August 1971 on Vertigo 6360 050)

13. Midnight Moses – THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND (on the album "Framed" released December 1972 on Vertigo 6360 081)

14. Lord Of The Ages – MAGNA CARTA (on the album "Lord Of The Ages" released September 1973 on vertigo 6360 093)

Disc 3 – Vertigo 9827983 – (79:17 minutes):

1. Living At The End Of Time – ATLANTIS (on the album "Atlantis" released March 1973 on Vertigo 6360 609)

2. Life Child – RAMASES (on the LP "Space Hymns" released July 1971 on Vertigo 6360 046)

3. McArthur Park – BEGGARS OPERA (on the album "Pathfinder" released July 1972 on Vertigo 6360 073. It's a cover of the Jimmy Webb song made famous by actor Richard Harris and later Disco Diva Donna Summer)

4. Song For The Bearded Lady – NUCLEUS (on the album "We'll Talk About It Later" released February 1971 on Vertigo 6360 027)

5. Patagruel's Nativity – GENTLE GIANT (on the album "Acquiring The Taste" released July 1971 on Vertigo 6360 041)

6. (A Ballad Of) A Peaceful Mind – GRAVY TRAIN (on the album "(A Ballad Of) A Peaceful Man" released September 1971 on Vertigo 6360 051)

7. Powers Of Darkness – RONNO (on the album "Powers Of Darkness" released March 1971 on Vertigo 6360 029. The band featuring ace-guitarist MICK RONSON who went on to Solo stardom and as a sidekick to both David Bowie and Lou Reed)

8. Paper Plane – STATUS QUO (on the album "Piledriver" released 8 December 1972 on Vertigo 6360 082)

9. Little Known – IAN MATTHEWS (on the album "If You Saw Thru My Eyes" released May 1971 on Vertigo 6360 034)

10. Let It Happen – VANGELIS O. PAPATHANASSIOU (from the album "Earth" released 1973 on Vertigo 6499 693)

11. Mwenga Sketch – JADE WARRIOR (exclusive to the double-album Vertigo label sampler "Suck It And See" released May 1973 on Vertigo 6641 116)

12. The Four Horsemen – APHRODITE'S CHILD (on the album "666" released May 1972 on Vertigo 6673 001. The band famously featured keyboard wizard Vangelis and Greek singer DEMIS ROUSSOS)

13. Spiral Architect – BLACK SABBATH (on the album "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" released December 1973 on Vertigo 6360 115)

The mini clamshell box contains a fantastic 48-page booklet with hugely detailed liner notes by reissue hero MARK POWELL – there’s the usual band photos, the album sleeves in miniature (and in colour) – but it’s the trade adverts you’ve never seen that impress most. Better is the PASCHAL BYRNE remastering (done at Audio Archiving in London) which is up to his usual standard of excellence. This guy has been on hundreds of reissues – especially in the Progressive Rock field – so he knows how to handle these tapes. The audio is clear, punchy and if there’s hiss on some tracks – he lets them breath. A great done…

The funkier side of Vertigo is kind of shocking – Affinity's "Three Sisters" from their debut features LINDA HOYLE on lead vocals and comes on like Cold Blood with Lydia Pence (Atlantic Records) – great brass, keys and guitar hooks aligned around a Julie Driscoll type vocalist. It's immediately followed by the even more-catchy "Walking On" from BOB DOWNES sounding not unlike Blood, Sweat & Tears finding their inner Prog. That funky groove continues with "I Don't Know" by MAY BLITZ with a fantastically clever guitar repetition throughout that digs in from the start and only deviates to let the drums and bass battle it out before the guitars rip. At times it sounds like the innovativeness of Zeppelin II. We then firmly enter the area of Rock Fusion with the stunning NUCLEUS instrumental "Torrid Zone" – a near 9-minute fest of IAN CARR's trumpet sounding like Miles Davis discovering his inner bop. It's easy to see why Jazzers and even Soul Boys want this so much – it's undeniably brilliant and the remaster is fabulous highlighting the amazing speaker-to-speaker musicianship. 

After all the Hard Rock, Metal, Jazz Fusion and general mayhem – Rod Stewart's gorgeous cover of Mike D'Abo's "Handbags & Gladrags" comes as a melodic surprise – and as ever – a heart-warming one. We return to more familiar Genesis-like Prog territory with GENTLE GIANT's equally lovely "Nothing At All". Produced by Tony Visconti – its nine minutes has beautifully accomplished harmony vocals floating over pretty guitars and keys – and again – it's shockingly good. Like their fellow mates on Vertigo – the obscure BEN fit into the jazzy Nucleus, Affinity and Colosseum bracket. The ten-minute flute and guitar battle that is "The Influence" sounds like its late Sixties Doors doing an instrumental – funky Rock with Jazz leanings – very cool indeed and it ends Disc 1 on a definite high.

Disc 2 opens with a rarity by DR. Z - their album having reputedly sold less than 100 copies. Formed by a Professor of Swansea University - Keith Keyes aped his surname and played a mean set of keyboards. Their lone track has a slightly vaudeville backing and funky piano riff – sounding not unlike the kind of thing you'd hear in a Jesus Christ Superstar stage show. Colosseum's "Bring Out Your Dead" is a fabulous funky instrumental but Uriah Heep's clunky "Lady In Black" is less impressive. Freedom was formed by ex Procol Harum bods Bobby Harrison and Ray Roger and their "Through The Years" is a cracking Rock tune with great lead guitar from Roger throughout.  But then things go stellar for me – the utterly brilliant "Borne On The Solar Wind" by JADE WARRIOR – the kind of drifting, floating Prog instrumental I love. I'm forever putting it on 70s FEST CD-Rs and it always elicits a "...whose this!?" response. It sounds not unlike Brian Eno's instrumental "Another Green World" – the theme music used for the British TV program "Arena" (with the logo floating in the bottle). Disc 2 ends with the acoustic whimsy of "Lord Of The Ages" where most of its story of knights, dark forests and black granite is spoken. Genius…

Disc 3 opens with a lesser-heard belter – "Living At The End Of Time" by ATLANTIS - sounding like Graham Bond meets Greenslade. It also reminds me a lot of the title track of Gary Moore's first solo album on CBS called "Grinding Stone" – a sort of Jeff Beck speed guitar thing with a fast funky rock backbeat. Things get hippy-dippy with "Pantagruel's Nativity" by GENTLE GIANT sounding not unlike RUSH on too many mushrooms. We're then hit with a piece of genuine Progressive Rock excellence – Gravy Train's "(A Ballad Of) A Peaceful Man" that opens with classily orchestrated strings and goes a bit Tull for the rest of it seven minutes. Things get Folk-plaintive with "Little Known" from the wonderful ex Fairport Convention songsmith Iain Matthews. But then we get my favourite on the entire box – a true hidden gem – "Let It Happen" by none other than Blade Runner supremo VANGELIS (trading under his full name). The vocals on this funk fusion gem are actually sung by Robert Fitoussi and I can safely say I've seen the "Earth" album maybe twice in my life. Apparently it was big in Europe but Vertigo did little to promote it or him here in Blighty.

So there you have it. Having worked in record shops all my life – I know the resistance this particular record label evokes – almost to the point of being pathological. Well – well done to all involved with this superb box set for making a case. Don’t be put off – dig in and explore the swirl…

"Strange Pleasures: Further Sounds Of The Decca Underground" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (May 2008 UK Universal/Decca 3CD Clamsehll Box Set with Paschal Byrne Remasters and Mark Powell Liner Notes) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 319 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites
CADENCE / CASCADE 

PROG ROCK, PSYCH, AVANT GARDE...
And Others Genres Thereabouts
Exceptional CD Remasters

Covering 1967 to 1977 - It Also Focuses On

Fusion Rock, Acid Folk, Art Rock and Underground 

Just Click Below To Purchase

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

 

"…Revelation…"

There can't be too many music lovers (British especially) who don't get a slightly sicko and vicarious thrill at the mere sight of the magical 'Decca' label - home of so much class and (frankly frank) absolute shite. Like so many of the major labels of the time (probably run by squares dare we say it) - Decca threw it's old-fart hat into the ring and signed up all manner of Avant Garde and Progressive Rock reprobates in the late Sixties and early Seventies hoping to finance the next big thing. Sometimes they got lucky - other times we did - even when most of the time both of us lost money on the deal. So once more unto the laminate-sleeves breach my good friends - once more unto the Red and Blue Mono and Stereo punch-holes on the rear cover...

UK released May 2008 - "Strange Pleasures: Further Sounds Of The Decca Underground" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Universal/Decca 530 5347 (Barcode 0600753053478) is yet another one of those lovingly researched and nattily presented 3CD mini box sets that have appeared in the last decade with alarming glee (as if they've a right to be like everyone else). You get 49 tracks from the `golden age of British Prog' stretching from early 1969 to late 1975), a jam-packed 48-page booklet annotated by people who care and know their stuff - and best of all for our ageing eardrums come - properly great remastered sound that finally gives this often blindingly good music another real chance to shine.

Here are the East Of Eden Deviants, the Principal Edwards and the Curiosity Shoppe Moody Blues  (and that's way more than Ten Years After the Curved Air in the Tintern Abbey I can tell you)...

Disc 1 (Decca 530 5349) - 73:25 minutes:

1. In The Beginning - GENESIS (on the March 1969 Stereo LP "From Genesis To Revelation" on Decca SKL 4990)

2. Turn Into Earth - AL STEWART (B-side of "The Elf", his debut 45 on Decca F 12467 released July 1966 - his only release on the label)

3. Red Sky At Night  - THE ACCENT (A-side of their lone UK 7" single on Decca F 12679 released October 1967 - a listed £300+ rarity. The band featured RICK HAYWARD who played on Christine Perfect's debut LP "Christine Perfect" and released a self-titled solo album of his own (also on Blue Horizon Records) in 1971)

4. Vacuum Cleaner -TINTERN ABBEY (B-side of "Bee Side" - a legendarily rare Psych 45 released December 1967 on Deram DM 164 - listed at £1000 but often sells for more)

5. Secret - THE VIRGIN SLEEP  (A-side of a January 1968 UK 7" single on Deram DM 173. Their 2nd Psych single for the label (the other was "Love" on DM 146 in 1967) - listed rarity at £50+)

6. Twilight Time (Evening) - THE MOODY BLUES (from the November 1967 Stereo LP "Days Of Future Passed" on Deram SML 707. Their 2nd LP and 1st for Deram - their debut was "The Magnificent Moodies on Decca in July 1965)

7. Some Good Advice - BILL FAY (A-side of an August 1967 UK 7" single on Deram DM 143 - listed rarity at £60+)

8. Michaelangelo - 23rd TURNOFF (A-side of a 1967 UK 7" single on Deram DM 150. Listed Psych rarity at £90+. The band featuring Jimmy Campbell who went on to Rocking Horse and a solo career on Vertigo Records)

9. The Sounds - TEN YEARS AFTER  (B-side of their debut UK 45 "Portable People" released February 1968 on Deram DM 176. The band featured ALVIN LEE and went on to huge success - especially in the USA after an appearance at Woodstock in August 1969. Both Lee and CHICK CHURCHILL had solo albums on Chrysalis in the Seventies)

10. Baby I Need You - THE CURIOSITY SHOPPE (A-side of their lone single - November 1968 UK 45 on Deram DM 220. Known Psych rarity listed at £100 but often sells for more)

11. Like A Tear - WORLD OF OZ (B-side of "Willow's Harp" - their 3rd single released January 1969 on Deram DM 233. It's also on their lone self-titled album for the label - Deram SML 1034 released February 1969. Band featured DAVID KUBINEC who later worked as a solo artist)

12. Down At Circe's Place - TOUCH (taken from their only LP "This Is Touch" released February 1969 on Deram DML 1033 (Mono) and SML 1033 (Stereo). Rare copies came with a poster and command £150+. The Stereo mix has been used here. An American band - they featured DON GALLUCCI who produced "Fun House" by The Stooges and worked with Tom Waits - while other band members JOEY NEWMAN, BRUCE HAUSER and JEFF HAWKS formed STEPSON who had albums on ABC Records).

13. Under The Rainbow - THE END (taken from the album "Introspection" released November 1969 on Decca SKL-R 5015. GRAHAM TAYLOR and DAVE BROWN from the band became TUCKY BUZZARD who had several albums on Chrysalis. Initially helped by Billy Wyman of The Rolling Stones - The End's Graham Taylor later joined Bill Wyman's band The Rhythm Kings)

14. Opening - THE DEVIANTS

15. I'm Coming Home - THE DEVIANTS (Both 14 and 15 are taken from the March 1969 album "Ptooff!" on Decca SKL-R 4993. Originally recorded during Acid Summer of 1967 - it was first released on the privately pressed Underground Imprint label and sold via the "IT Magazine" in small areas of London. The initial press is a £350+ rarity (with liner notes from DJ john Peel) while the Decca Reissue clocks in at £90+)

16. Northern Hemisphere - EAST OF EDEN (taken from their debut album "Mercator Projected" released March 1969 on Deram SML 1038. DAVE ARBUS - the band's Violin player - does the violin solo at the end of The Who's "Baba O'Riley" - the opening track on their 1971 "Who's Next" album)

17. Magician In The Fountain  - SUNFOREST (taken from the album "Sound Of Sunforest" released January 1970 on Deram Nova DN 7 (Mono) and SDN 7 (Stereo). It's a known Folk-Acid-Rock rarity and is listed at £350+. The Stereo mix is used)

18. Jenra - DAVY GRAHAM (from the album "Large As Life, Twice As Natural" released January 1969 on Decca LK 4990 (Mono) and SKL 4990 (Stereo). A listed Folk-Rock rarity at £120+. The Stereo mix is used. A hugely influential acoustic guitar player - his style has been name-check by luminaries like Jimmy Page and Paul Simon. The instrumental "Jenra" - with its Danny Thompson double-bass backdrop against a foreground of loudly picked acoustic guitar - is stylistically similar to early John Martyn too)

19. The Best Way To Travel - THE MOODY BLUES (taken from their 3rd album "In Search Of The Lost Chord" released July 1968 on Deram DML 717 (Mono) and SML 717 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used. It reached No. 5 on the UK album charts)

20. I Will Be Absorbed - EGG (from their debut album "Egg" released March 1970 on Deram Nova DN 14 (mono) and SDN 14 (Stereo). It's a known rarity listed at £120+ (Stereo mix is used). Dave Stewart (not the Eurythmics DS) later joined Steve Hillage's KHAN and became a member of HATFIELD AND THE NORTH and NATIONAL HEALTH. See also KHAN on Disc 3)

21. Bad Scene - TEN YEARS AFTER (from their 4th LP "Ssssh" released August 1969 on Deram DML 1052 (mono) and SML 1052 (stereo). The Stereo mix is used.

Disc 2 (Decca 530 5348) - 76:45 minutes:

1. If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You - CARAVAN (A-side of an August 1970 UK 7" single on Decca F-R 13063 [miscredited as 10363 in the booklet]. Also appeared on the September 1970 album of the same name on Decca SKL-R 5052)

2. Gypsy - THE MOODY BLUES (from the album "To Our Children's Children's Children" released October 1969 on Thresh TH 1. Threshold was the label formed by The Moody Blues.)

3. Garden Song - BILL FAY (taken from his debut album "Bill Fay" released February 1970 on Deram Nova SDN 12)

4. Atmosphere - DENNY GERRARD (taken from the album "Sinister Morning" released March 1970 on Deram DN 10 (Mono) and SDN 10 (Stereo).  Was part of WARM DUST and produced the first HIGH TIDE album "Sea Shanties" on Liberty Records. Members of High Tide are featured on "Sinister Morning" - Stereo mix used)

5. Skillet - GALLIARD (taken from the album "Strange Pleasure" released January 1970 on Deram Nova DN 4 (Mono) and SDN 4 (Stereo). It's a known rarity listed at £200+. The Stereo mix is used)

6. Sharing - SATISFACTION (taken from the album "Satisfaction" released January 1971 on Decca SKL 5071. Featured Trumpeter MIKE COTTON with DEREK GRIFFITHS who went to the Keef Hartley Band and MILLER ANDERSON who joined DOG SOLDIER)

7. J.L.T. - T2 (taken from the album "It'll All Work Out In Boomland" released September 1970 on Decca SKL 5050. It's a known rarity and listed at £250+. The band featured KEITH CROSS on Guitars and Keyboards)

8. The Time Is Near - KEEF HARTLEY BAND (from the album "The Time Is Near" released August 1970 on SML 1071. It reached 41 on the UK album charts)

9. First Reminder - CLARK-HUTCHINSON (Taken from the album "Gestalt" released November 1971 on Decca SML 1090. Features ANDY CLARK on Keyboards and Vocals with MICK HUTCHINSON on Guitar. Both formed the fusion band UPP who had several albums on Epic Records)

10. Practically Never Happens - ASHKAN (taken from the album "Practically Never Happens" released January 1970 on Decca Nova SDN-R 1. They were the first band on Decca's Progressive label imprint `Nova')

11. Harpo's Head - STUD (from the album "Stud" released April 1971 on Deram SML-R 1084. The band featured Bassist CHARLIE MCRACKEN and Drummer JOHN WILSON who were the rhythm section in Rory Gallagher's superb TASTE. They also featured Ace guitar player JIM CREGAN who would become a huge part of Rod Stewart's Mercury Recordings)

12. Contrasong - EGG (taken from the album "The Polite Force" released November 1970 on Deram SML 1074)

13. Marcus Junior (7" Single Version) - EAST OF EDEN (May 1970 UK 7" single on Deram DM 297. It's the B-side of "Jig-A-Jig" which eventually charted April 1971 in the UK and rose to Number 7. There is a `alternate mix' of the track on the album "Snafu" - it's combined with "Leaping Beauties For Rudy" with the instrumental "Marcus Junior" being the second part of the song)

14. Winter Wine - CARAVAN (from the album "In The Land Of The Grey And Pink" released April 1971 on Deram SDL-R 1)

Disc 3 (Decca 530 5350) - 79:06 minutes:

1. Things Ain't Working Out Down At The Farm - THIN LIZZY (released April 1971 on the "New Day" EP on Decca F 13208. It was the last track on Side 2 of a 4-track non-album Extended Play. Original British issues (which played at 33 LP speed) came in a lovely gatefold picture sleeve and are very rare - listed value at £300+)

2. I'm Coming On - TEN YEARS AFTER (from the album "Watt" released December 1970 on Deram SML 1078)

3. Space Shanty - KHAN (taken from the album "Space Shanty" released June 1972 on Deram SDL-R 11. Featuring Steve Hillage and members of EGG - see Disc 2)

4. Cosmic Bride - ZAKKARIAS (from the album "Zakkarias" released October 1971 on Deram SML 1091. GEOFF LEIGH went to play with QUIET SUN and HENRY COW)

5. Time Of The Last Persecution - BILL FAY (from his second album "Time Of The Last Persecution" released January 1971 on Decca SML 1079)

6. Waterloo Lily - CARAVAN (from the album "Waterloo Lily" released May 1972 on Deram SDL-R 8)

7. Ballad Of The Queen Of Outer Space - PETE BROWN (on the album "The `Not Forgotten' Association" released October 1973 on Deram SML 1103. Lyricist to Jack Bruce and CREAM, Brown featured in BATTERED ORNAMENTS and then his own PIBLOKTO! On Harvest Records)

8. Steal The World - DARRYL WAY'S WOLF (from the album "Night Music" released November 1974 on Deram SML 1116. Founding member of CURVED AIR - Violin virtuoso Darryl Way made 3 albums with WOLF before re-joining Curved Air in 1974)

9. Spring's Sweet Comfort _ THE PARLOUR BAND (from the album "Spring's Sweet Comfort" released May 1972 on Deram SDL 10. PIX PICKFORD (Guitar and Vocals) and CRAIG ANDERS (Guitar and Vocals) formed A BAND CALLED "O")

10. Crying Won't Help You Now - CHICKEN SHACK (from the album "Imagination Lady" released February 1972 on Deram SDL 5. Features STAN WEBB on Guitar and Vocals with JOHN GLASCOCK on Guitar (formerly with THE GODS))

11. Sarah (Version 1) - THIN LIZZY (from their 2nd album "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" released March 1972 on Decca TXS 108. Band features PHIL LYNOTT on Bass and Vocals, ERIC BELL on Guitars and BRIAN DOWNEY JR. on Drums. The song features CLODAGH SIMONDS of MELLOW CANDLE on Piano)

12. Triplets - PRINCIPAL EDWARDS (taken from the album "Round One" released March 1974 on Deram SML 1108. Taking their name from a Dean at Exeter University - started out their career on John Peel's Dandelion Records)

13. Marie Antoinette (Live) - CURVED AIR (from the album "Curved Air Live" released 1975 on Deram SML-R 1119. Taking their name from the 1971 Terry Riley LP "A Rainbow In Curved Air" - the band featured SONJA KRISTINA, DARRYL WAY and FRANCIS MONKMAN. Way formed WOLF (see 8 above) while Monkman would later form SKY with virtuoso classical guitarist John Williams)

14. New York Ladies - MICHAEL CHAPMAN (on the album "Millstone Grit" released November 1973 on Deram SML 1105)

As you can see from the lists above - the scope is wide, not too many duplication of artists and the playing times generous (especially Disc 3). It covers not just Decca but large wads of Deram and its Prog sidekick Nova. The fantastically detailed and feature packed 46-page booklet contains quality liner notes from noted musicologist MARK POWELL while the tape transfers and 24-bit remastering has ben done by long-time engineer genius PASCHAL BYRNE - a name that regularly turns up on these kinds of sets for Universal (he also practically the in-house go-to-guy for Esoteric Recordings who've reissued large amounts of British Prog, Psych and Folk-Rock. The audio quality to a man is shockingly good - clear, warm and full of analogue presence. This was `Decca' and they didn't piss about when it came to Production standards.

And as there's so much on here by so many - I've tried to give as much info as possible in each individual entry above. But here are some highlights... the slightly mopey BILL FAY and his two albums on Deram will be an acquired taste for some - but I suspect many others will see his lovely music as a major discovery. His "Garden Song" starts out all acoustic simple then goes into wild strings and brass flourishes ala Bacharach or Jimmy Webb. It sounds like the smarm of Randy Newman with the sensitivity of Nick Drake meets the sadness of Nilsson with strings. Americana band Wilco brought his music to more public attention by covering ""Be Not So Fearful" from the first album. Gorgeous stuff. The slightly menacing phased vocals that begin the chugging "Sharing" by Satisfaction is brilliant - Derek Griffiths' guitar and Mike Cotton's overlaid trumpet spikes coming on like Ten Years After meets Aphrodite's Child. The wonderful "J.L.T." by the obscure T2 features the genuinely talented KEITH CROSS on Guitars and Keyboards sounding not unlike Colin Blunstone both vocally and musically. Esoteric Recordings have reissued his album with PETER ROSS called "Bored Civilians" from 1972 on Decca - superb stuff as well.

The Canterbury Scene is represented by CARAVAN and the wonderfully titled "If I Could Do It All Again, I'd Do It All Over You" and EGG with Dave Stewart on Keyboards (not the Eurythmics DS). Ireland's STUD with Taste rhythm section and guitar supremo JIM CREGAN bring up the pure fusion front with the seven-minute "Harpo's Head" (an instrumental until its dying minutes). There's more Celtic magic with the fab ERIC BELL line-up of THIN LIZZY giving it some rock romanticism on Disc 3 along with the wildly influential fusion band KHAN with guitar loon STEVE HILLAGE. Keef Hartley gets all Soulful Bluesy on the impressive ten-minute "The Time Is Near" (easy to see why fans rate this album so much). And who doesn't get a rush to the heart at the mere sight of the gorgeous SONJA KRISTINA from CURVED AIR pictured in full-on stage garb on Page 30. It ends perfectly with one eye on Rock's more melodic future - the deliciously atmospheric "New York Ladies" - a fabulous echoed-guitar fest by MICHAEL CHAPMAN that conjures up another Harvest Records genius - Roy Harper (see separate reviews for Chapman's superb 1970 LP "Fully Qualified Survivor" on Harvest put out by Light In The Attic Records in 2011 and Harper's masterpiece "Stormcock").

So there you have it - half genius, half bonkers and criminally forgotten in most cases when much of it shouldn't be. What a great ride it all was though and revealing too.

And where was Thin Lizzy when all this was happening you might ask? Why she was with the Queen Of Outer Space and the Magician In The Fountain inside Harpo's Head with Marcus Junior and his Cosmic Bride - of course!

You see - you've learned something already. I'm not sure what it is - but isn't that half the fun...enjoy.