"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...

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"...Futurist Manifesto..."

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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...

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"...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 Universal 3CD Mini Box Set – Paschal Byrne Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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PROG ROCK, PSYCH, AVANT GARDE
And Others Genres Thereabouts
Exceptional CD Reissues and 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

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"…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

12. Handbags And Gladrags – ROD STEWART (on his debut album “An Old Raincoat Won’t Let You Down” released February 1970 in the UK on Vertigo VO 4)

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…