"Curtis Mayfield - Curtis-1970 US":

Curtis Lee Mayfield (June 3, 1942 – December 26, 1999) was an American soul, rhythm and blues, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions.

Curtis Mayfield began work on his own self-titled debut album, released in September 1970. Produced by Mayfield, it was released on his own label Curtom Records. The musical styles of "Curtis" moved further away from the pop-soul sounds of Mayfield's previous group The Impressions and featured more of a funk and psychedelia inspired sound. The album's subject matter incorporates political and social concerns of the time.
"Curtis" sold well at the time charting at number one on the Billboard Black albums and number nineteen on the Billboard Pop albums charts. Only the single "(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go" charted. "Curtis" receives very high praise from modern day critics with Bruce Eder of Allmusic commenting that the record is practically the "Sgt. Pepper's" album of '70s soul.

-by dj fanis: here

"Euphoria -S/T-1969 US":

Euphoria was a short-lived band from 1968 to 1969, consisting of Roger Penney, Wendy Penney, Tom Pacheco, and Sharon Alexander. Roger and Wendy were a folk duo performing in Greenwich Village, using the names Roger Becket and Wendy Becket. Euphoria is generally regarded as a sunshine pop group.

Initially, Roger and Wendy were approached by Tom and Sharon to form a band with the express purpose of procuring a recording deal. Roger and Wendy were to front the band as lead vocalists in the Folk Rock group, with Roger Penney on electric autoharp and keyboard, Wendy on bass guitar, Tom on guitar, and Sharon on percussion.

They signed with Jerry Ross's Heritage Records, which was affiliated with MGM as distributor and promoter, and recorded one album entitled "Euphoria". Arranged by Joe Renzettii it was released in 1969, but without promotional support. Euphoria performed live with musician Van Morrison, and the 1910 Fruitgum Company at Madison Square Garden's Felt Forum as well with Sly and the Family Stone and Iron Butterfly.Roger and Wendy went on to form Bermuda Triangle Band.

-by dj fanis: here

"Stringtronics - Mindbender -1972 France":

One of the best atmospheric library records without drums just mad percussion. Thanks to the original uploader cause this beauty goes for big cash. (by request)

hippy-djkit: here

"Mom's Apple Pie-S/T- 1972 US":

Chicago's enormous success with their horn-driven rock in the '70s was naturally followed by several other bands who tried to hit it big with the same sound and formula.But many of them would remain in complete obscurity, and the ten-piece Mom's Apple Pie were among them.

Best known today for their controversial cover art, showing an apple pie with a slice removed. The area of the removed slice is drawn in a manner to generally resemble a "delicate" portion of the female anatomy.

Their self-titled debut had all the right moves: good tunes, massive brass-arrangements along with organ, guitar and overall solid musicianship. Joe Ahladis (probably off Greek origin) plays rhythm guitar.

If you're into bands like Blood, Sweat & Tears and the earlier mentioned Chicago, then Mom's Apple Pie will be just your thing.

-by dj fanis: here

"The Plastic Cloud - S/T -1968 Canada":

In 1968, the Canadians Plastic Cloud recorded quite simply, one of the greatest psychedelic albums ever made. This is one hip album, full of catchy melodies and hippie harmonies, as well as some of the most superb fuzz guitar. The guitar truly doesn't stop, blazing on behind and around the singing. The songwriting and vocals are all credited to group guitarist/leader Don Brewer.
Essential psychedelia!!!
Members:

Mike Cadieux - Guitar

Don Brewer - Guitar & Vocals

Brian Madill - Bass

Randy Umphrey - Drums

-by dj fanis: here

"Markley - A Group -1970 US":

The final West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band album didn't even feature the band's name. Although the title may suggest, this was not a solo effort of Bob Markley, all songs were sung and played by Michael, Danny and Shaun.

Featuring Bob Markley, Danny Harris, and a finally credited Michael Lloyd the album released in 1970. This time Shaun Harris played a minor role, he sang only on Outside/Inside (a superior remake from 1969's Where's My Daddy?) .

This album is an excellent come-back, with beautiful orchestral arrangements by Lloyd.

-by dj fanis: here

"Mose Jones - Get Right-1973 US":

Mose Jones only released three albums, but it was enough for them to enter in Southern rock history.The two first ones "Get Right" & "Mose Knows"were released on the Sound of the South label, produced by Al Kooper.Al Cooper even wrote a few songs, background vocals on 2 songs and synthesizer on one song, also has the great late Lowell George of Little Feat on slide guitar on "Ole Man Trouble" written by the great Booker T. Jones.

Al Kooper had been visiting Atlanta since he played the first Atlanta Pop Festival in 1969. The southern rock scene was exploding, and Kooper had noticed the abundance of talent in and about Atlanta.With the backing of MCA Records, he launched the Sounds Of The South label with the initial deal calling for four new artists-three of which returned out to be Los Angeles funk band Elijah, Kooper's own reformed Blues Project, and the Atlanta bar band Mose Jones.

It was on Mose Jones' recommendation that the final spot was filled by Skynyrd.Kooper jammed with the group at Funochios, and after some initial hesitancy, Lynyrd Skynyrd signed on.

Plus Mose Jones opened concerts and played with just about everybody back in their day, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Frank Zappa, Little Feat, Boz Scaggs, Doobie Brothers, Rory Gallagher,Santana,Marshall Tucker Band, Atlanta Rhythm Section and the list goes on…Unfortunately Mose Jones never made it big, but "Get Right" it is a very nice album.
Members:

Bryan Cole : Drums & vocals

Randy Lewis : Bass & vocals

Jimmy O'Neill : Guitars, Mellotron & vocals

Steve McRay : Keyboard & vocals

-by dj fanis: here

"The Beau Brummels - Bradley's Barn-1968 US":

After taking the Beau Brummels to the pop/folk psychedelic edge, producer Lenny Waronker took the band to Nashville, literally. Possibly influenced by the Byrds Sweetheart experiments, the group (now down to just Sal Valentino on vocals and Ron Elliott on guitars) wedded with Nashville's finest, including guitarist Jerry Reed and drummer Kenneth A. Buttrey, both veterans of Dylan's Nashville sessions. The resulting masterpiece, no doubt due to the awesome Brummels original songs (especially "Cherokee Girl," "Turn Around," and "Deep Water"), is a virtual tapestry in country and folk/rock.Recorded at Bradley's Barn, Nashville, Tennessee in 1968.

-by dj fanis: here

"Appaloosa -S/T -1969 US":

The acoustic, folk-influenced group Appaloosa consisting of singer/songwriter/acoustic guitarist John Parker Compton, Robin Batteau on violin, Gene Rosov, on cello and David Reiser, as bassist. Already a veteran, Al Kooper, (Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Blues Project) constructs a flawless production.

Appaloosa didn't last long, but this is a great record. Their lone release, bears the heavy scent of the '60s coffeehouse scene, with overtones of jazz (there's some nice saxophone work here) and Renaissance minstrel sounds (a la Steeleye Span) threaded through literate, melancholic singer-songwriter fare. The combination works nicely, and makes for a nice listen that will especially appeal to fans of '60s folk.

-by dj fanis: here

"Gilberto Gil & Rita Lee- Refestanca-1977 Brazil":

A wild live rock album from 1977, featuring tropicalia stars Gilberto Gil and Rita Lee (formerly of the band Os Mutantes). The album recorded in 1977 by Rita Lee and Gilberto Gil, two extremely successful pop artists, each one with his/her own definite line of work. And here they followed Lee's style, as she wouldn't be able to convincingly follow Gil's. Therefore, they cover in electric renditions a number of hits, like "É Proibido Fumar," "Odara," "Back in Bahia," "Ovelha Negra," and others, in dance, rock, rock ballad, and pop styles, including a version of "Get Back". The good electric rock rendition for the hit "Domingo No Parque" deserves mention.

-by dj fanis: here

"The Kaleidoscope - When Scopes Collide-1976 US":

In 1976, ex-members Brotman, Crill, Darrow, Feldthouse and Lagos reconvened for the reunion album," When Scopes Collide", which was released on Michael Nesmith’s Pacific Arts label."When Scopes Collide" was a reunion project about six years after the breakup of the band. It reunited most key members that ever played with the band, with the exception of original drummer, John Vidican. Of the twelve cuts on the album, five are originals. Also incl. one of my favorite version of "Ghost Riders In The Sky".

-by dj fanis: here

"The Kaleidoscope - Bernice- 1970 US":

Kaleidoscope's fourth and final album (as a band), "Bernice" released in 1970, including "Chocolate Whale", "Another Lover" and "Sneakin' Thru The Ghetto".Their sound here is more electric than the earlier albums and has more country influence. There were further personnel changes, adding singer-guitarist Jeff Kaplan, and bassist Ron Johnston who replaced Brotman during the making of the album. Feldthouse also left the band.

-by dj fanis: here

"The Kaleidoscope - Incredible!- 1969 US":

Their third album'"Incredible Kaleidoscope" is full of exploration. The first track, "Lie To Me" is a very groovy middle-eastern psychedelic rocker with exceptional rhythm section work from the newest members at that time, the amazing Paul Lagos (Drums) and Stuart Brotman (Bass).

Also features "Cuckoo" and the 12 minute tour de force "Seven-Ate Sweet".

-by dj fanis: here

"The Kaleidoscope - A Beacon From Mars- 1968 US":

Kaleidoscope's second album(the working title for the album was Bacon from Mars) is the best non-compilation showcase of their legendary eclecticism and versatility. It takes in a blues-rocking cover of Willie Cobbs' "You Don't Love Me", Doug Kershaw's Cajun "Louisiana Man", a scary old folk song ("Greenwood Sidee," about a woman who kills her two babies), a hilarious country-ish indictment of marriage ("Baldheaded End of a Broom"), two good acid-folk originals ("Life Will Pass You By" and "I Found Out") and two completely dissimilar ten-minute-plus originals: the Middle Eastern "Taxim," and the psychedelic workout "Beacon from Mars."

Every one of these disparate styles is performed with authority and commitment, and the result still has the power to amaze. "A Beacon from Mars" is an album of '60s West Coast psych can afford to miss.

-by dj fanis: here

"The Kaleidoscope - Side Trips -1967 US":

The Kaleidoscope was an American psychedelic folk and ethnic band who recorded 4 albums and several singles for Epic Records between 1966 and 1970.

"Side Trips" was Kaleidoscope's 1967 debut album. The album has a raw, non-limited instrumental mentality, for each member played many instruments, for example David Lindley played guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin, Solomon Feldthouse played saz, bouzouki, dobro, vina, oud, doumbek, dulcimer, fiddle, guitar, and including vocals too. While Chester Crill (aka Fenrus Epp and Max Buda) played violin, viola, bass, keyboards, and harmonica, Chris Darrow plays bass, guitar, mandolin, and additional vocals and John Vidican on percussion.

This erratic but largely satisfying debut album unveiled a band capable of invigorating fusions of Middle Eastern music with touches of psychedelic and harmony pop, combining instruments such as the dulcimer, Dobro, mandolin, sax, and banjo in ways that had rarely been heard in either folk or rock. The end result was actually fairly psychedelic, and this record has some of their most worthy efforts, including "Egyptian Garden," "Please," and the spooky "Oh Death."

-by dj fanis: here

"Edmundo Ros & His Orchestra- Hair Goes Latin- 1969 UK":

Edmundo Ros ( Born 7 December 1910, Port of Spain, Trinidad ) was Latin music in the U.K. for most of the post-war period. Ros' parents separated not long after he was born and he was enrolled into a military school. It was a miserable experience, and he eventually ran off to Venezuela in his late teens. He had the good fortune to have learned enough about playing percussion while in school that he was able to land a job with an orchestra in Caracas.

After a decade in Venezuela, Ros decided to ride the wave of popularity surrounding the rhumba and other Latin dances and moved to the U.K. in 1937. Within a few years, he had formed his own band and was playing in London clubs.
Not all Edmundo Ros devotees could have been excited by the prospect of the leading Latin maestro recording an album of the music from the rather avant garde musical "Hair" back in 1969. The fact is that most of the melodies turn out to be excellent choices for the Ros treatment and this is an exciting and dynamic album in marvellous phase4stereo. The superior arrangements were by Roland Shaw and the Edmundo Ros Orchestra are as superb as ever. There are some lovely trombone, guitar and trumpet solos which lift the number out of the ordinary.

-by dj fanis: here

"The 31st of February-S/T- 1968 US":

The 31st of February was formed in Jacksonville, Florida and consisted of Charles Scott Boyer (vocals, 12-string guitar, songwriter), David Brown (bass guitar, tenor saxaphone, songwriter) and Butch Trucks, Jr. (drums, songwriter). Their first and only album was recorded at Henry Stone’s studio in 1968 and produced by Steve Alaimo and Brad Shapiro.
The 31st of February album is one of Florida’s greatest psychedelic-rock gems. "Sandcastles" was an incredible, haunting masterpiece filled with the sound of seagulls, surf and a hypnotic organ riff. During the sessions, the trio utilized the great talents of south Florida musicians Benny Latimore and Bobby Puccetti on organ.
Butch Trucks, Jr. became the drummer for the legendary Allman Brothers Band, Charles Scott Boyer formed the band Cowboy and David Brown went on to join Boz Scaggs.

-by dj fanis: here

"Fleury Dandonaki - The Eternal Adolescence of the Voice-

Φλερύ Νταντωνάκη-Η Αιώνια Εφηβεία Της Φωνής-1980 Greece":

Fleury Dandonaki (real name Eleftheria Papadantonaki ) was born in Crete in 1937. In the late '50s she went to the U.S. to study philosophy and theater at the University of South Carolina. From there she went, on a scholarship, to the University of Brantais, where she graduated in 1961. In New York she made her first steps on the stage of Broadway and critics recognized something different in her wonderful voice, full of sensitivity, and in her large expressive eyes.The «New York Times» declared her talent equal to that of Liza Minnelli's.

In 1965 she signed a contract with Joan Baez's record company «Vanguard», with which she released the album "Fleury-THE ISLES OF GREECE". An album with folk songs composed by Theodorakis,Papaioannou, Gavalas, Attalidis, Kazantzidis and a soloist, of Greek origin, the klarinet player Gus Vali.

On February 2 1980, Fleury Dandonaki sang for the first time in Greece English language songs which were later broadcast on 10 February by the radio program C . This unique performance was recorded in the album :"Fleury Dandonaki: The Eternal Adolescence of the Voice-Η Αιώνια Εφηβεία Της Φωνής". In this work, Fleury cooperated with Paul Mansfield , a folk-"hippie" guitarist of the time. They met in Studio C of the Third Program by chance and without having reherased ended-up searching for songs and improvising for six hours. This resulted in the magical singing of the traditional «Amazing Grace» and songs of Gershwin, Mancini ,Donovan,Lennon, Dylan, and many more.

The album was finally released in 2000(!). In 1980, the singer had already begun to withdraw and to avoid intercation with people and especially those of the arts and more importantly she stopped recording songs. It was at the insistence of Manos Hadjidakis (then director of ERA) that the above recordings took place. It was an effort made by Hadjidakis to help the artist, both financially and morally. Fleury Dandonaki died on July 18,1998 at the age of 60, after a long struggle with cancer and rests in peace next to her long time friend Manos Hadjidakis in a semetery in Athens. Fleury was Manos Hadjidakis' favorite singer.

-by dj fanis: here or here

"Kool and The Gang -S/T-1969 US":

Kool and The Gang are originally formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.A. in 1964. They went through several musical phases during the course of their recording career, starting out with a purist jazz sound, then becoming practitioners of R&B and funk, progressing to a smooth pop-funk ensemble.

The group's main members over the years included brothers Robert Bell (known as "Kool") on bass and Ronald Bell on tenor saxophone, George Brown on drums, Robert Mickens on trumpet, Dennis Thomas on alto saxophone, Claydes Charles Smith on guitar and Rick Westfield on keyboards.
In 1964 Robert formed an instrumental band called the Jazziacs with five high-school friends. They changed their name to Kool and The Gang and were signed by Gene Redd to his new record label De-Lite Records in 1969. Slowly morphing their style to incorporate emerging funk sounds of Sly and the Family Stone and James Brown. They first hit the pop charts with the release of their debut eponymous album.

Kool and the Gang's funky debut was an unexpected hit, with a first single (self-titled) climbing both the pop and R&B charts. Subsequent singles "The Gang's Back Again," "Let the Music Take Your Mind," and "Funky Man," followed the first into the charts, and there were plenty of other standout tracks: "Raw Hamburger," "Chocolate Buttermilk," and "Kool's Back Again."

Though barely over a half an hour long, Kool and the Gang is a blast of a record containing strong elements that would become the band's trademarks: smooth melodies, suave rhythms and brassy horns. This is one of Kool and the Gang's jazzier albums and a strong debut worth checking out, though less accessible than any of their later pop recordings.

-by dj fanis: here

"Axis - Ela Ela-Osanna- 1971 France":

"Ela Ela - Osanna" was the first album from these Greek musicians who based in Paris. With 2 guitar players, organ, harpsichord Axis was united musicians from late sixties groups, among them Juniors and We Five. Like Aphrodite's Child they were based in Paris for some time. Like their more illustrious compatriots they succeeded in breaking into the hit lists, with a Greek traditional called "Ela Ela".

Axis played archetypical heavy progressive rock with great organ and electric guitars, with couple of tracks were even in line with the British mellotron-rock (King Crimson, Gracious and Spring). Axis disbanded in 1974, after the release of their third album that failed to make it commercially, in Greece as in the rest of Europe. Organ player Demis Visvikis and bassist Dimitris Katakouzinos joined Demis Roussos backing band. They sung in English.

Members:

Alekos Caracandas-Guitar, Vocals

Dimitris Katakouzinos-Bass, Guitar, Vocals

Demis Visvikis-Percussion, Mellotron,Keyboards, Vocals

George Chatziathanassiou-Percussion, Drums, Vocals

-by dj fanis: here

"Arcadium - Breathe Awhile-1969 UK":

This obscure psychedelic band issued one rare album, "Breathe Awhile", in 1969 that's very much in the downer-heavy school of the genre. The group's dominant figure was its songwriter and lead singer, 12-string guitarist Miguel Sergides. The ominous, loud, cathedral-like organ, distorted guitar and anguished vocals took influences from the likes of the Doors, Iron Butterfly, and Vanilla Fudge, while some San Francisco psychedelia could be heard in the bittersweet harmonies. The intense 12-minute guitar and organ-driven opening track, 'On My Way', sets the album's slow-burning epic tone. The whole album is high quality, with no stale moments, but highlights include 'Poor Lady', the 7 minute 'Walk On the Bad Side', and the 10-minute 'Birth, Life and Death'.

-by dj fanis: here

"Eric Burdon & The Animals - Eric Is Here -1967 US":

"Eric Is Here" is a 1967 album billed to Eric Burdon & The Animals.The album was released in the United States only, by MGM Records, during the gap between the time that the original incarnation of The Animals broke up, and the new incarnation, billed as Eric Burdon & The Animals, was created. "Eric Is Here" featured Burdon and drummer Barry Jenkins recording the works of various pop songwriters, accompanied by an orchestra, it is possible that some members of the first incarnation Animals were present during the sessions.
The track "Help Me Girl" became a minor hit single, reaching number 29 on the U.S. pop singles chart. In the United Kingdom, "Help Me Girl" was released as a non-album single (b/w "See See Rider", Decca F12502) and placed to number 14. (by request)

-by dj fanis: here

"Love, Peace & Poetry vol.9- Turkish Psychedelic Music ":

This volume explores obscuro garage rock and psychedelic rock bands from Turkey.

Artists featured include: Mogollar (described as "Anadolu pop" or "Anatolian pop" - the essence of the ancient and mystical soul of Turkish folk music, known as the "Turkish Pink Floyd") Selda (politically-themed music, a transformation of traditional Turkish folk music and poetry into more contemporary rock-based music similar to the transformation of traditional folk-blues in the West).

Ozdemir Erdogan (well-known jazz guitarist, vocalist and arranger) Erkin Koray (the most psychedelic Turkish rocker ever, made his best recordings between 1970 and 1974 , the song here was recorded in 1971 with his band, Erkin Koray Supergroup).

Edip Akbayram (arranger and singer one of the last examples of the best Turkish rock music of the 1960s-1970s) Cem Karaca (another important rock singer known for his political stance)Uc Hurel (Turkish rock group formed in 1970 by three brothers, unique for designing their own instruments: drums created from traditional Turkish percussion instruments, a double-necked stringed creation that had an electric saz on one half and an electric guitar on the other).

Bulent Ortacgil (songwriter and singer who released his debut LP in1974, an album which has become a Turkish pop classic, is unique because of the absence of Eastern in Auences in his music, sounding more Western as a result).

-by dj fanis: here

"Baris Manco - 2023 -1975 Turkey":

Baris Manco was born in January 1943. His mother Rikkat Uyanık was a famed singer in early 1940s. His older brother, who was born during World War II, was named Savaş ("War" in Turkish) while he was named Barış ("Peace" in Turkish) by his parents to celebrate the end of the war.

Allegedly he was the very first person to have this first name, which is now fairly popular in Turkey. During his primary school days, his head was shaven to prevent head lice, a serious threat back then. He mentioned that it was one of the reasons of his later signature long hair.

In 1967, he suffered from a serious car accident after which he started to grow his signature mustache to disguise his scar.In 1972, he formed Kurtalan Ekspres, a legend by itself, the band that would accompany him until his death.

In 1975 until when he continued to release singles, he released his first non-compilation LP "2023". On February 1, 1999, Baris Manco died of a sudden heart attack before the release of his just finished last work Mançoloji (Mançology or Manchology), a double album containing the new recordings of his hit songs along with an unfinished instrumental song "40. Yıl" ("The 40th Anniversary"), celebrating his 40th year in music. His sudden death caused an almost unanimous shock in Turkey, with millions of people attending his funeral. His music is ethereal!!!(by request)

-by dj fanis: here

"Terry Callier-The New Folk Sound of Terry Callier-1965 US":

Terry Callier (born 24 May 1945) is an American jazz, soul and folk guitarist singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois.Callier, a childhood friend of Curtis Mayfield, began recording in 1963. Terry Callier's first album sneaked out to little fanfare in the mid '60s, he was still Chicago's best-kept secret. It would be some time before he had an opportunity to fully exploit his soul and jazz influences. Callier's youthful voice, backed sympathetically here by his acoustic guitar plus two basses, was a strikingly androgynous instrument sounding like a smooth, steady Nina Simone minus the simmering anger. Great songs like "It's About Time" and "Spin Spin Spin", maybe you know from the 1968 album by the psychedelic band HP Lovecraft. (by request)
Members:

Terry Callier (vocals, acoustic guitar)

Terbour Attenborough, John Tweedle (bass)

-by dj fanis: here

"Sweet Smoke - Darkness to Light- 1973 US-Germany":

Sweet Smoke was created in 1967 at Brooklyn New York where all members lived. They incorporated many different influences such as jazz, funk and island rhythms. The original members were Andrew Dershin, Mike Paris, Victor Sacco, Jay Dorfman and Marvin Kaminovitz. The complete name of the band was : "Sweet Smoke of the Happy Plant Pipefull".
Originally from N.Y. the group moved to Germany where they lived as a family commune. Sweet Smoke living and playing in Europe from 1970 till 1974.

"Darkness to Light" is their second album and it's a very different record than "Just a Poke", quite religious, with the arrival of an acoustic guitar which may be responsible of the general sound of the record. The album contains two long and four short tracks, the latter reflecting the influences of early `70s melodic progressive rock. The two longer selections reflect inspirations from Indian music and fusion jazz.

-by dj fanis: here

"Nina Simone-It Is Finished -1974 US":

Eunice Kathleen Waymon's beautiful, mellifluous voice is one of the most distinctive and celebrated in music. As Nina Simone she recorded over forty albums during a long and distinguished career that stretched over five decades.
She was born in 1933 and, as a child, was a talented pianist. A fund was set up for her continued education and this enabled her to go to Juilliard School of Music in New York. She took a job singing and playing piano to supplement her funding and adopted the name Nina Simone at this time. As a result of this job she finally recorded her first album, the successful "Little Girl Blue" in 1950.

"It Is Finished " is a wonderful work by Nina, the kind of record that once made purists turn up their noses, but which is now being rediscovered as a unique jazz/soul crossover album, filled with loads of nice moments. The instrumentation's pretty darn interesting and includes sitar, harp, Spanish guitar and other odd percussion instruments. Includes Nina's nice version of "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter", plus "I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl", "Dambala", "Obeah Woman" and a great slow- down version of Steppenwolf's "The Pusher".

-by dj fanis: here

"A Passing Fancy- S/T-1968 Canada":

A Passing Fancy was a Toronto band from the mid-1960s fronted by singer/songwriter and guitarist Jay Telfer, today publisher and editor of the antique collector's magazine Wayback Times, and Dr. Brian Price, president of In The Game Hockey Cards.

At Downsview Secondary School, Brian Price (organ, vocals) formed his own band, The Dimensions with brothers Jay (rhythm guitar) and Ian Telfer (bass guitar), Phil Seon (guitar) and Greg Hershoff (drums) in July 1965. The Dimensions were managed by Bernie Finkelstein, (future president of True North Records and Bruce Cockburn's longstanding manager), who had also been a student at Downsview.

After playing dates at many high schools across Ontario, The Dimensions became the house band at Cafe El Patio in the Yorkville Village through Finkelstein's connections. The band changed name to A Passing Fancy in January 1966 when Finkelstein left to take over the management of The Paupers.

The self-titled album was released in November 1968. The main songwriters in the band were Jay Telfer and brothers Fergus and Greg Hambleton. The songs were well written and the music was well played. The music on the album, "A Passing Fancy", was British influenced pop with elements of psychedelia and an American garage sound, also is included a version of Music Machine's "People in me".The album failed to make an impression despite the band holding down a residency at the El Patio throughout the latter part of 1968 and early 1969. By June 1969, the band had broken up.

-by dj fanis: here

The new adress for PHROCK Blog: http://phrockblog1.blogspot.com/
The new adress for ChrisGoesRock Blog: http://cgragain.blogspot.com/

"The Other Half-1966-1968 US":

The Other Half formed in Los Angeles and later moved to San Francisco.Their music was strongly influenced by Yardbirds and Rolling Stones. Guitarist Randy Holden had been offered the chance to replace Jeff Beck in the Yardbirds before joining The Other Half.

The Other Half were at their peak when the music scene was at its height in San Francisco and the Flower Power movement in full swing in Haight Ashbury.

Their style changed from an earlier vocal based garage band, to the loudest big stage band sound of the time, taken in that direction by former Sons of Adam guitarist Randy Holden. Their sound has been compared to The Yardbirds, and contained elements of blues, hard rock, and Eastern melodic influences.

Holden left the band after their debut album was recorded, dissatisfied with the recording and the guitar he was playing at the time, later stating "I was trying to accommodate everyone else, at the expense of my own soul and happiness". Despite Holden's misgivings, the album has been described as "awesome incendiary rock".
Holden went on to join Blue Cheer before embarking on a solo career.This included their entire 1968 album and several tracks from singles.

-by dj fanis: here

"The Koala-S/T-1969 US":

The Koala were a late 60's group who released only one album on Capitol Records, which was ignored at the time, but decades later became highly sought-after by collectors of obscure garage pysch. A psych rock jewel from this band, based in New York where some genius decided to market the group as a bunch of Aussies...without getting anyone's permission first . Late 60's garage/psych featuring psyched-out fuzzy leads, aggresive/powerful rhythm section and superb vocals.The Koala mixes the Who's frantic rhythms and Stones-style garage rock with riotous psych leads and venomous, proto-punk vocals.The vocals and overall garage/psych sound remind me of Lollipop Shoppe LP. This is another lost treasure from the 60’s and an absolute must for garage heads.

-by dj fanis: here

"Gary McFarland & Gabor Szabo- Simpatico- 1966 US":

A strange album of breezy pop ephemera that’s just as bewildering as it is beguiling. In the first and last of their collaborations that pit both names at the top of the bill, Gary McFarland and Gabor Szabo make their first bid for an out and out fusion of jazz and psych-pop rock. Together, they work best on the Beatles numbers (“The Word” and “Norwegian Wood”), chiefly due to McFarland’s amazing facility for suggesting a cross between a Beatle and a Beach Boy.

There are also the seemingly unhip inclusions of “Nature Boy” and “Cool Water”, which probably wouldn’t have appealed to any pop rock fan who listens to this set.

Gary McFarland (October 23, 1933 - November 3, 1971) was an influential composer, arranger, vibraphonist and vocalist, prominent on Verve and Impulse!. McFarland was considering a move into writing and arranging for film and stage when, on November 3, 1971, he was poisoned by a drink spiked with methadone in a New York City bar.

From Linear Notes: Gary McFarland and Gabor Szabo have been intrigued for some time by this revitalization of popular music and accordingly, they decided to do their versions - in their own jazz style - of parts of the pop scene along with Latin-based music of which they're also fond.

-by djkit: here

"Afterglow -S/T- 1968 US":

An obscure psychedelic band based in Oregon, Afterglow released only one album in 1968 before vanishing. Afterglow's lone, eponymous release was sort of like a sampler of American psychedelic styles, featuring songs that recalled not only the Doors and Jefferson Airplane, but also the Byrds, Donovan and trippy garage-psychedelic bands like the Strawberry Alarm Clock. Afterglow starts with "Morning," a gentle folk-rock song that finds the middle ground between the Byrds and Jefferson Airplane.

Each song on Afterglow sounds as if it could have been written by different bands, there is the sighing "Mend This Heart of Mine," but it follows the downright bizarre "Susie's Gone," which, with its dissonant Farfisa organs and slide guitars, sounds like a space voyage gone bad. It's not particularly coherent but its nature as a sampler makes Afterglow a charming psychedelic relic. Afterglow was ignored at the time and the group broke up shortly afterward, but the record became a favorite of psychedelic collectors. (FOR MORE INFO CHECK HERE)

-by dj fanis: here

"Henry Mancini And His Orchestra - The Party (Music From The Film Score)-1968 US":

Henry Mancini (April 16, 1924 – June 14, 1994) was an American composer, conductor and arranger, best remembered for his film and television scores. Mancini was born Enrico Nicola Mancini in the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in the steel town of West Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. His parents emigrated from the Abruzzo region of Italy.

The Party (alternative title: Hollywood Party) is a 1968 comedy written and directed by Blake Edwards, starring Peter Sellers and Claudine Longet.

The score of The Party was composed by Henry Mancini, including the song "Nothing to Lose." Mancini, commenting on audience reactions, noted, "That's what I get for writing a nice song for a comedy. Nobody's going to hear a note of it."

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"Peter Ivers Band - Knight Of The Blue Communion - 1969 US":
Peter's first big music industry break came in 1969, when Epic Records signed him to record his debut solo LP, Knight of the Blue Communion.
In addition to playing harmonica and providing backing vocals, Peter acted as arranger and composer, while his friend Tim Mayer provided all the lyrics. Ivers assembled a fascinating group of musicians to play on his record. On drums was Cleve Frank Pozar, with Richard Youngstein on contrabass, and Tony Ackerman on guitar. The horn section featured Steve Kowarsky on bassoon, Henry Schuman on oboe and Paul Balmuth on sax.
However, the icing on the cake was chanteuse Yolande Bavan and the way in which Peter used her as lead vocalist on the album. Bavan was a singer and actress who was born in Sri Lanka and had started her professional career working as a vocalist with renowned pianist Graeme Bell.
Knight of the Blue Communion drew comparisons with Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa, with Yolanda appearing to be the conventional vocalist cast in what was often a sea of avant-garde madness, a blend of blues, rock & jazz. (by request)

-by dj fanis: here

"The Third Wave-Here and Now -1970 US":

Debut of 1970 album by lounge pop act fronted by five then-teenaged Philippino sisters and backed by a brilliant jazz combo produced by MPS mastermind Brunner-Schwer. None other than George Duke conducted & arranged the record. Features remakes of The Beatles' 'Eleanor Rigby' & 'Got To Get You Into My Life'.The Third Wave has produced some amazing songs that relax you and bring on a vibe that is easy and cool. This is an incredible Psychedelic-Jazz vocal group from a musical family of Jazz musicians residing from Northern California.

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"Micah - I'm Only One Man -1971 US":
Great organ/guitar progrock album with sidelong tracks and some interesting passages. The sound is a bit Santana-influenced, but mainly one for local prog/rock fans.Plague organist, juicy blotches of jazz guitar and a very strong melody in a minor key tonality, a decent singer who does not pull the blanket over him, and gives the other musicians to turn to the instrumental parties - all these cannot leave this lover of progressive indifferent.
In the album is also very tasty Latin flavor, which only gives it additional charm. Unfortunately, this New York team left us with only one album and as so often happens with good American groups, who are not configured in the direction of commerce, broke up.
Members:
George Wolff (Percussion,Vocals) Gary Ohlson (Organ,Vocals) Bob Rowe(Lead Vocals) Marty Horne(Lead Guitar) Gus Hernandez(Bass)

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"El Chicano - Revolucion-1971 US":

This all Mexican-American Latin Rock-Salsa group came from what is probably the biggest Latino Community district within the US East Los Angeles. Latin Rock groups that started in San Francisco’s Latin district were made from Latinos of different nationalities, El Chicano was made of all-Chicano members with different musical experiences that produced a very unique sound. They were never as big as Santana, the band did acquire a loyal cult following and was especially popular in the Mexican-American neighborhoods of the southwestern United States. "Revolucion" was their second album and has a great version of " I'm A Good Woman" among others.

-by dj fanis: here

"Arthur Lee -Vindicator- 1972 US":

"Love" founder Arthur Lee`s 1972 solo debut, VINDICATOR, is not quite mentionable in the same breath with any release from the unstoppable "Love" catalog. VINDICATOR is a worthy snapshot of Lee`s multifarious talents as both a melody maker and a soulful and sardonic lyricist.Lee's first solo set was a muscular set of guitar-fueled hard rock laced with blues, showing the clear influence of Lee's friend Jimi Hendrix.

With Charles Karp's powerful guitar leads dominating the arrangements and Lee's vocals strutting with maximum rock star swagger on tunes like "Love Jumped Through My Window" and "Sad Song," VINDIGATOR boogies with a cocky confidence that belies the fact Lee's career was in need of a clear direction at the time, and while there are no signs of the delicacy of "Forever Changes", three decades on this sounds like mid-'70s guitar rock at its best.

-by dj fanis: here