...as raindrops become ocean LP (Closet Records. USA. 1985)

San Antonio, Texas compilation album from 1985 on Gary Davenport's Closet Records label. The first release on Closet Records was a Gary Davenport single released under the name Mannequin in 1979. At that time there was no San Antonio scene to talk of, but as can be heard on this compilation there certainly was one by 1985.

Listen to: "Aruu - Under The Ghost Dome Asleep"

Listen to: "Gary Davenport - The Dreamer Must Wake"

Gary Davenport released very limited singles on his Closet records label under the name Manequin, but by the time this compilation was put together he was billed under his own name. It's a typical loner style track from Gary but with a more produced sound with a far stronger recording than his original basement/lo fi sound.

Listen to: "The Bridge - La Noche de La Luna Nueva"

The fact that this compilation album has so many different artists sounding similar to Gary Davenport is a testament to his influence building a scene that was obviously very indebted not only to his hard work but also his huge musical influence.

Mannequin (Gary Davenport) - Scattered Thoughts 7" (Closet Records. USA. 1979)

Listen to an extract from: "Scattered Thoughts"

This superb Downer/Loner single from San Antonio, Texas, was put out by Gary Davenport in 1979 on his own label Closet Records. When Gary started out there was no scene to speak of in San Antonio but through his incredibly unique and out of step music he created a scene which was very different for the time. H released several records of his own on Closet Records and by other artists, culminating in the compilation album " .....as raindrops become ocean"  which i have blogged in its own right. It also contains another two tracks by Gary Davenport.

Gary's music really does have the downer/loner sound that i love, infact it's more than a sound, it is also a feeling which comes across so strongly.

This three track single was Gary's first ever release and comes in an oversized picture cover with photocopied insert. It was pressed in a quantity of 100 only and simply never turns up for sale. I was lucky enough to buy this copy from a friend of Gary's who was selling off the remaining records from his label with just a handfull of these available.

It's remained a mostly unknown single for many years with copies mainly selling directly from Gary himself or through private sales. There has, to my knowledge, never been a sale through ebay but his second single has shown up a handful of times selling for a healthy three figure sum.

Please note that this is just an extract from the title track for obvious reasons!

The Rusty Nail (Hi Fi Records. Singapore. 196?)

Listen to an extract from: "Ooh Baby"

Superb and very little known garage punk ep from a British band based in Singapore which contains four tracks in total, two originals and two covers. Some collectors are convinced that there was no such thing as British garage punk, but this for me is the real deal, maybe only possible from a band based in an area overseas that would have had more U.S. garage records than were available back in the UK.

The title track has been comped on CD-R but so far has not found it's way onto a full CD or vinyl release which is a shame as it's such a strong ep. Unfortunately there is no information available other than that on the rear of the sleeve; would love to hear from anyone associated with the release or the family of anyone involved.

Please note that this is just an extract from the title track for obvious reasons!

One Of You

One Of You (Scarab Records. Canada. 1981 - 1983)

Listen to an extract from: "One Of You - Life Is So Hard"

One Of You released just three 7" singles on their own label Scarab Records, the last single being recorded and released under the name The Trifids. This was the first single with picture sleeve as shown. One of you is basically one Czechoslovakian woman who managed to create a sound and feel so dark and yearning that even i find it hard to listen. She left Czechoslovakia during the 1968 uprising, finally settling in Toronto. All the talk in Prague was of how wonderful the west was. However, when she arrived she remembers being totally crushed. She saw a society where people seemed to be strangers to each other.

Listen to an extract from: "One Of You - Don't Be Desperate"

This second single was released in just a photocopied sleeve, although the colour of the paper does vary. As she could not write music she started writing songs in a code she created. The songs were about feelings of sadness and alienation. Some years later she and her husband recorded these songs and created Scarab Records to release them

Listen to an extract from: "The Trifids - Invincible"

Her last single came without a picture sleeve and is credited to The Trifids with writing credit to One Of You. Both tracks are instrumentals, but Invincible still conveys the same feelings of sadness and alienation. I'd like to thank the collector "Wornhill" who first brought these amazingly dark singles to my attention.

Paul Levinson - Twice Upon a Rhyme (Happysad records. USA. 1972)

Listen to: "You are everywhere"

Simply incredible private pressing from New York that took three years to record, mix and release. The opening track "You are everywhere" sets the tone for this Folk Rock/Psych album. The record has so many elements swirling around in the mix that at times it's hard to pin down exactly where Paul is coming from. That's no criticism though, infact quite the opposite. It keeps the album fresh and vibrant.

Listen to: "Forever Friday"

Sometimes when i listen to this album, it somehow transports me forward in time rather than back in time. Many of the songs make me think of the whole Elephant 6 label scene back in the early 1990's with bands such as The Olivia Tremor Control and The Apples in Stereo. It mixes up enough styles and influences to keep the album constantly interesting. What really caught me out with this album was something i could never quite put my finger on. It's as if Paul has poured part of his being into the grooves. It's a very personal album and you get a real shot of Paul.

Listen to: "Antique shop"

I'd go as far to say that i became obsessed with this album to the point where i contacted Paul. Before i knew what had hit me i had started a record label, licensed the album from Paul and pressed up 250 copies on heavyweight virgin vinyl! If i wasn't ready for that, i really wasn't ready for Paul. I sent Paul the advance and thought i'd quietly get down to work. However, from the very start this repress was a joint effort. I've lost count of the emails that have fired back and forth across the Atlantic, both work an personal. Paul is such a kind and warm man whose enthusiasm has no limits and being involved with Pauls album has been an experience i will never forget.

The album was taken into the studio for a superb remaster. There's been no remixing, we've made the bottom end stronger and brightened up the top end. Paul has said that it sounds better than the original and i have to agree. However, we have had the advantage of modern technology.

The soundfiles here are from my original copy and not the remastered repress.

The repress is available wholesale from Whiplash Records in the UK: sales@whiplashrecords.co.uk

and Vea Music in Greece:

It will be on sale in the Whiplash Records ebay shop from Sunday evening on 5th December 2010.

Into Resurrection Land

Into Resurrection Land (The Divine Healing Mission. UK. 1970's)

Listen to: "Dawn"

A very obscure xian private pressing that is slowly gaining a reputation. I certainly can't take credit for discovering this album, the first time i became aware of it was through Jason Mills at Folkadelic. Due to being pretty much ungoogleable, apart from the couple that have sold on eBay in the past, i have very little information to share. The album was released by The Divine Healing Mission and contains the words and music of the Crowhurst Theatre of the Spirit. It is based around Transcendental meditation and contains many spoken word passages as well as mucic. The whole album kicks off with the track "Dawn" that is an inventive piece of music that sets the scene well.

Listen to: "He is here"

"He is here" is the standout track for me, certainly more prog rock than psych with an obvious Pink Floyd influence. The quality of arrangemnets, writing, musicianship and production are very high, which leads me to wonder what else the group were involved with. Unfortunately the album sleeve and label do not list the musicians. From the sound of this track alone i would have thought the album was recorded and released in the 1970's. If anyone involved comes across this post i'd love to hear from them, all my investigations have been unsuccesful.

Phil Downer - The Dust of Time

Phil Downer - The Dust of Time (Lestar Records. UK. 1968)

Listen to an extract from: "Pretty Soon"

I can tell you nothing of Phil Downer except for the fact that he is one very aptly named folk artist. The guitar playing is rather accomplished and the voice is nice, but for me it's the delivery and lyrics that lift this above the usual solo acoustic folk effort. These are amongst the darkest lyrics i've heard in many years. For me this is the stand out track where everything seems to come together perfectly.

Listen to an extract from: "The Dust of Time"

This is the title track of this four track ep that may originally have come with a picture sleeve. This is another solid track and definitely another favourite for me. It doesn't quite have the dark atmosphere of Pretty Soon but is still a strong effort. Unfortunately Phil Downer and this single have proved so far to be ungooglable. Any information from Phil or anyone who knew him would be most gratefully accepted. Also, if anyone has a picture sleeve i'd love to see it.

Nigel Mazlyn Jones - Ship to shore

Nigel Mazlyn Jones - Ship to Shore (Isle of Light. UK. 1976)

Listen to: "A Singulary Fine Day"

A fascinating UK private pressing that sounds like it is from an earlier time, although it does occasionally give off touches that do firmly date it to the mid 1970's. Nigel has released 10 albums on his Isle of Light label, with this debut and the second album being the most sought after by collectors. On hearing the first track you could be forgiven for pigeon holing this as a Folk album, even an Acid Folk album. However, that's even less than half the story. Nigel was active on the live circuit and has collaborated with many well known 70's artists including Roy Harper, Nik Turner and even Hawkwind. These influences show on the rest of the album, with a gradual progression away from the folk sound into an earlier 70's singer/songwriter territory.

Listen to: "Ship to Shore"

Side two journeys further into that singer/songriter territory but with a classic left field sound, with some impressive guitar work that is ever present on this album that helps lift it above many similar albums. However, the title track (for some reason placed as the last track) is where the whole album comes together in a most impressive finale. It starts with an almost frantic Acid Folk vocal and guitar interplay before it enters a middle ground between the folk and rock influences before rounding it all off with an elongated finale that keeps you drifting effortlessly on, as if floating in some dreamy Pink Floyd styled interlude.

Those Old Records (Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK)

I like to highlight the bricks and mortar shops that i buy some of these records from. Far too many are closing down and without them we'll struggle to trip over these great unsung albums.

This album was bought on a trip to visit Chris at "Those Old Records" in Rugeley, Staffordshire. I first met Chris at the Stoke on Trent record fair. Chris keeps coming up with some mind blowing finds, he puts in a herculian effort travelling the length and breadth of the UK in search of those nuggets. Chris is also an audiophile so you'll find that he is very fussy about condition.

I'm glad to report that his shop is an extension of his great personality. Chris is extremely friendly and always goes the extra mile.

If you see an Ambrose Slade album in the photos below, then yes, you are seeing an original. The second copy Chris has managed to dig up in less than a year! He's topped that with one of the rarest British Jazz albums ever released; a Zombies Odyssey and Oracle that lasted about 10 minutes.....and i could go on.
If you can't visit "Those Old Records" in Rugeley then there is a website for your enjoyment:

http://www.thoseoldrecords.co.uk/

Thanks Chris!

Sounds of Salvation An interview with Rob Cox

SOUNDS OF SALVATION - An exploration in worship LP (Reflection RL 310)

For those who know me well there's no suprise at my obsession with the Sounds of Salvation album. It's a beguiling album, once heard never forgotten.
I'm very grateful indeed to Rob Cox for the interview he agreed to do regarding the album. Rob co-produced the album and i'm sure that Rob's answers will be of interest to fans of the album; they were certainly enlightening for me and i'd like to thank Rob for sharing this influential moment from his musical past.

An Interview with Rob Cox, November 2010.

Was the Reflection label a collective of Christian Musicians and
how did you first become involved with the label. I assume that the
Sounds of Salvation were not a band as such.

Reflection was a Christian Arts Group comprising musicians, poets, writers, theorists, administrators, lyricists, actors, etc. A more full history can be found at http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/mlehr/reflec/refhist.htm. That website was set up by one of
the two Reflection founders, Mike Lehr. Mike sadly died earlier this year as reported in
my blog which
also describes how I became involved. SOS were not a band - just a name given to the
group of Reflection members and non-Reflection members (like John Aldington) who
contributed to the album.

Did the Methodist Missionary Society, who commisioned the album,
give you a strong idea of what they wanted or was it a far looser
arrangement. Were they happy with the results, especially considering
the darker moments.

I don't think the MMS had any idea of what they wanted. 'Salvation' was the theme of a
conference held by (I think) The Council of Churches and the MMS wanted to respond to
that in some way. They expected an album of hymns and songs related to the 'Salvation'
theme and asked Reflection to produce it because they wanted something 'more modern'. My
co-producer, Martin Colley, had no interest in negotiating in committees so I was the guy
who liaised with them on progress at regular intervals. They loved the 'Salvation Hymn'
and pretty much hated everything else!! But because they had no clear idea of what they
collectively wanted they went along with what we were doing. I was also careful to keep
from them some of the more 'extreme' (in those days) elements.

Some of the subjects dealt with on the album seem very Catholic to
me. Were the group of Christians behind the album a mix of different
Christian faiths, or were they predominantly of one Christian faith.

I doubt that any similar organisation has embraced such a wide range of 'christian'
beliefs and views. From evangelicals to free-church to C of E to high church - all were
represented. We embraced views from 'All non-believers go to hell' to 'God is Dead'.
Reflection also included some agnostics and non-believers for good measure!! The fact
that we all got on well, respected each other's views and could work to a common goal was
a great strength.

How many people were involved with the album and did some people
take on multiple roles within the group.

There was a 64-page booklet included with the album and a different group of members
worked on that. It's a pretty wild guess (because I was not involved heavily in the
booklet apart from writing a few things for it) but I would say around 30 - 40 people
were involved. I'm not sure what you mean by 'multiple roles'. I co-produced the album,
wrote some of the songs, played guitar, sang on one track and contributed to the booklet
as well as liaising with the MMS. That felt multiple enough to me!!

Was there any one person who controlled the project or could
everyone contribute equally.

Everyone was encouraged to contribute but not everyone did. Martin and I were in charge
of the recording and a member called Richard Seel was in charge of the booklet.

What do you think makes the Sounds of Salvation album so popular
with a new generation.

I really don't know. Maybe it is just - different - in an age where everything tries to
conform with the latest sound or fad? There was such a conflict between the long-haired
rockers (of which I was one in those days) and the suits and ties of the MMS that what
emerged was a strange (and unsatisfying to both parties at the time) mix. But maybe it
sort of works. Re-visiting it is difficult for me because each track throws up memories
some of which are painful and some of which are frustrating. I'm probably not the person
to answer that question.

How would you describe the album to someone who had never heard it.

Difficult in a few words. As an eclectic mix of sound, song, music and poetry designed to
promote thought and reflection on the world. But if you ask me again tomorrow I will
probably come out with something completely different.

Are many of the musicians involved with the album still in touch
with each other.

Many of us are still in touch although we tend to get together, sadly, at funerals and
60th birthdays and similar!!! I don't get to see Martin as much as I should but I still
regard him as one of my best friends and, when we do meet, we just click as if we'd never
been apart.

How do you, or the others, feel about the album being so popular
with fans who are not Christians.

I'm really cool with that and I think the vast majority of the others would agree!

I know you are very proud of the Sounds of Salvation album. What
part, or aspect, of the album would you hold up with the most pride
and why?

Actually both Martin and I were very disappointed with the album. It was a compromise;
not what we wanted to make; not understood by those who commissioned it. In retrospect I
can appreciate that there are some nice ideas within the album delivered in a powerful
way and that is satisfying. I particularly like the start of the album through the trite
'Jesus is the Rock' into 'Overseers'. Also John's 'Freedom' song which is brilliant!

After SOS, Martin and I got immersed in another project together with another friend of
ours, Chris May. This resulted in the album 'Thursday's Child' which was released on the
Grapevine label. http://parchmentmusic.blogspot.com/2008/06/thursdays-child.html - it
involved a load of Reflection members but the production costs were too high to be born
by Reflection Records.

John Sase - Aessence

JOHN SASE - Aessence (Private Press. USA. 1975/85)

Listen to: "Industrial Age"

Obscure USA private press folk album that's already got interest in the world of bloggers. However, i think it's worth adding as previous blogs have missed what could be a different fan base for this album. It was recorded around 1975 but not released until 1985. Despite the 1970's recording this album has tracks that i feel are closer to the Neo Folk style of the late 1980's onwards, than the Acid Folk tag other bloggers use. Listening to Industrial Age is for me akin to the Death In June sound from the All Pigs Must Die album. Artists like Nurse with Wound and Current 93 have always been open in their love of Folk, especially artists like Shirley Collins and Comus.

Listen to: "New Life"

The album was released in a limited edition of 300 autographed and hand numbered copies with two inserts, housed in a plain sleeve with screen printed title and pasted picture. John Sase was based in Detroit, hardly well known for producing Folk music. There are a wealth of instruments on the album which are played well enough to lift it above the usual private pressing. If i was to have a criticism of the album then it would be that the tempo seems to remain pretty much the same through the entire album. The songs themselves are strong so keeping it interesting.

Joshua - Joshua

JOSHUA - Joshua (Key Records KL 014. UK. 1973)

Listen to: "The Word"

I really do wish i could tell you more about this album, but even the record label state on the liner notes they know nothing of this band! The band were a three piece from Texas, who entered Athena Studios in Texas, laid down this monstrous Acid/Fuzz album & then promptly dissapeared into the desert to pray and were never heard from again. The drums were added later in one long session. By the time Key Records in the UK released the album the band were no more.

Listen to: "New Life"

A solid album that is right up there in the Acid & Fuzz guitar stakes. The guitar work is incredible, it just screams in from nowhere & just lifts the whole album. Most tracks are uptempo & the guitarist takes every opportunity possible to crank up the Acid & Fuzz licks.
If there was to be any criticism of the album, the songs do veer towards Country Psych, sometimes sounding a little like a harder edged, three piece Eagles. Not necessarily a bad thing, just not always to my taste.

Meic Stevens - Mwg

MEIC STEVENS - Mwg EP (Wren Records WRE 1073)

Listen to: "Myfi yw'r Dechreuad"

How could i resist adding some Meic Stevens to the Acid Folk section?

No longer what you could describe as an obscure artist, Meic has been an important & well loved figure in Wales for many decades. Not only did he produce some of the most wonderful music to come out of Wales, he was also the inspiration, catalyst & vehicle for many Welsh bands to make & release music.

Mwg is my favourite Meic Stevens ep & this track is the most "Acid" from this particular release. I do belive that Meic Stevens is best listened to in Welsh. Although most people will not understand the words, there is an interplay between the Welsh language, Meics' delivery & the interplay with his guitar playing that just isn't present on Outlander, his English language album.

There is plenty of information on Meic on the web & there are also two compilation albums that bring together all his EP tracks including this one.

Beau - Creation

BEAU - Creation LP (Dandelion DAN 8006)

Listen to "Creation"

Certainly not the most obscure offering on this blog, but it is in my mind a criminally overlooked album. Infact it's inclusion is more to do with the fact that this is still an affordable album, something that will probably change as time goes by. There is plenty of information on Beau to be found on the web.

It was Beau's second album for John Peel's Dandellion label, released in 1971. What sets this apart from his first album is the fact that Tractor are his backing band for this outing.

It's a strange mix; the Folk songs of a renowned folk songwriter with the twisted rock musings of Tractor. For me the song where this works best is "Silence Returns", which has a undercurrent of darkness that is just about kept in check until the end when all hell breaks loose through an incredible acid guitar piece until the song eventually fades out.

Listen to: "Silence returns"

It's nowhere near as "Acid" as the first Comus album for example, but as a whole the album does work, although sometimes it does feel like the mix isn't quite right. Some songs are more traditional, some far more twisted.

All in all though, still an album i would recommend picking up before prices inevitably rise.

Sharon People - Inside Looking Out LP

SHARON PEOPLE - Inside looking out LP (Indigo Sound Studios IRS 5510)

Listen to: "I'm in love"

Here's the first Xian Psych/Folk album i bought. Got a call about it last year from a fellow digger. I'd never heard of it, but he assured me that i'd like it & if not that i'd easily move it on.

Well, the first few needle drops were anything but positive, but once again, it's the arrangements that set this apart from other LP's. Once i'd sat down to listen in it's entirity it made complete sense to me. Maybe that's the thing with private pressings, once you "get it"; the strange arrangements, the throwing out of the rule book; then you're hooked.

I could never hope to explain the music here. The only thing that came to mind was a Cabaret band playing songs written by Ennio Morricone, arranged by Bryan MacLeane, with Sterling Morrisson guesting on guitar. OK, so that's a bit strong, but how do you compare this to anything else you've ever heard?

Listen to: "Wilderness"

Side one is much stronger than side two here, there's a passion throughout side one that seems to be lacking on the other side.

I've come up gainst a complete brick wall on researching this album. It's on the Indigo Sound Studios label out of the Republic of Ireland with a very home made looking sleeve. I originally thought this was a subsiduary of EMI, but i now think it was probably recorded in the EMI studio in the Republic of Ireland that happened to be called Indigo Sound Studios.

I've tried researching the members' names as well, but once again drew a complete blank. Two other diggers i've spoken too said they owned or had seen the Sharon People album, but it seems they are talking about a second album i've seen listed on a Japanese website which appears to be some kind of a stage play using some of the songs & music from this album.

If anyone can throw some light on this album please get in touch, as i am particulary obsessed by it. Who wouldn't be, you just need to hear the passion in the vocals of I'm in Love......if that's what being in love with Jesus Christ is all about, well......

Sounds of Salvation - An exploration in worship

SOUNDS OF SALVATION - An exploration in worship LP (Reflection RL 310)

Listen to: "Love III"

This is the album that has inspired this blog (obvious from the title really!). What they call a blind punt, quite literally picked up off the floor of a local flea market where someone had unceremoniously dropped it.
This is one difficult album to explain.

Released in 1974 by a Christian group from Cambridge University, it ranges from a long introduction of sound collages depicting everyday life (strangely akin to the KLF's Chill out album), through a very dark Psychedelic track "Overseers", then through prayers, acid folk & twisted rock.

It really does need to be listened to in it's entirity as it does flow despite the strange marrying of styles.

Listen to: "What is it like Lord?"

The female voices are particulary strong, along with some superb guitar work, especially in the more acid moments. What manages to really make this work for me are the arrangements, they are very different from traditional arrangements, and that makes for a refreshing listen.

I don't feel that the soundfiles i've uploaded are representative of the album as a whole, but they are an introduction to a strange world; a world where people ask the Lord what it is like to burn & where peoples eyes are scratched out so we can see through them.

As a foot note, the stamps on my copy show that it once belonged to a hospital radio station. Now there's a thought!

Although inactive for many years the group behind Refection records have now come back together & are releasing the albums on CD.

I hope i have inspired at least one or two of you to buy the CD.

If anyone connected with this album is reading, we would love to hear your recollections.

Listen to: "Overseers"