Greenslade

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of Temple Songs – The Albums 1973 – 1975, a four-disc clamshell box set of the four albums released by the legendary band GREENSLADE between 1973 and 1975; Greenslade, Bedside Manners Are Extra, Spyglass Guest and Time and Tide.

Greenslade were something of a prog rock supergroup when they formed in 1972. Dave Greenslade (son of Arthur Greenslade, noted arranger for Scott Walker, Dusty Springfield and many more) had been the keyboard player in jazz rock oufits Colosseum and If. Bass player Tony Reeves also came from the ranks of Colosseum, while drummer Andy McCulloch had been in the "Lizard" line-up of King Crimson. Vocalist/second keyboard player Dave Lawson had been in Episode Six and The Alan Bown Set and the unique ‘two keyboards/no guitar lineup’ gave them a signature sound.
Greenslade reached their peak with their third album, Spyglass Guest. While the dueling keyboards of Dave Greenslade and Dave Lawson still lead the charge, it's the first Greenslade album to feature guitar (Dave “Clem” Clempson of Humble Pie), and it's probably the band's most visceral effort…

Aside from a few minor differences, 1973's Bedside Manners Are Extra is equivalent to Greenslade's debut album, inundated with the same dazzling synthesizer work and atmospheric guitar implementations from Tony Reeves. Andrew McCulloch's drumming is a little more effective the whole album through, balancing out Dave Greenslade's keyboards and Dave Lawson's singing. The songs alternate from vocal to instrumental, beginning with the beautifully lush title track that exploits the ease in which Greenslade applies his techniques. "Pilgrims Progress" picks up the pace, with McCulloch and Greenslade wonderfully playing off one another.

Unlike many fellow reviewers, I don't think at all that "Spyglass Guest" is a major artistic turndown in Greenslade's career; while not being obviously as brilliant as its two preceding albums, it is full of good musical ideas, and the energy is still there, palpable and shining brightly.

Bedside Manners Are Extra is the second studio album of the British progressive rock band Greenslade, released in 1973 on Warner Bros. Records. Aside from a few minor differences, 1973's Bedside Manners Are Extra is equivalent to Greenslade's debut album, inundated with the same dazzling synthesizer work and atmospheric guitar implementations from Tony Reeves. Andrew McCulloch's drumming is a little more effective the whole album through, balancing out Dave Greenslade's keyboards and Dave Lawson's singing. The songs alternate from vocal to instrumental, beginning with the beautifully lush title track that exploits the ease in which Greenslade…

Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of a new re-mastered edition collection by the legendary band Greenslade.