V.a. Psychedelic Gems

This original soundtrack (from the cult movie) was released in late 1970 by French Motors label. The fabulous music was created by then unknown French-Canadian-British rock band Clinic (which was chosen after the Pink Floyd weren't available), pop singer Christophe (present on just two tracks) and Bernard Gerard Orchestra (responsible for two classical interludes). All the songs were sung in English, although most of an album was filled with instrumental and truly amazing, early Pink Floyd-like psychedelic sounds (with Hammond organ, mellotron, flute, hypnotic bass notes, whispering voices) combined with late 60’s French/British pop tunes. With the exception of 'More' it's really hard to imagine a better movie soundtrack from late 60's/early 70's rock era!

This fantastic album has been released in early 1970 on French BYG Actuel label (home of Gong, Alan Jack Civilisation and Freedom) and at the time it was one of the earliest French rock albums! Catalyse LP consisted a powerful collection of largely instrumental and improvised progressive music with strong psychedelic and jazz infuences, where electric guitars and flute parts were backed by very busy rhythm section and David Allen-like vocals. The music of Ame Son often sounded like a combination of early Gong, late 60 ‘s Pink Floyd, Group 1850 and even Jethro Tull. In addition 5 rare tracks (from 1969 to 1971) have been added - including rare, non-LP single.

Recorded with a help of 'soon-to-be-famous' producer Eddie Kramer and released in early 1969 (in an attractive, gatefold gimmick cover) on ABC Records label, the only LP of that US trio was a solid and quite original mix of early hard rock, white blues and psychedelia. The complex and catchy songs were full of interesting ideas and based on guitar sound characterized by nicely fuzzed sound, some awesome flanger and plenty of wah-wah - sometimes similar to the work of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, Frost, Lincoln St. Exit and Savage Resurrection. In contrast, the last two songs were kept in more folk-psych vein, which added some flavor to that underrated and in many ways an amazing album.

The name of this hugely underrated Canadian band was derived from A.A.Milne‘s ‘Winnie the Pooh’, whose ‘proper’ name is Edward Bear. In contrast to their later, mainstream works, the band's eclectic debut album (released on Capitol Records in 1969) without a doubt it's one of very best Canadian rock albums ever! Full-blown ‘late psych/early prog’ music based on doomy Hammond organ sounds, intense and heavy guitar parts, very solid drumming and hugely attractive vocal parts merged with memorable hooks, catchy, Beatles-like melodies and blues elements. lt’s quite similar to early Traffic, Procol Harurn and even Andwella's Dream! The band had it's biggest hit in 1972, when ‘Last Song’ charted at #1 in Canada and peaked at #3 in the Billboard’s list!

ln contrast to their later mainstream works, the band’s 2nd LP (released on Capitol Records in 1970] was a musical continuation of its predecessor. This hard to describe, but very fascinating, progressive and quite melodic album contained an eclectic and very British mix of styles, not far away from late 60’s The Beatles combined with Procol Harum, Lee Michaels’ debut album, The Moody Blues and even early Led Zeppelin works. Unfortunately, soon after Eclipse LP release guitarist Danny Marks left the band and the ‘progressive era’ was over. After that the group softened, but also gained much popularity. Edward Bear was at least for a moment a favourite of Quentin Tarantino, who once said “the band should be regarded as The Beatles of Canada"!

Various Artists - Never Ever Land: 83 Texan Nuggets from International Artists Records 1965-1970 (2008) {3CD Charly SNAJ735CD}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 1.13 Gb | MP3 @320 -> 583 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 222 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1965-70, 2008 International Artists / Charly / Licensemusic / Snapper Music | SNAJ 735 CD
Rock / Garage-Rock / Psychedelic / Rocking Blues / Mainstream Pop / Oddities

It's not unusual for a small independent record company to be defined by its first major success, and that was certainly the case for the maverick Texas label International Artists. IA began life in 1965 as a fairly ordinary regional outfit releasing pop/rock stuff, but when they scored a nationwide hit with the 13th Floor Elevators' proto-psychedelic anthem "You're Gonna Miss Me," the label's de facto A&R chief, Lelan Rogers, dove headfirst into Texas acid culture and IA became a home for consciousness-expanded acts such as the Golden Dawn, the Bubble Puppy, Endle St. Cloud, and the truly crazed Red Crayola. Never Ever Land is a three-CD set designed to give a reasonably comprehensive picture of International Artists' strange and memorable five-year lifespan.

Wig Out! Freak Out!, the latest compilation from Two-Piers, dives into the world of Freakbeat, Psych and Mod from 1964-1969. Pulling the cream of tracks from the UK and United States Freakbeat and Garage scenes of the time. Featuring tracks from The Sonics, The Kinks, The Action, Chocolate Watch Band, The Haunted, The Standells, Paul Revere and The Raiders, The Shadows of Knight, The Yardbirds, The Seeds and more Wig Out! Freak Out! is packed full of Freakbeat and Mod classics as well as rare sought after nuggets.