Been listening to some classic British psyche. Mellotrons, beards, real ale and Leslie speakers abound in the world of the fragile English cult acid head..
As the winter nights close in I find myself needing music that reminds me of the last days of summer, black birds chirping, ice creams melting, straw boaters and used condoms in the canal...here are some classics.
Roy Harper - When An Old Cricketer Leaves The Crease
Steady Ladies! While no looker, the tramp like Harper had a knack for bleak cynical folk, enlivened by some lovely brass. Also a mate of Jimmy Page who as well guesting on his albums dedicated the track "Hats Off To (Roy) Harper", on Zep's third album, to him.
Kevin Ayers - Hymn
Kev had everything to become a big star, blond good looks, a deep croon and Elton John's management but indolence and alcoholism did for him. His albums always sandwiched beautiful introspection, like this track, amid bloated prog rock toomfoolery and lyrics about bananas..
Syd Barrett - Dark Glode
The poster boy for acid casualties in fact Syd probably just got bored of dealing with Rodger Waters as this dismissive song attests. Horse and swaying wildly in tempo (The White Stripes are super stars with the same template) it's still better than 90% of Pink Floyd's output after he was booted out.
Matching Mole - O Caroline
A complete one off, the rest of their work is complete toss but this lovely ballad features Robert Wyatt's school boy vocals and is rather sweet.
Caravan - In the land Of Grey And Pink
Whimsical prog folk from group of art school bozos about whom I know nothing other than this track tickles me.
maningrey
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