A Heavy-Psyche U.S album in the early 70's style, led by a female voice. It is well sung and well played, with a very prominent organ. It is to be regretted that all the compositions are not of the same quality as the piece "pony" which opens the album. Deserves careful listening.
Members
Suzanne Rey (percussion, vocals), Bart Libby (organ, piano), Steve Tracy (guitar, vocals), Gary Violetti (bass, vocals), Doug Huffman (drums, vocals)
Hard Rock, Heavy Psych, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Proto-Punk
If there was ever a band you could hold up against today's sterile, predictable, banal rock music to teach young whippersnappers about the value of chaos, noise and reckless power, the Pink Fairies might be the best choice. Sure, you can also invoke the MC5, Stooges, Hawkwind, Funkadelic, Blue Cheer, and many, many more, But lately, as I'm often struck by just how trite and dead mainstream rock is, I think of these guys. Not a bunch of noise-mongers, the Fairies could play, but weren't chops oriented. They almost always managed to find the perfect balance of anarchy and sructure, unbridled power and amateurish enthusiasm. This concert document, rather similar to others that have been unearthed in recent years, carries with it both great sound, very live but certainly better than bootleg quality, illustrates all of that. The fact that you can ear equal amounts of Sex Pistols and Black Sabbath in the band's loose but heavy, driving playing is also worth noting, revealing that the poles of punk, metal and rock are not nearly as far apart as the rock critic elite would have us believe. Which means that this record, and the Pink Fairies themselves were that example of rock's very own inconvenient truth; sometimes the music is just the music, for it's own sake, outside of politics, fashion, scenes and anyone's personal, critical ax to grind. For that cohesion of beautiful anarchism, we must thank the Fairies for leading us to the water, forcing our heads underwater and forcing us to drink.
Members
Twink (drums, vocals, 1969-71, 1975-76, 1987-88, 1995-97), Mick Farren (lead vocals, 1969), Steve Peregrine Took (guitar, 1969), Sally Meltzer [aka Silver Darling] (keyboards, 1969), Duncan Sanderson (bass, 1970-76, 1981-88, 2014-17), Russell Hunter (drums, 1970-76, 1987-88, 2014-17), Paul Rudolph (guitar, vocals, 1970-72, 1975-76, 1995-97, 2018-present), Mick Wayne (guitar, vocals, 1972-73), Larry Wallis (guitar, vocals, 1973-76, 1981-88), Martin Stone (guitar, 1976), George Butler (drums, 1981-86, 2014-17), Andy Colquhoun (guitar, vocals, 1987-88, 2014-17), Jaki Windmill (percussion, 2014-17), Alan Davey (bass, vocals, 2018-present), Lucas Fox (drums, vocals, 2018-present)
Hard Rock, Heavy Psych, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Proto-Punk
The album, which consists of tracks recorded in the 70s, is in a compilation album format. In addition to the best songs of the group, the album also features a legendary interpretation by Johnny B. Goode.
Members
Twink (drums, vocals, 1969-71, 1975-76, 1987-88, 1995-97), Mick Farren (lead vocals, 1969), Steve Peregrine Took (guitar, 1969), Sally Meltzer [aka Silver Darling] (keyboards, 1969), Duncan Sanderson (bass, 1970-76, 1981-88, 2014-17), Russell Hunter (drums, 1970-76, 1987-88, 2014-17), Paul Rudolph (guitar, vocals, 1970-72, 1975-76, 1995-97, 2018-present), Mick Wayne (guitar, vocals, 1972-73), Larry Wallis (guitar, vocals, 1973-76, 1981-88), Martin Stone (guitar, 1976), George Butler (drums, 1981-86, 2014-17), Andy Colquhoun (guitar, vocals, 1987-88, 2014-17), Jaki Windmill (percussion, 2014-17), Alan Davey (bass, vocals, 2018-present), Lucas Fox (drums, vocals, 2018-present)
Hard Rock, Heavy Psych, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Proto-Punk
Pink Fairies' live album, recorded in 1975 but released in 1982. It's quite lively and just right in the band's musical style. This record is very good overall. Especially the Waiting For The Man and Uncle Harry's Last Freakout are amazing. The last song, Going Down, also finished the concert beautifully.
Members
Twink (drums, vocals, 1969-71, 1975-76, 1987-88, 1995-97), Mick Farren (lead vocals, 1969), Steve Peregrine Took (guitar, 1969), Sally Meltzer [aka Silver Darling] (keyboards, 1969), Duncan Sanderson (bass, 1970-76, 1981-88, 2014-17), Russell Hunter (drums, 1970-76, 1987-88, 2014-17), Paul Rudolph (guitar, vocals, 1970-72, 1975-76, 1995-97, 2018-present), Mick Wayne (guitar, vocals, 1972-73), Larry Wallis (guitar, vocals, 1973-76, 1981-88), Martin Stone (guitar, 1976), George Butler (drums, 1981-86, 2014-17), Andy Colquhoun (guitar, vocals, 1987-88, 2014-17), Jaki Windmill (percussion, 2014-17), Alan Davey (bass, vocals, 2018-present), Lucas Fox (drums, vocals, 2018-present)
Hard Rock, Heavy Psych, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Proto-Punk
In June 1973, Polydor Records released the third album by The Pink Fairies – “Kings Of Oblivion”. I have seen it described as an album that simply fulfils the contract but it is not in my view, a poor contractual obligation record – no, “Kings Of Oblivion” is a very fine record indeed.
But first we need to go back a few months to when guitarist Paul Rudolph left The Pink Fairies. Duncan Sanderson – bass and Russell Hunter – drums decided to continue with guitarist Mick Wayne who had connections to the band. He had been founder of Junior’s Eyes and worked with Hunter & Sanderson with Steve Peregrin Took (once of Tyrannosaurus Rex). In fact Took probably thought he would be part of any new Pink Fairies (remember he had been part of the Pink Fairies Motorcycle Club And All Star Rock And Roll Band with Twink in 1969) but his drug consumption meant that this was not to be. But The Pink Fairies was reborn with Wayne, Hunter & Sanderson and they released the second Pink Fairies single “Well, Well, Well/ Hold On”. It is included as part of the bonus tracks on “King Of Oblivion” and..its just about O.K. Enter Larry Wallis. Originally employed as a second Pink Fairies guitarist, he, too, had worked with Took, and had been in UFO (yes, Phil Mogg and chums have been around since 1969 – Mogg sacked Wallis for being drunk). However Sanderson & Hunter decided that Mick Wayne was leading the band in a direction they did not like, and after one gig as a four piece – The Pink Fairies were back to a three piece – but with Larry Wallis as their guitarist - not Mick Wayne.
And on “Kings Of Oblivion” all seven songs were written by Wallis – 4 on his own and three in collaboration with Sanderson or Sanderson & Hunter and on the closing track on what was Side1 – “Where’s The Fun Begin?” with one-time lead Deviant – Mick Farren. I think this was very much necessity being the mother of invention but Larry Wallis took up the challenge admirably. He also sings lead vocals – not bad but a bit shaky. Importantly, “Kings Of Oblivion” – named after a line in David Bowie’s “The Bewlay Brothers” – is very much a punk album. I know three of the tracks are in excess of six minutes, but the attitude is that of 1976 rather than 1973. It is no wonder that Stiff Records wanted The Pink Fairies – their “final” single was released as Buy 2 (if you remember Stiff’s catalogue numbers.)
The opening “City Kids” sets the tone. Written by Sanderson & Wallis, it is, as the excellent CD booklet says, “a storming opening track”. Then there is the nine minute plus “I Wish I was A Girl”. Now The Pink Fairies were still a jamming band but here Wallis’ guitar playing is excellent and it does not outstay its welcome. Lyrically, it is interesting as well – a pretty good take of sexual stereotyping. What was Side 1 finishes with the six-minute plus “When’s The Fun Begin?” and it is another cracker. So far so wonderful.
What was Side 2 is less so. The first track “Chromium Plating” is very good as is the instrumental “Raceway” – except it should not have been instrumental. The Pink Fairies were still gigging during the recording of “Kings Of Oblivion” and after one gig, they returned to find the album mixed & finished. Wallis was not able to add his vocals! The next track, however – “Chambermaid” rocks extremely well but in contrast to “Wish I Was A Girl” has thickheaded sex lyrics which I suspect I would have found hilarious at 14 but at 60, I find them somewhat embarrassing. There are worse and the early 1970’s were different times, but even so.
Fortunately the closing – the seven-minute “Street Urchin” is terrific.
Members
Twink (drums, vocals, 1969-71, 1975-76, 1987-88, 1995-97), Mick Farren (lead vocals, 1969), Steve Peregrine Took (guitar, 1969), Sally Meltzer [aka Silver Darling] (keyboards, 1969), Duncan Sanderson (bass, 1970-76, 1981-88, 2014-17), Russell Hunter (drums, 1970-76, 1987-88, 2014-17), Paul Rudolph (guitar, vocals, 1970-72, 1975-76, 1995-97, 2018-present), Mick Wayne (guitar, vocals, 1972-73), Larry Wallis (guitar, vocals, 1973-76, 1981-88), Martin Stone (guitar, 1976), George Butler (drums, 1981-86, 2014-17), Andy Colquhoun (guitar, vocals, 1987-88, 2014-17), Jaki Windmill (percussion, 2014-17), Alan Davey (bass, vocals, 2018-present), Lucas Fox (drums, vocals, 2018-present)
Hard Rock, Heavy Psych, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Proto-Punk
After an awesome psych-punk debut album _Never Never Land_, the Pink Fairies ditched the acid-addled style of tracks like "Heavenly Man", instead going for lengthier, riff mad jams.
While initially not as impressive as _Never Never Land_, after a few listens _.....Sweeties_ reveals itself as a great LP in it's own right. Stand out tracks are "I Went Up, I Went Down" (the mellowest song on the album), the country piss take "Pigs Of Uranus" and a husky cover of The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There".
Also of note is the 9 minute plus version of rock 'n' roll classic "Walk Don't Run". I'm sure when Johnny Smith, whoever he may be, first wrote this (much-covered already sorta thing) tune he never imagined it'd be covered in such a way! An even longer, alternate take of the song is included as a bonus track.
This band is pretty damn underrated- I can recommend this album to all fans of jam heavy sludge, stoner, psych, proto punk and space rock.
Members
Twink (drums, vocals, 1969-71, 1975-76, 1987-88, 1995-97), Mick Farren (lead vocals, 1969), Steve Peregrine Took (guitar, 1969), Sally Meltzer [aka Silver Darling] (keyboards, 1969), Duncan Sanderson (bass, 1970-76, 1981-88, 2014-17), Russell Hunter (drums, 1970-76, 1987-88, 2014-17), Paul Rudolph (guitar, vocals, 1970-72, 1975-76, 1995-97, 2018-present), Mick Wayne (guitar, vocals, 1972-73), Larry Wallis (guitar, vocals, 1973-76, 1981-88), Martin Stone (guitar, 1976), George Butler (drums, 1981-86, 2014-17), Andy Colquhoun (guitar, vocals, 1987-88, 2014-17), Jaki Windmill (percussion, 2014-17), Alan Davey (bass, vocals, 2018-present), Lucas Fox (drums, vocals, 2018-present)
Hard Rock, Heavy Psych, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Proto-Punk
Many of the best suggestions of sixties music received in a single album: hard rock, acoustic moments, blues, psychedelia and improvisation. Versatility and class. Source inspiration and spiritual guide of many English musicians who came you later.
Members
Twink (drums, vocals, 1969-71, 1975-76, 1987-88, 1995-97), Mick Farren (lead vocals, 1969), Steve Peregrine Took (guitar, 1969), Sally Meltzer [aka Silver Darling] (keyboards, 1969), Duncan Sanderson (bass, 1970-76, 1981-88, 2014-17), Russell Hunter (drums, 1970-76, 1987-88, 2014-17), Paul Rudolph (guitar, vocals, 1970-72, 1975-76, 1995-97, 2018-present), Mick Wayne (guitar, vocals, 1972-73), Larry Wallis (guitar, vocals, 1973-76, 1981-88), Martin Stone (guitar, 1976), George Butler (drums, 1981-86, 2014-17), Andy Colquhoun (guitar, vocals, 1987-88, 2014-17), Jaki Windmill (percussion, 2014-17), Alan Davey (bass, vocals, 2018-present), Lucas Fox (drums, vocals, 2018-present)
Very british sounding heavy psych with incredible guitar parts without the swank of most of more known bands from the era. Unchained was the only studio album this UK heavy psych group. It's a really solid mix of pretty heavy guitar driven material and lighter psychedelic rock.
Members
Peter Thorpe [Big Pete Thorpe] (lead vocals), Neil Tatum (lead guitar), Granville Frazer (rhythm guitar), James Haines (bass guitar), Bernard James (drums)
Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Progressive Rock, Heavy Psych
Tremendous Hard Rock Combo with Blues inspirations. Without wasting any track after track, the album passes forcefully without being boring because of the varied and well produced.
Best of all are the fine double guitar arrangements by Larry Lafalce and Dino Paolillo backed by a stormy and well grounded rhythm section from Gino Charles (drums) and Larry Venditti (bass) plus top-notch Hammond Organ in charge of the fifth. member Ron Picollo, all under a pseudo-jasmine atmosphere that at times touches the sky.
It is almost impossible to relate their sound with those of other established bands, but if that was the point, I could classify them as a mix of Deep Purple, Grand Funk and something from the first stage of Kansas because of their approach to the progressive chord, but that devastating rope and openly. Special mention should also be made of the superb arrangements of the vocal choirs in all the themes, as for example in the theme Cy, a fine and magnificently arranged theme.
I could not decide on a particular topic since all the recordings do not cease to impress me. Fantastic debut of this group that sadly was diluted with their next production.
This is one of those bands that I immediately refer to when talking about quality bands that have disappeared prematurely.
Members
Geno Charles (drums), Larry LaFalce (lead guitar, vocals), Dino Paolillo (lead guitar, vocals), Frankie Previte (vocals, recorder, percussion), Ron Piccolo (organ, piano, vocals), Lenny Venditti (bass)
