Crown Records was a low end budget label that released albums of studio musicians playing whatever hits were popular at the time. "Latin A Go-Go," "Jazz," "Doctor Zhviago", "I Love You So Much it Hurts", pretty much crap, on a budget. In 1968 & '69 "Acid Rock" was the flavor of the day. So, their plan was, cover two titles the were popular, in the 31 Flavors case, "Hair", and "Aquarius" and the rest was pretty much made up names like "Free Fuzz' , 'Real Far Out', and my favorite "Distortion of Darkness". And in the Firebirds case, "Light My Fire" and then there's titles like: "No Tomorrow" and "Dilutions.." (to show a you bit of contrast).
First of all, all the "Popular Hits" are all garbage. Like I mean TOTAL SHIT! Not for the faint of heart. But, the gold lies within.
The first album is from '68, the 2nd '69.
The Firebirds are the first "bands" to make one of these albums. "Light My Fire" is listed on the front, along with a bunch of songs, "Warm Up", "Reflections", "Bye Baby", "Free Bass", Free Drum", "Free Fuzz". "Gypsy Lee", Dilutions", & "No Tomorrow".These are the good tunes. The ones with what sound like they made the names up as they were pressing it, They are all heavy fuzz/distortion ala Hendrix.
The Next is From The 31 Flavors, and that's the "Hair album." Once again, avoid the "hits" (unless you're a masochist,. But a lot of people say the fuzz tunes on this album are a bit better, when to me, it sonds as though the guitar player keeps using the same riff. Either that or they are the same tunes on both albums with different titles. Which wouldn't be all that surprising. Both of these albums have been re-issued together on CD.
Either way check them out, and don't forget to look in those bargain bins!!!.
Here's a couple links that go into much greater detail. I ain't got that kinda time...
Music is a Journey
It's Psychedelic Baby
..and Andrupchik wrote a GREAT review on
Rate Your Music
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