Fruupp originated in Northern Ireland but developed a strong following in Britain. From 1071 to 1976 they released a number of albums including Future Legends, (1973), Seven Secrets (1974), The Prince of Heavens Eyes (1974), and Modern Masquerades, (1975). They were very popular among the student scene and as a Support group. ( they supported Genesis and Queen on their U.K. tour in 1974. Most of the artwork on their album covers was created by bassist/singer Peter Farelly. The band broke up in December 1976.
L.A. acid-psych band Goldenrod was made up of some of the top session players of the time, who backed bands such as Elvis Presley, The 5th Dimension, The Ventures, and the Doors to name a few. This album is the band letting loose and carrying about in their own fashion. Made up of 4 extra long tracks, Decent of the Cyclopedeans, Karamic Dream Sequence, The Gator Society, Standing Ovalua-tion. The album has an intense emotional sound with stellar guitar work done by Ben Benay. Apparently, the group met each other while backing the 5th Dimention and later, after becoming seasoned studio players formed Goldenrod. Totally awesome musicianship. But then, what else would you expect from a group of top session players?
New Zealand's best kept secret. Bitch started out The Clevedonairs, and then known only as The Cleves, their name no doubt taken from their home town of Clevedon. The band recorded from 1966 to 1973 and was constantly evolving (thus the name changes) and from 1966 to 1968 recorded four singles for the Impact label. They spent a lot of time touring and in 1968 were sent to Vietnam to entertain troops. However, the Viet Kong launched their Tet Offensive and soon put a stop to that with only days left until they were to leave. With all their gear packed and no bookings, they headed off to Australia where they shortened their name to The Cleves and became popular on the already congested Aussie psych scene. 1971 saw the release of their highly acclaimed self titled L.P. Soon afterwards, they decided to try to get in on the booming U.K. rock scene were they changed their name to the more confrontational Bitch. The band was nearly broke, and on a chance gamble, booked a one night appearance at the legendary Speakeasy club in London, where they invited guests from all the major record companies. Surprisingly, they ALL turned up, and by the end of the night Bitch found themselves with a 10,000 pound contract with WEA. A full length album was recorded, but never released (why?) They did however, release two singles for WEA and with the 2015 released of the compilation CD, are available once again including input from The Cleveladaires and the cleaves, along with the other songs recorded by Bitch for their unreleased L.P.
Ray Owens was the original singer for British band Juicy Lucy appearing only on there eponymous debut in 1969. Released on Polydor, ranked #735 of best albums of 1971 it's got some pretty cool riff laden space/psych/hard rock, "Moon" is the bands only album and is rare and quite collectable. Besides all that, it's got some really great tracks including a killer version of Hendrix's Voodoo Child (which Owens would re-do in the 90's in the reformed Juicy Lucy). His career after this album is a mystery as he can't be found on any other album released until the 90's.
Primevil were a short lived American hard rock group of the 70's. Their lone release, "Smokin' Bats at Campton's" has been described as "a bona fide stoner rock touchstone." It was later re-released in 2006 and in 2007, the band was mentioned in an article in Classic Rock titled "The Lost Pioneers of Heavy Metal." One can almost hear some Fly By Night era Rush, or even Sir Lord Baltimore within' this collection of songs. It's eight cuts run a wide gamut featuring impressive songcraft and musicianship with it's acustic passages, start-stop riffs, and the hard driving "progress" of it's dual guitars, funky bass, and wailing harp. A relic well worth excavating for any stoner rock/metal enthusiast.
Host (Norway) released two albums in the mid 70's before calling it quits. Their sound combined 70's hard rock/metal with prog and Norwegian folk. Many sections are reminiscent of early Iron Maiden or Judas Priest (Sad Wings of Destiny era) with twin guitars throughout, and "Harris-like" bass riffs. They also mix a few timesinature changes in spicing it up a bit. Their music is a little more complex and less heavy than Maiden, but the similarities are surprising. Host also liked to mix Norwegian vocals, melodies, and rhythms into their hard prog sound making it very unique. Over all, this is an excellent album that would be a hit with metal collectors or heavy prog fans.
Tractor was formed in Rochdale, Lancashire, England by guitarist Jim Milne and drummer Steve Clayton in 1971. Both had been members of a beat group The Way We Live since 1966. They are notable for their appreciation by John Peel and Julian Cope, but also for their longevity because as of 2007 they are still performing. They sent a demo tape to Elektra records and soon CBS U.K. operations manager Clive Sellwood got hold of it and liked what he heard. He and DJ Johh Peel signed them to their Dandelion records label. The group was booked into Spot studios in London and finished their session in two days, and in 1971 the bands debut album A Candle For Judith was released, credited to The Way We Live. The release earned immediate critical acclaim. Peel bought the band recording equipment and a PA system. He also talked the band into changing their name. Looking out his window in Suffolk, he spied a tractor in an adjacent field and recommended it as a name to them. Tractor's first release after the name change was a maxi 7" single - "Stoney Beau on his "Creation" album (1971). The duo's first follow up full length was released in 1972, and by 1973the album was getting positive reviews from the likes of Melody Maker, Anne Nightingale on BBC 1, and Kid Jenson on radio Luxenburg. The album climbed to number 18 on Radio Luxenburg and to 30 on the Virgin best sellers list. They opened their own recording studio, "Tractor Sound Studios" ans was also partially funded by John Peel. The studio was featured in a film about Rochdale and John Peel in 2006. The band recorded a partial third album in 1973, but was never released until 1990 as Worst Enemies. Tractor left the Dandelion label as it ceased to operate for about 17 years in 1973.
Glory"/"Marie"/"As you say" for Dandelion. They also backed another Dandelion act
They released more singles throughout the 70's and are still recording and performing today.
