Goldenrod - s/t 1969

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?

Bitch - "Wild Cat" / "Good Time Coming'" 45's 1972-73

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' Moon - "Moon" 1971

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 - "Smokin' Bats at Campton's" 1974

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 - "Pa Sterke Vinger" 1974

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 - s/t 1972 L.P.

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.

Bone 1972 Fairview Studios Sessions

Bone originated from Gilberdyke in the East Riding section of Yorkshire. They recorded several original songs at Fairview studi with Keit Herd in 1972/73. In 1973, Bone became Zhain. The band operated out of Leeds playing locally in the Leeds/Bradford area in the North of England. Some members went on to join a band call Qyl, who recorded three tracks that were released via a small indy label on a compilation L.P. In 1976, Bone regrouped and performed in 1977.
Some members went on to form the influential punk band Dead Fingers Talk, whose L.P. was produced by Mick Ronson (Spiders From Mars). Bones drummer, Martin Atkins, went on to form PIL (Public Image Ltd.) with John Lydon (Rotten).

Bone playlist

Shiver - "San Francisco's Shiver" 1972

Recorded on an old two track, yet effective machine, "San Francisco's Shiver" is significantly heavier than anything popular of the time. A Hell's Angels party band, the often shared bills with the likes of Big Brother and the Holding Co. and Blue Cheer. And it was fitting considering their brand of heavy psych made The Seeds and Steppenwolf sound like Barbara Streisand. Shiver's work is that rare stuff you've heard about but never actually come across. This CD reissue of the recordings is a prime example of the chaos and energy that the band delivered live. Apower trio that puts most other power trios to shame. Including Grand Funk! Another two thumbs up on this one! Fucking brilliant!

Jukin' Bone - "Whiskey Woman" L.P 1972 & "Way Down East" L.P. 1973

Formed in 1970 in Syracuse, N.Y., Jukin' Bone (formerly under the name Free Will) entered Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland studios to record their debut album for RCA Victor entitled "Whiskey Woman." After a lineup change, and with two drummers, Their second album "Way Down East" was released along with two singles: "Whiskey Woman" and "Carol Lynn" (both from the debut L.P.) The band toured the mid-west extensively, but failed to garner any followers (outside of Syracuse) due to poor promotion and publicity. In the fall of 1973 Jukin' Bone "Syracuse's Biggest Band" disbanded.

For a more extensive history and further insight: History of Syracuse Music, or the great article from Rather Rare Records.

And check out Mark Doyal.com for info on albums released after their breakup. Including the entire Electric Ladyland sessions and the highly praised "Lost Third Album." A MAJOR Two Thumbs Up on this one!!!

Leaf Hound Live @ Roadburn 4/14/12

Fair to so-so video & audio.

Plum Nelly - "Deceptive Lines" 1970

Plum Nelly took their name from a defunct rock club of the same name on their home turf of NYC after two of the employees got them a deal with Capitol records. The lineup consisted of John Earl Walker-lead guitar, Ric Prince - Lead vocals, Peter Harris-bass, Steve Ress-Rythm guitar and vocals, and Christopher Lloyd on drums. The band shared bills with a lot of major acts at the time including, but not limited to Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, The Kinks, and Muddy Waters. The album was recorded in 1970 and was released in '71. Background vocals on "Lonely Man's Cry" were done by The Sweet Inspirations led by Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston's mother, and were also doing recording for Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin at the time. The Group toured the U.S. in the early 70's and in '74 relocated to L.A. at which time their bass player Bob Feit went on to play for Tina Turner.
Plum Nelly disbanded in 1976. It was at this time John Earl Walker formed the John Earl Walker band and played throughout the 70's & 80's. The album is guitar driven rock with some really great leads. It sounds more like amid to late 70's project than 1970. All in all a good listen.

Charlee - s/t 1972

Before forming Charlee, (not to be confused with the U.K. band Charlie) Walter Rossi had cut his teeth in the late 60's with some pretty big names like Wilson Pickett, and Buddy Miles Express, where he contributed lead guitar to Buddy's original version of "Them Changes." He even turned down offers from Three Dog Night and Janis Joplin.
Rossi also had the pleasure of jamming with Hendrix and Buddy Miles during the 'Band of Gypsies' days.
Then, back in Canada, Walter co-founded the progressive psych rock band Influence in 1968/69. After being signed to ABC records, they went on tour in support of The Doors and Steppenwolf.
Then in 1971, he formed Charlee, and the band released one eponymous album that year.
The Charlee album is one of the best examples of 70's hard rock you'll ever hear. Highly recommended.
After the album was released, David Bowie's manager Tony Defries heard Walter playing in the studio and offered him a job playing for the Ziggy Stardust tour, but Walter had made up his mind to stay in Montreal close to his father, who was ill at the time.
Rossi then went to Toronto where he met up with Luke Gibson and joined his band Luke and the Apostles in '72/'73.
This album is absolutely amazing. It ranks up there with Montrose, Sad Wings of Destiny, and early Robin Trower.

Pink Fairies - "Uncle Harry" 1993

Relesed in 1993, Uncle Harry is a compilation of obscure tracks and live tunes recorded for the BBC in and around 1970-71. Raw, gritty, energetic rock and roll in the style only the Fairies can bring. It's a pretty cool double L.P. consisting of only 6 songs. The rock "Johnny B. Good" in to a proto-metal track and turns "The Snake" into an extended tribal jam. Full of excess, in the long, slow, psychedelic jams as well as the up beat numbers. Also contains two very lengthy versions of "Uncle Henry's Last Freakout. The fourth side has an engraving of flying pigs, and the packaging all together is superior. A curious release that would be out of place for anyone but the eccentric Pink Fairies. This one rips. Enjoy!

Gedo - s/t 1974

Formed in Osaka, Japan in 1972 by ex-M Hideto Kanoh and Too Much bassist Ryoichi Nakano, Gedo were very popular in the early 1970's festival circuit, mainly at biker meetings and political events. Much like the MC5, Gedo's music carried a lot of political overtones, shooting down capitalism and following ideals from American hippy movements. Although they mix psych with hard rock, they sound much more proto-punk with their aggressive delivery. In fact , I wouldn't hesitate to call them punk rock. Gedo has released 8 albums between 1974 and 2003. This album was recorded live and has a raw energy that smashed barriers of it's time. Named the 24th greatest Japanese Rock album of all time by Rolling Stone Japan, and 30th on Julian Copes book Japrocksampler. Fucking brilliant.

Dull Knife - "Electric Indian" 1971

1971 saw Dull Knife, another Krautrock band that released one album and disappeared from the scene release "Electric Indian." Dull Knife (not to be confused with the band from Brighton formed in with members of The Pretty Things) is heavy guitar driven hard rock/prog (or "Rog" as I like to call it) with some awesome organ giving it a Deep Purple kind of twist. The vocals are often sung using a lot of volume and a distortion effect. It makes for some really heavy moments. The Germans really had this style nailed and this is further proof that Germany was churning out some of the hardest, heaviest music of the time. The cover art was a bit controversial depicting a knife  stabbing a torso.