Bodast (psych rock, psych pop / England)

Bodast (also known as Canto) was a prog-psych band from London, England that formed in May 1968. The name of the band was derived from the first two letters of each of the three founding band members' first names: Bobby Clarke (drums), Dave Curtis (bass, vocals) and prior Tomorrow and future Yes star Steve Howe (guitar). Clive Skinner (vocals, guitar) was also an original member of the group. 

The group recorded an album for Tetragrammaton Records in 1968. The label had success in the United States with Deep Purple, but went out of business just before the scheduled release date for the Bodast album.

A portion of a song from the Bodast album titled "Nether Street" was renamed "Würm" and was re-used as part of the song "Starship Trooper" from The Yes Album in 1971.

The 1968 Bodast recordings were eventually released in 1981, and most recently by RPM Records in 2000. Bassist Dave Curtiss later formed a folk duo with Clive Maldoon (born Clive Skinner) called Curtiss Maldoon in 1971. They have recorded two albums, the first simply called Curtiss Maldoon in October 1971 and Steve Howe played on two songs on that one, and the second Maldoon in November 1973.

Years active: May 1968 - July 1969

Members: 

Steve Howe - lead guitar, acoustic guitar

Clive Skinner (Maldoon) - vocals, acoustic guitar  RIP

Bobby Clarke - drums  RIP

Dave Curtis - bass, vocals

(Keith West - producer)

Discography:

- The Bodast Tapes - Featuring Steve Howe (1981 Cherry Red – BRED 12)

- The Early Years (Steve Howe with Bodast - printed in France, 1988 & 1990)

- Spectral Nether Street: The Complete Collection (RPM Records, 2000)

- Towards Utopia Esoteric Recordings – ECLEC 2593

Nether Street: https://youtu.be/6g6Y8d0FycM : 

Canto (pre Bodast) :

Canto, pre-Bodast - Power Of Music:   https://youtu.be/kwRCi7ad7Wg : 

This track is from the  Bodast ‎– Spectral Nether Street comp, from the original mixes by Keith West and released on RPM Records label, 2000.  This album contains the songs that are the missing link between Tomorrow and Yes. This is an unreleased 1968 song by pre-Bodast Canto, who were the trio of Steve Howe, Bobby Clarke, and Dave Curtiss.

Sources: Wikipedia, YouTube

ALBUM OF THE WEEK - Pete Sinfield - Still

Still: Studio Album, released in 1973 : It was the only solo album Pete Sinfield made!

https://youtu.be/bphUbqxHdYg : 

Songs / Tracks Listing:

1. The Song of the Sea Goat (6:08)

2. Under the Sky (4:24)

3. Will It Be You (2:42)

4. Wholefood Boogie (3:40)

5. Still (4:45)

6. Envelopes of Yesterday (6:19)

7. The Piper (2:51)

8. A House of Hopes and Dreams (3:57)

9. The Night People (7:56)

Line-up / Musicians:

- Peter Sinfield / vocals, guitar (12 String), synthesizer, guitar (acoustic), guitar (producer, main performer, cover design)

- Min / drums, percussion

- Chris Pyne / trombone

- Stanley Roderick / trumpet

- W.G. Snuffy Walden / guitar

- Ian Wallace / drums, drums (Snare)

- Tim Hinckley / piano (electric), piano

- Snuffy / guitar (electric)

- Brian Flowers / synthesizer

- Don Honeywill / saxophone (Baritone)

- Keith Christmas / guitar

- Greg Lake / guitar (electric), vocals, vocals (background), associate producer, mixing, guitar

- Robin Miller / Wind, cor Anglais

- Greg Bowen / trumpet

- Richard Brunton / guitar (electric), guitar (acoustic), guitar

- Boz Burrell / bass

- B.J. Cole / guitar (Steel)

- Brian Cole / guitar (Steel), guitar

- Mel Collins / celeste, flute (Alto), flute (bass), saxophone, saxophone (Alto), saxophone       (Baritone), saxophone (Tenor), Wind, brass, flute (arranger, associate producer, mixing)

- Steve Dolan / guitar (bass), bass

- Tim Hinkley / piano (electric), piano

- Don Honeywell / saxophone, saxophone (Baritone)

- Phil Jump / Glockenspiel, keyboards, organ (Hammond), piano (electric), organ, synthesizer,  piano

- The Box / guitar (bass)

- John Wetton / drums, guitar (bass), Fuzz bass, bass, percussion

- Keith Tippett / guitar (bass), piano

More info about Pete Sinfield: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Sinfield

"BRUMBEAT" - Birmingham Beat scene 1960's (documentary)

Wonderful and evocative documentary on the Birmingham beat scene of the 1960's...all the correct talking heads are in place and the clips & photo's are some of the best.

https://youtu.be/sAUHodhriqo :

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young -(Wembley Stadium 1974) - full concert

Wembley Stadium, London, England , September 14th, 1974 

David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Neil Young 

And: Tim Drummond (bass) Russell Kunkel (drums), Joe Lala (percussion), Joni Mitchell (background vocals) 

https://youtu.be/jkDsveEG6Bo :

The Mamas and the Papas / Behind the Music (documentary)

The story behind ....

https://youtu.be/NAiS620Y9EY :

Classic Albums (The Making Of) / Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon 1973 (documentary)

Pink Floyd -  Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

The Making of The Dark Side of The Moon in studio.

Developed during live performances, an early version was premiered several months before recording began; new material was recorded in two sessions in 1972 and 1973 at Abbey Road in London. The group used some advanced recording techniques at the time, including multitrack recording and tape loops. Analogue synthesizers were prominent in several tracks

https://youtu.be/dj4_-kh-Kpg :

Dark Side of the Moon is the eighth studio album by the English progressive rock band Pink Floyd, released in March 1973. It built on ideas explored in the band's earlier recordings and live shows, but lacks the extended instrumental excursions that characterised their work following the departure in 1968 of founder member, principal composer and lyricist, Syd Barrett. The Dark Side of the Moon's themes include conflict, greed, the passage of time, and mental illness, the latter partly inspired by Barrett's deteriorating mental state.

More info about the album: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Side_of_the_Moon 


Full album: https://youtu.be/hsr4PmeEocE :

Janis Joplin (Photos)

 

Birtha (rock / USA)

Birtha was an American all-female rock band of the early 1970s. Formed in Los Angeles, the band consisted of Shele Pinizzotto (guitar), Rosemary Butler (bass), Sherry Hagler (keyboards), and Olivia "Liver" Favela (drums). Each of the band members contributed lead vocals and harmonies.

Biography:

Pinizzotto, Butler, and Hagler grew up in Los Angeles and Orange County and played together in bands during their high school years. Both Pinizzotto and Butler were in the Fullerton girl band named The Ladybirds. Afterwards, they formed the group Birtha. They were joined by Favela in 1968, at which time the group began playing clubs along the West Coast from California to Alaska. Over the next three years, Birtha worked on improving their craft and by 1971 they started to write their own material. Most of the band's songs were composed by members of the group, but there were occasional outside songwriting contributions, from Mark Wickman and Gabriel Mekler. 

Birtha signed a record deal with Dunhill Records in 1972 and released their debut self-titled album, produced by Mekler, later that year. After the album's release, Birtha toured the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The group achieved some notoriety when, during a UK tour with The Kinks, publicity flyers for the shows stated, "Birtha has balls". When Birtha made return visits to Los Angeles, they would often play Whisky a Go Go and The Troubadour, as well as a club in Glendale called The Sopwith Camel.

In 1973, Birtha released their second album, "Can't Stop the Madness". The band continued touring and was on the road for more than 250 days a year, performing with such acts as Fleetwood Mac, Alice Cooper, Poco, Black Oak Arkansas, Cheech & Chong, B.B. King, Three Dog Night, James Gang, and more. The band broke up in 1975.

The band's song "Too Much Woman for a Hen Pecked Man" was featured in the soundtrack of the 2013 film, "Natural Born Losers" ("Perdedores Natos").

Guitarist Michele "Shele" Pinizzotto (born on April 2, 1947 in Artesia, California) died on February 4, 2014, aged 66.

Members: 

Rosemary Butler (vocals, bass) 

Shele Pinizzotto (vocals, guitar) 

Sherry Hagler (keyboards) 

Olivia "Liver" Favela (vocals, drums)

Discography:

Studio albums

- Birtha (1972), single "Free Spirit"

- Can't Stop the Madness (1973) 

Judgement Day: https://youtu.be/b5thqi6wQBk

Source: wikipedia

Keith Moon: The Final 24 (Full Documentary)

September 6, 1978.  Keith Moon is one of the most outrageous rock’n’roll performers in the world.  As the genius drummer for The Who, wild-man Moon is a non-stop party animal.  In 24 hours, however, the party will be over…  And Moon will be dead.  Featuring archival footage, dramatic reenactments, and interviews with his family and closest companions, Final 24 documents the final moments of this rock star’s life.

The Final 24 hours : https://youtu.be/HzYqUh8u7yo  

https://youtu.be/6OeOiHKE0lk  and  https://youtu.be/qxtp4xV1xMw

Keith Moon 2003 Biography Documentary The WHO Living Famously:

https://youtu.be/6hM72cP4IzA

Telling the story of Keith Moon, drummer for The Who, who lived and drummed to excess, so much so that he almost knew no limits.

SONG OF THE DAY / Ramases - Earth People

From the album:  Space Hymns (1971)  

Earth People:  https://youtu.be/-Z7ljhK1BCI :

ALBUM OF THE WEEK / BBM (Baker Bruce Moore) - Around the Next Dream (1993-1994)

BBM ("Baker Bruce Moore") is the name of the short-lived power trio, formed in 1993 by long-established artists, bassist Jack Bruce, guitarist Gary Moore (both of whom had collaborated previously on Moore's Corridors of Power) and drummer Ginger Baker (who, with Bruce, was part of Cream - considered one of the first power trios). They released just one studio album, entitled "Around the Next Dream", which was released on the Virgin record label. It reached Number 9 in the UK Albums Chart in the summer of 1994, but spent only four weeks in the listings. The track, "Where in the World" was issued as a single, reaching Number 57 in the UK Singles Chart in August 1994. Much of the work was written by Moore with contributions by Bruce and Baker. The album cover featured a picture of Baker.

The band went on a short UK tour to coincide with the album's release and also played a handful of rock festivals on the continent, before disbanding. 

Genre: Blues Rock

Around the Next Dream : https://youtu.be/z-gmFOoTlAY :

Personnel BBM: 

Ginger Baker – drums, percussion

Jack Bruce – bass guitar, cello, keyboards (on track 10), vocals

Gary Moore – guitars, keyboards, vocals[2]

Additional:

Ian Taylor – engineer, co-producer with BBM

Tommy Eyre – keyboards

Arran Ahmun – drums on "Where in the World"

Morris Murphy – trumpet on "Glory Days"

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now: Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970

Live containing recent Joni interview and exclusive backstage footage

Filmed by Murray Lerner

00:35       Both Sides Now

08:05       That Song About The Midway

13:00       Chelsea Morning

15:53       For Free

23:16       Woodstock

39:27       My Old Man

48:13       California

52:03       Big Yellow Taxi

56:45       Both Sides Now

1:02:02    Gallery

1:09:00    Hunter

1:11:59    A Case Of You (Credits)

https://youtu.be/ZQJ3Rq7IQXA : 

Source: YouTube

Jimi Hendrix Experience (rock / USA/UK) - full concert

The Jimi Hendrix Experience was an American-English rock band that formed in Westminster, London, in September 1966. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jimi Hendrix, drummer Mitch Mitchell, and bassist Noel Redding comprised the group, which was active until June 1969. During this time, they released three studio albums and became one of the most popular acts in rock.

Highly influential in the popularization of hard rock and psychedelic rock, the Experience was best known for the skill, style, and charisma of their frontman, Jimi Hendrix. All three of the band's studio albums, Are You Experienced (1967), Axis: Bold as Love (1967) and Electric Ladyland (1968), were featured in the top 100 of the Rolling Stone list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, at positions 15, 82 and 54 respectively. In 1992, the Jimi Hendrix Experience was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Following the breakup of the Experience in June 1969, Hendrix experimented with different lineups. However, by April 1970, he was again recording with Mitchell and bassist Billy Cox and the trio began The Cry of Love Tour. Without a new name for his ensemble, the trio was sometimes billed as the "Jimi Hendrix Experience". The title was never formalized, but sometimes appears on albums released without Redding.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience Live in Sweden 1969 : https://youtu.be/1nj21LhQEyE :

Full concert video featuring The Jimi Hendrix Experience Live in Sweden, 1969. Mitch Mitchell on Drums, Noel Redding on Bass, James Marshall " Jimi " Hendrix on Guitar.

Citizen Cain (symphonic prog. rock / UK)

Citizen Cain were a progressive rock band originally formed in London in 1982 with Gordon Feenie (drums, flute) and Cyrus (bass, vocals), joined shortly by Tim Taylor (guitar). That version of the band split up in 1988 and Cyrus returned home to Scotland. Two years later Cyrus met with old guitarist friend Frank Kennedy, who with friends Stewart Bell (drums, keys) and Dave Elam (bass) had a few songs written. After a few months Stewart went onto keys and drummer Chris Colvin was brought in. With Cyrus on vocals and flute Citizen Cain MkII was complete, and the band went on to record a number of albums.

Biography:

Citizen Cain was founded in London, UK in 1982 end reformed a few times after variable periods of inactivity. The band disbanded in 2016.

London, 1982; old friends Gordon Feenie (drums/flute/keys) and George Scott "Cyrus" (bass/vocals) of Not Quite Red Fox formed Citizen Cain. Shortly after Tim Taylor joined on guitar. After several unsuccessful months looking for a keyboard player they decided to remain a three-piece. With the backing of KG Publications they gigged extensively and recorded several tracks in the studio, one of which appeared on the compilation album "Fire In Harmony".

Without the keys the first band was more rhythmic than melodic, nevertheless they received high critical acclaim, regularly headlined the famous Marquee club and even had a TV appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test. In 1988, at their peak and on the verge of a record deal with Elusive Records (EMI), disaster struck. A broken arm rendered Cyrus unfit to play and the band had to split up. Citizen Cain was dead and Cyrus returned home to Scotland.

Two years later Cyrus contacted old guitarist friend Frank Kennedy who, with friends Stewart Bell (drums/keys) and Dave Elam (bass), had a few songs written, mostly in the vein of their musical heroes: Genesis, Marillion, Gentle Giant. Initially going by the name The Kleptomaniacs, with Cyrus on vocals and flute, they played around with a few ideas. After a few months Cyrus suggested that Stewart move solely to keys and drummer Chris Colvin was brought in. They decided to adopt the old title and Citizen Cain was reborn.

In '91 their first demo was recorded and received excellent reviews from most. The following year the debut album "Serpents In Camouflage" was completed but was not up to the standard they had hoped to achieve. Personnel problems had forced them into a last minute decision to use a drum machine and tensions were mounting between other members in the band due to conflicting views on how they should progress. Needless to say Citizen Cain were now seeking a new drummer.

A lucky twist of fate saw their first album picked up by SI Music. The engineer of the studio where the band had recorded had a friend visiting who happened to be an A&R man for the label and he liked what he heard. This set the band in motion and in the year of their debut album's release, the prodigal drummer returned and they gigged extensively supporting the likes of Pendragon, The Enid, Final Conflict and also headlining a few gigs.

Political problems still existed however and Cyrus and Stewart were forced to make a decision that could have proved disastrous. They chose to seek not only a new drummer, but also a new guitarist and a new bass player. Alistair MacGregor quickly filled the role of guitarist, fitting in perfectly. He also brought in an old friend Nick Arkless on drums and after a few auditions bass player Andy Gilmour was recruited. With the next album more or less complete the new line-up began learning and adding their own touches to the new material. At the beginning of '94 a new album was recorded, "Somewhere But Yesterday". The result was a much more involved and satisfactory piece of work and the knowledge that the make or break decision from the previous year had paid off and brought Cyrus and Stewart a step nearer their final goal. (for a short while at least!)

More info : progarchives.com

Discography:

- Serpents In Camouflage (1991)

- Somewhere But Yesterday (1994)

- Ghost Dance (1996)

- Raising The Stones (1997)

- Playing Dead (2002)

- Skies Darken (2012)

- The Antechamber Of Being (Part 1 - solo project of the trilogy of epic concept albums)

Somewhere But Yesterday - Strange Barbarians (The Mother’s Shroud)  https://youtu.be/fYLmpc5IYrQ : 

- The Antechamber Of Being (Part 1) (1994):  

The first of the Citizen Cain solo projects . The much anticipated debut solo album from the band’s main composer and keys player Stewart Bell, is a prog rock opera featuring five vocalists; Simone Rossetti, Arjen Anthony Lucassen, Bekah Mhairi Comrie, Phil Allen and Stewart himself.

The story is based on his own experiences as a lifelong lucid dreamer and follows the adventures of a young boy as he masters the ability to control his dreams). 

This trilogy of epic concept albums chronicle the key events in his life, the weird synchronicities, strange experiences and profound questions that naturally arise when one grows up living in the twin worlds of dream and real.

Entitled “The Antechamber Of Being” it will appeal not only to existing Citizen Cain fans but also to a much wider audience as Stewart delves into elements of prog metal, experiments with new soundscapes and brings his unique storytelling gift to the lyrics, in which he also shares his extensive knowledge of lucid dreaming. As an accompaniment to the first part in the trilogy (released in Oct ’14) Stewart chronicled his first ever lucid experience in a storybook aimed at teaching children how to overcome their own nightmares by becoming aware while they dream. Entitled “The Cupboard of Fear”, this full colour storybook contains 12 original drawings by Bell himself. The second part expands and continues the story and was released in Feb ’17 along with an art-book once again containing original art by Bell along with the concepts, ideas and stories behind each song. Part 3 is currently in production.

Monterey International Pop Festival 1967 (documentary)

Monterey International Pop Festival 1967 on  June 16, 17 and 18 

Documentary with a lot of music !

https://youtu.be/IMMCl0XiIug :

SONG OF THE DAY / Di-rect - Soldier On

Di-rect is a rock band from The Hague, the Netherlands, which was formed in 1999. The current line-up consists of Jamie Westland (drums), Frans "Spike" van Zoest (guitars), Bas van Wageningen (bass), Paul Jan Bakker (guitar) and Marcel Veenendaal (lead vocals). 

Genres: Rock, pop rock, alternative rock, pop punk

Years active: 1999 - present

Soldier On : https://youtu.be/_tu0j3hl0FY : 

Lyrics:

Soldiering on woman, you're always true to form

Just keep on pushing your shopping cart through the storm

Most people buy it

But you feel it's one that we can no longer afford

You stopped believing in our story

You say it's way too short

Ain't nobody out there as brave as you

You're holdin' your own

A million different voices

That are trying to break you

Just listen to one

The one that's inside you

And soldier on

You're governed by the winds that reign

You armed yourself with a flower chain and a broken cane

Nobody cares how you feel

like they think your heart

Doesn't bleed the same

We wouldn't hear the truth if it cried in our faces

Ain't nobody out there as brave as you

You're holdin' your own

A million different voices

That are trying to break you

Just listen to one

The one that's inside you

And soldier on

(And soldier on)

And soldier on

(And soldier on)

ALBUM OF THE WEEK - Carol King - Tapestry (1971)

Carol King - Tapestry (1971) 

Tapestry is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Carole King, released in 1971 on Ode Records and produced by Lou Adler. It is the 81st best-selling album of all time, with over 14 million sales certified worldwide, reaching Diamond status in 1995.

https://youtu.be/SyQ-TgA6bQk : 

All songs written by Carole King except where noted.

Side 1:

"I Feel the Earth Move" 

"So Far Away" 

"It's Too Late" (lyrics by Toni Stern) 

"Home Again"

"Beautiful" 

"Way Over Yonder"

Side 2:

"You've Got a Friend" 

"Where You Lead" (lyrics by Carole King and Toni Stern)

"Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" (Gerry Goffin, King) 

"Smackwater Jack" (Goffin, King) 

"Tapestry" 

"(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (Goffin, King, Jerry Wexler) 

Source: YouTube

The Nazz (psych rock, garage rock, power pop / USA)

The Nazz was an American rock band formed in Philadelphia in 1967. They were founded by guitarist and principal songwriter Todd Rundgren and bassist Carson Van Osten. Drummer Thom Mooney and vocalist/keyboardist Robert "Stewkey" Antoni joined before their first concert, opening for the Doors in 1967. They are best known for their debut single "Open My Eyes" backed with "Hello It's Me".

Their name was derived from the Yardbirds' song "The Nazz Are Blue". Although the use of a definite article was intended, the band was credited simply as "Nazz" on their records and promotional materials. Between 1968 and 1970, Nazz released three albums (Nazz (1968), Nazz Nazz (1969), and Nazz III (1971)). Disillusioned, Rundgren departed the group, along with Van Osten. Following the group's disbandment in 1969, Rundgren pursued a solo career, and in 1972, recorded a new version of "Hello It's Me" that reached number 5 on the U.S. charts.

Nazz was marketed by their original manager, Michael Friedman, as a teenybopper band along the lines of the Monkees.

Nazz is featured on the soundtrack of The Mad Room, a 1969 horror movie directed by Bernard Girard.

Years active: 1967-1969

Name and formation: 

Some sources say the band took its name from the Yardbirds' 1966 song "The Nazz Are Blue", other sources say the name came from a 1952 monologue, "The Nazz", by the American Beatnik comedian Lord Buckley, and other sources say that both "The Nazz Are Blue" and Rundgren's band are named after Lord Buckley's monologue.

The band's name on all records and press materials is simply "Nazz", without the definite article. However, the group referred to themselves as "the Nazz". Rundgren stated that "We were formed in the late sixties, so most every band was the something. It was always 'the This' or 'the That,' so we were looking for something kind of simple and iconographic, I guess. In their song "Loosen Up", they introduce themselves as "the Nazz, from Philadelphia."

In Phoenix, Arizona, another band called Nazz was formed at about the same time that Nazz was formed in Philadelphia. This group released only one single before moving to Los Angeles and renaming themselves Alice Cooper.

Past members: 

Todd Rundgren (guitar), Carson Van Osten (bass guitar), Thom Mooney (drums), Robert "Stewkey" Antoni (vocals, keyboards)

Open My Eyes: https://youtu.be/PjKx-yLOGEY :

Source: wikipedia