Customer Reviews

The Lost Acetates 1965-1966

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Mike Stax's Ugly Things Records selection as their very first release is an aboslutely perfect choice. Presented here for your listening pleasure are 14 acetates, representing the earliest recordings of without question the best psychedelic band save teh 13th Floor Elevators. Recorded in 1965-66 in California these acetates are the precursor to "Before The Dream Faded" unquestionaably the best California psychedelic lp ever commmitted to vinyl. Lead vocalist Rick Brown, bassist Stve Whiting, and drummer Rick Moe appear on all 14 tracks, while the key to the Misunderstood's unbelievably unique sound, steel guitarist Glenn Campbell appears on the last 5 tracks. This wonderful compilation contains demo versions of some of the songs which adorn "Before The Dream Faded" such as Children of the Sun" and "I Unseen" (in 2 versions). The disc transfers and mastering on this masterpiece are done by none other than pscychedelic music expert Alec Palao. All the members of the band were involved in the compiling and release of this essential nuggest of California psych. No wimpy jangly guitars here. Just hard driving blues derived pscyedeleic rock at its finest. Even in demo form these songs rock. Hard and heavy. There is an absolute sense of urgency in the playing and the arrangement are impeccable. Recorded before the band was discovered and whisked off to London by none other than John Peel, these acetates are testimony to what Peelie heard and was smitten by. Demos don't get any better. In fact these acetates are of such high quality that they could easily have been used to compile a proper album. But Peel and the band had a vision beyond the realm of these absolutely compelling tracks. Driven by Campbell's otherworldly steel guitar, "Before The Dream Faded" was the penultimate California psych album, albeit being recorded in London. These recordings come from the peaceful period of the band, before the military intervened due to draft issues regarding vocalist Brown, and the all too quick demise of the band just when fame and fortune appeared on the horizon. These tracks come from that hopeful moment when the band was finding its musical direction, firming up its classic lineup, and fine tuning their heretofore unheard variety of pure acid dripping raucous, yet controlled sound. Thank goodness Mike Stax has presented psychedelic enthusiasts worldwide with the earliest recorded notes of this short lived, almost mythical and absolutely legendary combo. 14 tracks, 38 short minutes. That's all it took for the band to sway said Mr. Peel to take the group into the studio to record their immaculate first album. But this is where it all began and exactly what convinced Peelie to make certain the band were recorded. Once Campbell's steel guitar (played standing) was added to the band's already exciting sound, listening to them became an absolute sonic experience. If you've never heard Campbell's guitar playing, you've missed the boat. Get on board while you can. Start the journey here. At the absolute beginning. After thanking Mr. Stax, search out the rest of the Misunderstood's catalog, especially the above mentioned first lp. Turn your cd player up LOUD and experience the sonic explosion that was the Misunderstood. 5 stars only because that's as high as the scale goes. This is a 6 if ever there was. One listen to "Children of the Sun" and you'll know why.