Various

Guerssen dig deep further into the vaults to highlight some innovative gems on Miki Dallon’s Young Blood stable. This new compilation encompasses a range of styles from 1969 – 74; from psych, r’n’b to glam with eclectic results.

Imaginations: Psychedelic Sounds from the Young Blood, Beacon & Mother Labels 1969-1974

So here’s the run down:

In 1969, Wolverhampton’s Revolver released pop hit that never was – ‘Imaginations’, an extremely catchy melody with lysergic undertones. The Dammed are represented with two tracks, Moog cult curio ‘Theta’ destined to appear on a future Tarantino soundtrack and album closer, cult classic ‘Morning Bird’.

The Dammed are not the punk legends but Brian James’ first outputs were with Taiconderoga, who are also here. Taiconderoga’s ‘Whichi’ fits in perfectly, a strident version of Harper Bizzare’s US hit, plus b-side ‘Speakin My Mind’ keeping the tribal beats with heavy rock guitar to great effect.

There’s a trio of Shakane’s 1972 tracks; West Coast sounding ‘I’m Coming Home’ and irresistible rocker ‘You Go Your Own Way’. Their ‘Dance of The Head’ is surely their peak, a ghoulish delight. Israeli Uzi & The Styles keep on running with ‘Morning Train’. Then there’s Boots glamtastic rocker ‘You Better Run’. Information’s ‘Oh Strange Man’ is another pean to the odd loner.

Derek Paul’s lone single is a doomy ballad warning the ‘Drugtaker’. It’s an excellent track but couldn’t find a market due its subject matter. Rubber Band’s ‘Moonwalker’ is the best of the glam era material, written by hit makers Alan David and Lionel Martin. With its Slade-Mott feel, it’s another single deserving of a much wider audience .

Jelly’s ‘Chicago Calling’ is a throwback to the r’n’b of 64 whilst Paul Nicholas’ Funky Bottom Congregation create ‘Things About Yourself’. ‘Things About Yourself’ is a superb psychedelic number, that only Brits could do with some fab gear drug analogies.

To conclude, Imaginations is a great snapshot of the times. With some truly exciting gems it’s a recommended purchase for collectors seeking out more long lost gems.