Sundazed US レコード& CD

Review: Blue Cheer are the cult choice for those who adore their seminal hard rock from the end of the 60s. They might not have reached the fame of Hendrix, Zeppelin and the like, but they were just as influential and daring in their approach. After the wild impact of their debut album Vincebus Eruptus they followed up in quick fashion with Outsideinside, which legend has it was so loud in places it had to be partially recorded outside. Whatever the case, there is more than enough psych-tinted blues rock brilliance to sink your teeth into on this 1968 album, which gets repressed in blue and shows the band at their scuzzy, squalling best on anti-classics like 'Sun Cycle'.

Review: 'One Year' was solo art rock cornerstone Colin Bluntstone's breakout album. Folky, breathy and full of solo guitar strum and vocal bittersweetness, the album was originally relegated to just 10 tracks, with 'Caroline Goodbye' and 'Smokey Day' being our standouts, being the strange, cinematic cuts that show off Bluntstone's pucklike voice most enjoyably. Now, on this reissue by Sundazed, we're delivered an expanded edition, racking up the numbering to a whopping 24 tracks, adding a previously unheard second part, 'That Same Year', to the album's rear. The new songs are of refreshing mono demo quality, and are testament to an artist that has a wealth of melancholy originals still waiting to be unleashed from the vaults.

Review: Timing is definitely everything in life. Just ask Morning Reign. This unearthed album, now around 50 years old, was never released at the time, but had it been there's every chance you'd be much more familiar with the band name in question. Instead, they only put out four 45rpm singles while still active, and disappeared with little fanfare and few tributes paid. Take it from us before you even hit play on the previews, that story is regrettable, and their obscurity a crying shame.

Critics tackling Taking Cover now it has finally made its way to the release schedule have pointed to Morning Reign setting precedents for garage rock, and the likelihood people would have been referencing them alongside the likes of The Doors and Eric Burdon had they managed to break through. A classic that took a long time to realise it.

Review: Tiffany Shade's ethereal psychedelic sounds transport listeners to a heavenly realm on their lavishly pressed lavender vinyl album. With jazzy, acoustic guitars and lush harmonies reminiscent of The Association, their originals and a captivating rendition of Love's 'Softly To Me' sparkle with crystalline beauty. Hailing from Cleveland, the band's humble beginnings on a local teen dance show led to a whirlwind recording session, resulting in an album that belies its rushed production. Despite the time constraints, Tiffany Shade's meticulous arrangements shine through and shows their talent and dedication to their craft. The band's inexperience with studio recording only adds to the charm of their debut album, as recalled by bassist Robb Murphy and guitarist Mike Barnes. Their enthusiasm for experimenting with overdubs and embracing new recording technologies of the time is evident throughout the album, adding layers of depth to their already enchanting sound. Drawing comparisons to the Bosstown sound, Tiffany Shade's harmonious vocals and versatile instrumentation create a very engaging and beloved album.

Review: Incidentally sharing the name of a pioneering East End gangster film of the same name - one of the first films to receive an 'X' rating - Yellow Balloon was also the name of this psychedelic "sunshine pop" band from Los Angeles. Filled with brow-beaten jaunts, scatting bops and tambourine shakes, this fab fivesome's first and only album is an excellent foray into the late 1960s zeitgeist, not to mention the enduring talents of the band's leader Gary Zekley.