Monday, June 9, 2014
The First and Last Of July
Wikipedia sez--
"July were a psychedelic rock band from Ealing, London that were professionally active between 1968 and 1969.[1] The band's music was a blend of psychedelic rock and pop, marked by lush harmonies, acoustic guitars, keyboards, and intricate lead guitar work.[1][2] Although none of the band's records managed to chart in the UK or the U.S., July are today best remembered for their songs "My Clown", "Dandelion Seeds", and "The Way", which have all been included on a number of compilation albums over the years."
If it wasn't for a Record Store Day conversation with my friend Sal Maida, I may have never heard this music. A limited edition, MONO pressing of July's one and only release was at the top of Maida's RSD want list and I had to ask, "Should I know who July is?" He replied, "It's one of my favorite psych records of all time." That's all I needed to know. So I tracked down this baby, and have been spinning it relentlessly for weeks.
This may not be everyone's cup of tea. One of the two singles, "Dandelion Seeds" is up top and the full LP is below. July sounds like early Pink Floyd at times, or more specifically, like Syd Barrett if he had a bit more focus. There's a lot going on here, at times maybe too much, but it grabbed me and still hasn't let go.
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6 comments:
I have July in the hard drive and will have to give it a good listen. I love good Psychedelia, but I have to be in the mood for it.
Also on my "need to hear" list is the possibly even more obscure Pisces, who recorded this remarkable artifact in 1968. Enjoy the transcendence of "Sam" featuring the vocal by the mysterious Linda Bruner, described in the liners as a troubled teen from the wrong side of the tracks, who has long since disappeared.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXZOJUYq8yo
You must hear singer Tom Newman's Fine Old Tom.
An underrated masterpiece
"if he had a bit more focus"
Nice way to put it!
(wonder if they ever said that about me?!?)
I too will give a listen, perhaps during one of my pointless visits to Retro Fitness. Tom Perrotta had a great quote about 'exercise' in The Leftovers . . . "a joylees attempt to extend your life" is the best I can recall
What's the best way to convert (large) YouTube vids to .mp3 format?
@Charlie C.
This is great for single videos. Never tried large videos. Let me know.
http://www.clipconverter.cc/
Okay! Kind of blocked at work . . . I used another site (less output options) but it worked for both the single and the album. Can't believe I never tried this before . . .
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