Browse by Label: RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)

Artist:	GRODECK WHIPPERJENNY, THE
Title:	The Grodeck Whipperjenny
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 017CD

"Produced by James Brown's favourite arranger and conductor Dave Mathews, The Grodeck Whipperjenny, recorded in 1970 in Cincinnati and released on Brown's People label, is an album that won universal critical claim but still failed to propel the highly talented outfit into the big time. Described by one critic as 'a superb psychedelic/progressive effort -- full of imagination and fresh ideas' others locked into the album's abundant funky rhythms, prompting another pundit to excitedly proclaim Grodeck as 'an acid funk monster of an album which will blow the flavour savour right off you mug'! Every track is excellent in its own right which makes it difficult to single out particular highlights, but 'Conclusions' is a superb instrumental of jaw-dropping strings, heavy Hammond and stinging guitar, while 'Evidence For The Existence Of The Unconscious' features fine keyboards, echoed vocal and fuzz guitar."

Artist:	RELATIVELY CLEAN RIVERS
Title:	Relatively Clean Rivers
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$19.00
Catalog #:	RR 020CD

First ever reissue, available again. "Former Beat Of The Earth leader Phil Pearlman assembled Relatively Clean Rivers in the early '70s and eventually recorded this excellent rural rock album in 1975. Although it should be easy to pigeonhole the sound of Relatively Clean Rivers, it is actually anything but. At times sounding like The Grateful Dead in all their American Beauty pomp, or CSNY circa Déjà Vu, this tight, richly talented ensemble produces an album of almost majestic quality. The sound is superb, and clearly no time or expense were spared to produce an album which is probably the most flawless snapshot of Californian '70s under ground music that you will ever here. Originally there were 2 pressings of this unique album, each of only 500 copies each, and this is the first time that this, or any of Pearlman's other recordings has been reissued. An album highly recommended to anyone even remotely interested in '70s West Coast music or simply top-notch music in general."

Artist:	HENDRIX, JIMI
Title:	Studio Out-Takes Vol. 1 - 1966-1968
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 034CD

"This, the first volume in a 3-part series, was originally issued in abridged form on 180g vinyl. However, given the considerable popularity that Hendrix's work currently enjoys, we have decided to issue all three volumes with extra tracks as CDs. Each volume features stunning original artwork and consists of forgotten versions, forgotten songs, and recordings that were found in studios, lofts, garages and basements, and which when taken together provide a unique insight into one of rock's true sonic explorers." Limited stock.

Artist:	FRACTION
Title:	Moon Blood
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$19.00
Catalog #:	RR 054CD

Repressed. 2004 reissue (previously done by Flashback and Rockaway). This record is in Paul Major's "Top Five of Weird Underground Psych/Folk", as revealed in Vice magazine. "This 1971 release on the Angelus label (Angelus 571) was limited to only 200 copies, so originals are worth a small fortune. Fraction, with vocalist Jim Beach bearing an uncanny vocal resemblance to Jim Morrison (although he was singing on Sunset Strip long before Morrison took to the stage), were often compared favourably with the Doors, although their quasi-religious message would probably not have found favour with the recently-departed Morrison. Indeed, this rather fine album was once famously described as the album the Doors probably wished they had made! Underpinned by guitarist Don Swanson's superb Ritchie Blackmorestyle guitar work, this is an album full of beautiful psychedelia, acid and hard rock, at once emblematic of the era but not dated by its association. The five original compositions are all of the highest quality and the contribution of Beach's Morrison-esque vocals place a stamp of originality on the recording that endures from beginning to end."

Artist:	SNOW
Title:	Snow
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 056CD

"Released on the Epic imprint in 1968 (BN26435), the sole, eponymous release by the Cleveland, Ohio outfit Snow, although being very much a record redolent of the period, is also an album of two halves. On the original record, side 1 kicks off with the band's attempt to infiltrate the singles chart with 'Where Has My Old Friend Billy Jones Gone', a folk-psych effort featuring a female vocalist brought in for the occasion, and who's influences clearly included Grace Slick amongst others. The side builds momentum, with its melodic harmonies and short, incisive guitar solos setting the scene for the brilliant Englebert and the clever tempo changes of 'You Let Me Know'. Side 2 is even better, starting with piercing guitar on 'Song Of The Sirens' and culminating with the outstanding 'Caterpillar' which, in the space of three minutes, escorts the listener through a plethora of sound effects, key changes and bold experimentation which still sounds as 'cutting edge' as anything comparable from the period. The band's songs often surface on compilations, but this is the first reissue of the entire album in more than 30 years."

Artist:	FOREST
Title:	Forest
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$16.00
Catalog #:	RR 058CD

New, official reissue (previous version on BGO is long gone). Like their COB reissue, this is a stepped up quality remaster from Radioactive. Originally issued by Harvest in 1969, this is one of the definite debut folk albums of all time. "As the 1960s progressed, almost every musical genre was affected by the psychedelic boom -- and folk was no exception. Artists such as Bert Jansch, Davy Graham and Donovan had introduced elements of world music into their repertoires by 1965, and in 1966 the Incredible String Band's debut kicked the door wide open for a generation of young musicians to follow. Forest, whose two Harvest albums have long elated listeners and eluded collectors, featured prominently among them, and have become synonymous with so-called 'acid folk', inspiring -- alongside Vashti Bunyan, COB and a handful of others -- the current wave of successful underground folk acts. Originally called The Foresters Of Walesby the band abbreviated their name to Forest and were fortunate enough to meet John Peel at a local gig and he encouraged them to play in London. After a triumphant gig in Notting Hill's All Saints Hall at Christmastime 1968, Forest were offered a management deal with Blackhill Enterprises, home to amongst others, Pink Floyd and Roy Harper. It wasn't long before offers of record contracts came their way and the band eventually signed to EMI's nascent Harvest label. This, their debut album was recorded at Abbey Road early in 1969 and featured completely original material, with their strangely-sculptured melodies and partially improvised accompaniment. The playing is often inspired and the album's recording quality excellent. Mastered at Abbey Road by NickWebb from the original analogue tapes. Featuring full participation from founding band member Martin Welham."

Artist:	SUGAR BEAR
Title:	Sugar Bear
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 059CD

"Another private pressing from the '70s, this time featuring a charming chunk of rural rock from the Sunshine State. Originally released on No Label Records (NR5392), this four-piece outfit from Florida (named after the hip American '70s singin'n'guitar-playin' cartoon character, Sugar Bear) have managed to produce an album of high originality which defies categorisation. From the rock'n'roll opening track, via the superb 'Honey Love', and the album's two standout tracks, 'Season For Love' (vaguely reminiscent of Neil Young's 'Southern Man') and 'The Garden', this is a record of real depth and intelligence. Three of the band's members share the vocal duties, as well as taking turns to deliver some highly-proficient harmonica playing that, particularly on 'Honey Love', supports excellent instrumentation. In terms of musical styles, the 'rural rock' probably covers just about everything you'll find here, from rock'n'roll to the blues and plain ol' country rock in the style of The Outlaws or Pure Prairie League."

Artist:	BEAT OF THE EARTH
Title:	The Beat of the Earth
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$19.00
Catalog #:	RR 060CD

Repressed; first ever reissue! "Phil Pearlman, whose Relatively Clean Rivers album has received universal acclaim, assembled Beat Of The Earth in 1967 with this, their first, eponymous album, appearing on the Radish label in the same year. BOTE is often compared with their illustrious East Coast counterparts, The Velvet Underground, an apt comparison given the Velvet's penchant for long, unstructured jams using a myriad assortment of acoustic and electronic instruments. This is the earliest incarnation of the band, and the one that is most familiar to collectors fortunate enough to own a copy of this incredibly rare album. The album consists of a single track per side, and this, the band's recording debut, is considered an unusual and singular item of significance from the California '60s alternative rock scene. Although guitarist Pearlman managed to keep Beat Of The Earth together for much of the remainder of the '60s, it is fair to say that no more 'proper' recordings were made, although Pearlman continued to add to his personal collection of studio recordings, drafting in new musicians for impromptu after-hours recording sessions arranged at short notice. Another fascinating psych album from a true musical innovator."

Artist:	ERIK
Title:	Look Where I Am
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 061CD

"During the '60s, Vanguard Records, founded by brothers Maynard and Seymour Solomon, became renowned as the premier folk and blues label of the era, boasting such diverse talents as Joan Baez, The Weavers, Buddy Guy, Doc Watson and Buffy St. Marie. It was clearly the commitment to folk that led the brothers to sign and record the previously and subsequently unknown hippy folk singer, Erik, whose sole musical offering, 1968's Look Where I Am (VRS9267) remains one of the label's undiscovered gems. The 11 tracks on Look Where I Am cover the full range of psych/acid folk, from the strong opening track, with its multi-instrumental backdrop of flute, vibes, horns and bells, to the voice-and-guitar of 'Why Come Another Day' to the heavy fuzz guitar of 'You Said/But I've Got My Way'. There's even a long, soulful Davis-esque muted trumpet passage on 'Lights Across The Field'. The album has a dreamy, almost wistful Donovan-like feel, with tons of acoustic guitar and ethereal flutes."

Artist:	PRICHARD & GIBRALTAR, JOE
Title:	Joe Prichard & Gibraltar
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 062CD

"Very little is known about Joe Prichard or his sidekicks, except that the band, which hailed from Missouri, drew its inspiration from influences far and wide, resulting in each of the 5 tracks being very different in character, ranging from the power chords and staccato guitar breaks of the Jimmy Page variety, to the throaty sax of 12-bar blues specialists Climax as well as the dual guitars of ZZ Top. There's even a 9-minute jam a la Jethro Tull or Traffic with flute and sax giving a decidedly jazzy feel to proceedings. This is another extremely rare record (only 500 copies were pressed on the private Kendall-Lee label in 1974)."

Artist:	SUM PEAR
Title:	Sum Pear
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 067CD

"First and only recorded offering from the singer-song writing duo of Sonny Hahn and Doug Miller that has remained largely unknown until now. The eponymous album, released in 1971 on the Jubilee Group's Euphoria label (EST1) shared much in common with their more illustrious stable mate James Taylor's first studio album which also made its appearance on Euphoria at around the same time. Sum Pear is not an easy album to categorise. The underlying psych influences are of a quirky British nature and there is also some outstanding heavy fuzz, particularly on Side One's 'Hey Sun.' The cover artwork is imaginative and powerful, the song writing is serious, with thoughtful well-crafted lyrics dealing with the issues of the day from Vietnam to drugs. The acoustic guitar work is excellent, as are the dreamy and melodic vocals and harmonies."

Artist:	WABASH RESURRECTION
Title:	Get it Off!
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 068CD

"A lone album from a band about which virtually nothing is known, other than this power trio effort, which appeared on the Pepperhead label (76294) circa 1974 was privately pressed in extremely small quantities. Probably, given the Wabash connection, the band hailed from Illinois or thereabouts, and it is fair to conclude that the three members learned their craft (and certainly perfected their sound) by listening to Led Zeppelin albums, as the legendary band's influence, augmented by a touch of Lynyrd Skynyrd and possibly a smidgen of Johnny Winter, is lurking around every musical corner of this album. Their singular approach to couture also suggests that the lads spent a lot more time listening to Led Zep records than thumbing the pages of Vogue, and it is not inconceivable that the album's title derives from critical comments on the band's lack of sartorial elegance."

Artist:	PANDAMONIUM, THE
Title:	The Unreleased Album
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 070CD

"To serious record collectors the name 'Pandamonium' means several highly collectable singles issued by CBS in the '60s. The band, which started life in 1963/64 as the Pandas, consisted of the song writing team of Bob Ponton and Martin Curtis with the support of fellow men of Kent Mick Glass and Steve Chapman (who later played drums for Al Stewart and Poco). After signing to CBS in 1966, the band enjoyed underground success with a superb cover of Donovan Leitch's 'Season Of The Witch' (CBS 202462), which curiously enough pre-dated the folk singer's own version of the song, later to appear on the Sunshine Superman album, by some months. The cult success of 'Season Of The Witch' was followed by what many consider to be their finest single, 'No Presents For Me' (CBS 2664), a track which was pure psychedelic beat and featured some extremely effective backwards fuzz guitar. One further single followed on the CBS label (Chocolate Buster Dam/Fly With Me Forever - CBS 3451), but a disagreement with the label led to the group's departure and subsequent dissolution. This is a great British psych/pop album with some superb songs and instrumentation that reflects the status of the participants and it somewhat baf fling that an album of this stature has remained unreleased for so long. However, after a 30-year wait, Radioactive is proud to make this extremely important recording available for the first time."

Artist:	ST. JOHN'S COPPERWINE, JEFF
Title:	Joint Effort
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 073CD

"Jeff St John, stalwart of the Australian '70s psych scene, lent his name to two previous bands (Jeff St John and Id and Jeff St John and Yama) before releasing Joint Effort as Jeff St John and Copperwine. Joint Effort, originally released on the Australian Spin label (SEL 933742), and probably the pinnacle of St John's recording career, is very much a psych prog crossover album, although some soul influences do crop up, particularly on the surging organ-based cover of The Temptations' 'Cloud Nine' as well as highly competent covers of Sly Stone's 'Sing A Simple Song' and Blind Faith's 'Can't Find My Way Home'. The rest of the album is made up of some excellent self-penned material, the outstanding tracks being the long instrumental, 'Any Orange Night' and the psych-tinged 'Fanciful Nights Of Mind'."

Artist:	SMOKIN' WILLIE
Title:	Smokin' Willie
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 077CD

"This is probably one of the of the oddest albums we've ever released. Smokin' Willie and his sidekicks Jim Sarvis and Ron Frye deliver a sound and a take on some hits of the day the likes of which you won't have heard before. The trio blasts its way through two original numbers and its own singular versions of 'Whiter Shade Of Pale', 'Evil Ways', 'Get Ready' and the most unbelievable 'House Of The Rising Sun' you're ever likely to hear. There's lots of Hammond, up-front fuzz guitar, a truly thunderous rhythm section and howling vocals and as times it is hard to imagine this much sound being produced by only three musicians. Originally released in 1970 on the Ulrich Studios label (Ulrich Studio 3999) as a private pressing, the biker trio's budget only ran to 500 copies most of which were eagerly snapped up by the good folks of southern Indiana where the band enjoyed considerable local support."

Artist:	SUMMER SOUNDS, THE
Title:	Up-Down
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$16.00
Catalog #:	RR 078CD

"Mega rare album from the Dartmouth, Massachusetts fivepiece outfit which was released originally on the Laurel label (Laurel 331098) in 1969. Up-Down is an album of largely self-penned material (only 2 covers, one of which is a strong version of The Spencer Davis Group's hit, 'Gimme Some Lovin') with The Leaves Are Turning Brown, complete with cheesy psych organ and wonderful earnest vocals, is the stand out track. Up-Down is a beat-garage concept album detailing the highs and lows of a summer vacation romance, with, as you would expect, loads of moody teenage angst and lashings of self pity. The songs are all catchy, and there's a couple of good ballads. First time that this album has been reissued on CD."

Artist:	SHAGGS
Title:	Wink
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 079CD

"Although recorded in 1967 at the International Recording Studio in Chicago, this one and only offering by the five-piece preppy outfit from Notre Dame University in Indiana, with its multi-part vocal harmonies and jangly guitar, could easily have appeared in 1965 or '66. However, there is no doubting the band's musical proficiency as they canter through a selection of songs by such luminaries as the Stones, Who, Beau Brummels, Byrds and Them, with the high point being an inspired version of 'If I Were A Carpenter'. As was so often the case, the band members, after producing what was to become a massively-collectable rarity, went their separate ways, probably to pursue fascinating careers in the world of orthodontistry or accounting."

Artist:	ROCK SHOP
Title:	Mr Lee's Swing'n Affair
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 080CD

"Hailing from Monterey in northern California, Rock Shop became one of the most popular bands in the area, playing regularly at Mr Lee's Swingin' Affair nightclub in West Covina to packed houses. The band's one and only album, released on the Lee-Mo label, took it's name from the nightclub, and featured 12 self-penned tracks of fuzz-led blues and psych, as well as boasting a spoof cover depicting the band as the next Beatles and hairdresser-cum-rock promoter Mr Lee as God! Despite enjoying a minor level of success including supporting both the Shirelles and Big Joe Turner, the band decided to call it a day in 1969, leaving this lone recording as their epitaph."

Artist:	SAGE
Title:	Sage By Sage
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 081CD

"This ultra-rare album of psyche and southern rock from Miami outfit, Sage, Sage By Sage appeared on the Illusion label (CM2004) in 1970. Not much is known about either the band or its label, although it is widely rumoured that Illusion was some sort of a tax scam with albums by Sage and stable mates Hopney being given away or destroyed immediately upon release. There probably is more than just a small grain of truth in this rumour, as this particular album is spectacularly rare and almost never comes up for sale. Sage By Sage is a strong album with some first-rate playing and excellent song writing. There's the decidedly southern boogie feel of the Allman Brothers about much of the instrumentation on the album, with the songs being reminiscent of, amongst others, Dr Hook or the Sutherland Brothers."

Artist:	CRACK
Title:	Day of Doom
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 083CD

"This is the second title we've released that originally appeared on the Tiger Lily label, (the other being the Velvet Turner Group's eponymous album. Day Of Doom (Tiger Lily TL14048) apart from its rocking 12-bar opener, features some of the best hard rock psych you're likely to hear, with some outstanding flute in the Ian Anderson style and some fine synth work augmented by some strong piano and accompanying strings. Many tracks feature some decidedly jazzy interludes."

Artist:	VIITH TEMPLE
Title:	Under the Burning Sun
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 084CD

"To the best of our knowledge, 15 copies of this 1978 private pressing were actually produced which suggests that fewer than 50 people have ever heard this album. A select group indeed. And more remarkably, this is a great recording, full of prog keyboards, synths and guitars. The lyrics are dark and mystical, and there's a brooding, ethereal feel to proceedings. At only just over 18 minutes the album's a tad on the short side, but what we do get to hear leaves the listener yearning for more. An obscure rarity and a musical gem rolled into one."

Artist:	THOUGHTS AND WORDS
Title:	Thoughts and Words
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 086CD

"In mid-'68, five years and three singles into their career as Pandamonium, Bob Ponton and Martin Curtis were fed up. Their history, covered comprehensively in No Presents For Me (RRCD106) saw them at the epicentre of London's psychedelic folk scene and hanging out with the likes of Davy Graham and Sandy Denny and the other Fairport members. Thoughts and Words is a largely upbeat collection of melodic, pensive songs, so unlike the angry and disillusioned vibe that had prevailed in their late '60s output. The duo decided to name the album after a track on the Byrd's Younger Than Yesterday, but were surprised to learn that they had been given the name too! This is the 3rd Pandamonium release on Radioactive, and the 2nd to be mastered directly from the original 2-track 1/4"IPS analogue tapes."

Artist:	CHAMPIGNONS
Title:	Premiere Capsule
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 089CD

"Excellent mostly-instrumental combination of prog and psych served up by Champignons, a tight and experimental band from Quebec. Released in 1972, Premiere Capsule, resplendent in its trippy day-glo mushroom sleeve, is a succession of seven guitar driven original compositions that manage to maintain any incredibly high standard from start to finish. All the tracks are superb, but several in particular stand out including the 11-minute experimental jam, 'Le Chateau Hante' (The Haunted Castle) and two instrumental numbers, 'Folies Du Mercredi' and 'Pop-Pino'. There is extremely good fuzz guitar throughout, as well as some exceptional flute solos courtesy of flautist Emile Naud."

Artist:	GERMAN OAK
Title:	German Oak
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$19.00
Catalog #:	RR 090CD

Repressed. 2004 reissue. "During the summer of 1972, best remembered for the bloodshed of the Munich Olympics, the 5-man Dusseldorf instrumental group German Oak entered the Luftschutzbunker (Air Raid Shelter) studio to record their first, eponymous album. The purpose of recording in a bunker was to recreate the feelings experienced by German soldiers during the Allied invasion of 1944. The strange acoustic conditions in the bunker made the music, which was a series of long, spacious guitar jams, sound distant and filled with echo. Julian Cope, in his in-depth review of the album, describes the band's sound in unequivocal terms '...imagine a brutally recorded, brazen and ultra-skeletal industrial white funk played with all the claw-handed technique of the Red Crayola recording their famous 'Hurricane Fighting Plane.' This is the sound of German Oak'."

Artist:	RISING SUN, THE
Title:	Born to be Wild
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 092CD

"Quite what prompted Quality VP George Keane to sign the totally unknown Toronto outfit The Rising Sun is unclear, but sign them he did, and their sole recorded effort, Born To Be Wild, with its fabulously-cheesy cover, duly appeared on Birchmount (Birchmount 515) in 1969. Although the band chose a covered track as the album's title, many of the dozen tracks on this album are self-penned and most of them are pretty good, and the band covers Steppenwolf's opus major effortlessly, but the garage-punk vibe of the first side of the record gives way to a more jazzy sound a la Blood Sweat And Tears on side 2 with plenty of horns in evidence."

Artist:	RAINBOW PRESS, THE
Title:	There's A War On
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 094CD

"For an album that's becoming a minor collectable, remarkably little is known about Rainbow Press, other than the band recorded two late '60s albums (There's A War On - Mr G 9003 and Sunday Funnies - Mr G 9004) for the mysterious Mr G label. The album itself is excellent late '60s soft rock with more than just a touch of psychedelia about it. The ten well-crafted songs are all original, and are delivered smoothly by a tight 6-piece band dominated by Groff's superb vocals. The album's name and the eponymous track are as close as we get to political posturing, which is a great relief as the lack of prosletising let's the strength of the song writing and the band's performance shine through. There are loads of tight vocal harmonies, and plenty of fuzz guitar liberally dispensed throughout this polished and very enjoyable record."

Artist:	DAWE, TIM
Title:	Penrod
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$16.00
Catalog #:	RR 095CD

"Penrod, which originally appeared in 1969 on Frank Zappa's vanity label, Straight Records, (STS 1058) along with albums by Tim Buckley, Judy Henske, Captain Beefheart and Alice Cooper, is justifiably regarded as one of the greatest psychedelic albums of all time. Stuffed full of folk-rock, varied keyboards and inspired acid guitar, the album contains what are now regarded as four self-penned masterpieces, and although Dawe/Penrod only added one further album to his canon of recorded work (Timothy And Ms Pickens With Natural Act, released on Half Moon Bay Records in 1976), he contributed a number of songs to albums by It's A Beautiful Day, Rod Taylor, and even Iron Butterfly, of which he was an early member. In every sense, from its idiosyncratic cover art to its incredible music, Penrod is a psychedelic classic." Produced by Jerry Yester.

Artist:	STARK, PETER
Title:	Mushroom Country
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 098CD

"Another private pressing from a band that recorded a single record only to disappear without trace immediately after. Peter Stark's Mushroom Country, with its unusual phallic mushroom artwork and 'cosmic folk' groove, has become an extremely collectable album of late. Recorded at The Mike studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the album appeared on the Montage label in 1976, although for some reason no catalogue number was assigned. The album features 8 original works by Stark and his brother Ben, and a particularly fine cover of Donovan's 'Hey Gyp'. Musically, the album takes us on a tour of genres, from the instrumental 'Raga For Bayleaf', the folky 'You Make Me Feel' and the blues of 'Searching'. There is a real charm about Mushroom Country, with its varied instrumental accompaniment to Stark's vocals and fluid guitar and a 'we're having a great time doing this' vibe that pervades throughout. Hippie folk? Well, possibly, but none the worse for that."

Artist:	PIRANA
Title:	Pirana II
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 099CD

"The second, and undoubtedly better album, from the Sydney-based Santana-influenced Latin rock outfit, Pirana. The band's eponymous first album was a variable prog effort, but Pirana II, also released on Harvest in Australia, is an altogether different matter. With its unforgettable artwork, Pirana II featured some exceptionally strong Aussie prog rock, blending as it did some fine instrumentals, lots of fuzz guitar and flowing Hammond organ. Comparisons have often been made with their more illustrious musical counterparts, but to many there was a whole lot more to the band than merely reflecting Santana's blend of rock and Latin, although there is no denying the debt that Pirana owed to Santana. There is fine, melodic song writing in abundance, mainly from guitarist and vocalist Tony Hamilton, and it is in the diversity of these self-penned pieces that the band fashions its own individuality."

Artist:	HOLMES, JAKE
Title:	A Letter to Katherine December
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	LP
Price:	$24.00
Catalog #:	RR 104LP

LP version. "Jake's second album, A Letter To Katherine December, a record that many critics rate even more highly than his first. This is indeed a great follow-up; an album which easily evades the shadow of its predecessor's success and another recording that, in typical Holmes fashion, defies description. As was the case with its predecessor, A Letter failed to achieve any real commercial impact, so Holmes switched to a more country feel for his next two releases."

Artist:	PANDAMONIUM, THE
Title:	No Presents For Me...Singles & Rarities
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 106CD

"This, the second Pandamonium album to appear on Radioactive, is a collection of singles, demos, acetates and other rarities culled from Bob Ponton and Martin Curtis's time spent in various London recording studios between 1966 and 1972. The 15 tracks (including an alternative version of a Pandamonium live favourite, 'My Old Flame') range from their spirited cover of Donovan's classic 'Season Of The Witch' (the band's version of which actually appeared before Donovan's) to the most popular of their CBS singles, 'No Presents For Me'. Although the musical styles vary with pleasing regularity, the quality of Ponton and Curtis's song writing is, as usual, consistent throughout. This collection of singles and rarities brings as up to the time the duo signed with Liberty and their only official album ever to see the light of day, Thoughts And Words, which the boys recorded with exWomble Mike Batt."

Artist:	SCHROEDER, JOHN
Title:	The Dolly Catcher
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 107CD

"The Dolly Catcher is a highly original little effort from the British answer to Burt Bacharach, '60s 'easy' legend John Schroeder. In The Dolly Catcher, (the curious title probably has something to do with pulling 'dolly birds', or girls) which is widely recognized as an 'easy' classic, Schroeder managed to merge fuzz guitar and organ with sweeping strings and brass producing an album that is always interesting, and at times, genuinely ground breaking, particularly in the form of his legendary take on 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' which he covered in such an original way."

Artist:	WATER INTO WINE BAND
Title:	Hill Climbing For Beginners
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 109CD

"Probably the best album to appear on the leading Contemporary Christian Music label, Myrrh, which had been established by Billy Ray Hearn as a division of Word Records in 1972, was the debut recording by the British Water Into Wine Band, whose Hill Climbing For Beginners appeared on both sides of the Atlantic in the mid'70s. The UK version presented here has gone on to achieve the status of a progressive folk masterpiece. The album is beautifully recorded and the exotic array of instruments, including bongos, timpani, gongs and violins, combine wonderfully to produce a recording of musical and technical brilliance. An extremely good album."

Artist:	FOOTCH KAPOOT
Title:	Good Clean Fun
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 111CD

"Another musical gem which somehow or other managed to completely bypass the musical scene of its time, only to languish undiscovered in the vaults of obscurity until now. Released on the Cornball label in 1978, Footch Kapoot (a silly name, admittedly, but don't let that deter you) this is an album of whimsical eccentricity which defies musical categorisation. From the opening bars of 'Don's Mom's Green Boiled Ham' you just sense you're in for something very different and every subsequent track simply confirms one's first impression. All six band members are virtuosos of their own chosen instrument, with several showing their multi-instrumental skills with consummate ease. The album rocks at times, then leans back and gives us a soft shoe shuffle a la Leon Redbone's 'Walking Stick.' There's incredible honky-tonk piano, crazy clarinet made stranger by the use of a reed modulator which gives the instrument a sound the likes of which the human ear has seldom, if ever, heard. The slide and lead guitars are slick and effortless, the drumming tight as it comes, and harmonies that just blend together into one angelic voice."

Artist:	FRANCISCO
Title:	Cosmic Beam Experience
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 112CD

"Francisco's lone recorded work, Cosmic Beam Experience, which appeared on Cosmic Beam records in 1976, attracted the recent attention of music and film aficionados when its Cosmic Beam motif was sampled by movie composer Hans Zimmer in his soundtrack to Terrence Mallick's 1998 film, The Thin Red Line. Although the film, which featured such luminaries as Sean Penn, George Clooney, John Cussack, Nick Nolte and even John Travolta, was widely dismissed as an over-long and confusing piece of visual self-indulgence, Zimmer's soundtrack, and particularly Francisco's contribution, are often sited as the film's only redeeming factors. Francisco was actually the LA-based Francisco Lupica, a versatile musician at home with electric and acoustic guitars, percussion and in his capacity as a singer, well versed in unusual vocal effects. Lupica even designed a proprietary sound system able to reproduce a full range of frequencies across the full aural spectrum which delivered an extraordinary sound experience."

Artist:	ONE ST. STEPHEN
Title:	One St. Stephen
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 113CD

"Another private pressing, this time one that first saw the light of day on the Owl label in 1975. Despite the somewhat controversial cover, this is an album which is generally regarded as one of the finest heavy acid psych albums of its time. One reviewer described it thus: 'Side 1 opens and closes with extended, awesome moody psychers which will blow you away. Poe, heroin and Jim Morrison all help shape Stephen's outlook, which results in one of the more distinct late autumnal moods [ever] manifested on vinyl. Good vocals, some howling fuzz and occasional use of Moog in typical '70s acidhead fashion'. One St Stephen has been issued on CD before (on an unknown Austrian label in the '90s), but that particular version erroneously included 2 tracks by a completely different band (St Steven, from Boston), so this is the first time that this highly-regarded album has appeared in its original form."

Artist:	MARSHALL BROTHERS BAND, THE
Title:	The Marshall Brothers Band
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 115CD

"Fascinating album from the Australian classical rock combo The Marshall Brothers, which appeared on the Sydney-based M7 label in 1975. The band, which perversely didn't include a single member bearing the name of Marshall, were clearly influenced by the likes of Rick Wakeman, Genesis and Yes, and actually lived, along with producer Chris Neal, in Sydney's Trafalgar studios for 8 days while the album was being recorded, thus, according to the album's liner notes 'allowing aspects of discussion and discovery seldom, if ever, equalled in an Australian production'. The eponymous album boasts 8 well-crafted self-penned tracks of superior prog rock, well recorded and beautifully delivered."

Artist:	POLYPHONY
Title:	Without Introduction...
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 117CD

"Polyphony's Without Introduction is renowned for being a highly-collectable and listenable album of psych/prog jams reminiscent of some of the British or Italian psych monsters from the early '70s. Released in 1971 on the Eleventh Hour label (Eleventh Hour 1003), this hard progressive rock outfit from Virginia features some stunning guitar and keyboard work, as well as a percussionist at home on congas, timbales and just about everything hittable. The band is definitely influenced by early UK exponents of prog including Keith Emerson, Steve Howe and Peter Gabriel. The stunning original artwork lends itself perfectly to the album's inspired music."

Artist:	CREME SODA
Title:	Tricky Zingers
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$16.00
Catalog #:	RR 121CD

"Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Creme Soda generated a fanatical following based on their legendary single '(I'm) Chewin' Gum/Roses All Around' which appeared on the Trinity label in 1975. Creme Soda are not an easy band to categorise as they were able to play virtually any musical genre with consummate ease. Their only full-length album, Tricky Zingers (which also includes their 'hit' singles), also made its appearance on Trinity (Trinity CST11) in 1975 and despite the considerable interest the record generated, the band, perhaps mindful of the adage 'quit while you're ahead,' did exactly that, never to be heard of again. Tricky Zingers is an impressive and relatively overlooked recording, which, despite being recorded in 1975, has a decidedly mid-'60s feel about it. The eleven self-penned songs range from very good to brilliant, particularly 'Tonight,' 'Keep It Heavy' and 'Roses All Around.' The album's style ranges from folkrock to wasted psychedelia, with two experimental tracks featuring drone effects and backwards guitar thrown in for good measure, as well as a couple of rootsy rock'n' roll numbers."

Artist:	GRUPA 220
Title:	Slike
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 124CD

"Grupa 220 (Group 220) were formed in 1966 in former Yugoslavia by members of the bands Ehosi and Jutarnje Zvijezde (Morning Stars). It was common for the new Yugoslavian bands to adopt the musical styles of the British and American bands of the day, influences which are in abundant evidence here! The band took part in Yugoslavia's first rock festival in Zagreb in 1968 and the Split festival later the same year. The influential Drago Mlinarec (vocals and guitar) left the band in 1971, but the group were undaunted, continuing to perform and record without him, leading ultimately to the 1974 release of Slike, a superb guitar-based progressive/acid rock amalgam which has become a major hard psych rarity. Think of the twin lead guitars of the Allman Brothers , combined with a heavy Sabbath/Purple influence coupled with some easy West coast sounds and maybe you'll get the idea. Grupa 220 deliver a solid album reflecting a wide range of musical influences."

Artist:	GOLGOTHA
Title:	Old Seeds Bootleg
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 126CD

"An album that's just about as home-made a you can get. The original LP, although recorded for the Jubilee label, never saw the light of day and when the album did finally appear, it was as a private pressing limited to a paltry 100 copies with no record labels and a paste-on cover! The band, which was formed by guitarist Bruce Scofield in 1969, gigged around the New York and New Jersey areas off and on for a couple of years. Their almost transcendental approach to music won them many (mostly male!) devotees, and their bizarre stage show (typically,involving vocalist Ray Bartkowech littering the stage with mandolins, percussion instruments, teddy bears and Raggedy Ann dolls!) became somewhat of a novelty. When Jubilee finally got them into the studio, the band laid down a more conventional and more accessible album reminiscent of the sound of Little Feat and early '70s Grateful Dead and the twelve self-penned guitar-led tracks, all of which are brilliantly played, tend to get pretty heavy at times."

Artist:	SWAMPGAS
Title:	Swampgas
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 127CD

"The album, which first saw the light of day in 1971, was originally released on the Buddah label. The album is a real mix of musical genres, but the playing is immense, with guitarist Baird Hersey going from strength to strength as the record progresses. Check out the fast numbers, particularly 'Patato Strut' and 'Don't,' where the Hendrix influence is immediately apparent. But Baird just keeps taking it further with superb acoustic and electric work throughout, culminating with some hypnotic sitar on 'Egg Shell.' Acoustic David Crosby keeps springing to mind. Kim Ornitz's voice, often reminiscent of Tim Hardin, is also especially worthy of mention, and that early '70s fingerprint."

Artist:	NOUVELLS, THE
Title:	That Did It!
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 128CD

"Discovered by recording artist, producer and arranger H.B. Barnum and signed to his Mothers Records label in 1968, The Nouvells, an LA-based outfit, managed to release That Did It! and a couple of singles before calling it a day a year later. Barnum, whose arrangement credits included work for Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Etta James, The Supremes, The Temptations and Aretha Franklin, had clearly taken on more than he could chew with The Nouvells whose album, That Did It! was a nice blend of pop melodies and heavier rock -- not Barnum's thing at all, although he did manage to convince the band to do a cover of Otis Redding's 'Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay.' There's also some tasty fuzz guitar on tracks such as 'Love' (a Lee Michaels cover) but the band seemed unable to decide on exactly what their musical identity was, as they were a passable pop group as well as a serious rock band and evidence of their ability to be both is found here in ample supply. This is a surprisingly good, though slightly confused album, but one that is still worthy of investigation."

Artist:	FAT PETER PRESENTS
Title:	Sweet Pants
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 129CD

"An album so rare that its main claim to fame seems to be its inclusion in Hans Pokora's book 1001 Record Collector Dreams. With its pretty amusing 'flasher' cover, the musical style is best described as The Dead meets Mary Butterworth, with its seedy organ and a smattering of fuzz guitar. One of the few things we do know about the band is that it consisted of four guys from Pennsylvania (Drummer Michael Carr, guitarist Tony Molla, bassist Mark Mozzone and Mike Mulloney on keyboards), and that the band's only album appeared on the miniscule Barclay Records sometime in the '70s. Only a few hundred copies of this album are known to exist. All the band members lent their compositional talents to the enterprise and the combination makes for a musically solid and satisfying album."

Artist:	TIMBERCREEK
Title:	Hellbound Highway
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 130CD

"Back in 1975, a bunch of dudes from Boulder Creek, California, found themselves in a recording studio and decided to make a rural rock album of a sort of Dead-meets-Eagles variety. The result, Hellbound Highway, an obscure private pressing made its appearance on Renegade Records the same year, but as only about 100 copies were pressed, very few have experienced the delights of this laidback recording. Some of the songs are terrific, particularly the opener and title track, with its psychy lead guitar hook, a clever twist in the chorus and a great melody, and the side-closers are both outstanding. In between, we're treated to some mellow country rock of the Outlaws variety, with some excellent steel guitar and some highly appropriate and surprisingly tuneful vocals, and the occasional fuzz guitar putting in a welcome appearance."

Artist:	ORION EXPRESS
Title:	Orion Express
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 132CD

"The self-titled debut by Orion Express was released in 1975 on the Round Mound Of Sound label (seriously!!). Hailing from California, Orion Express deliver rural hard psych/rock with acid guitar jamming. As with many of the 'back woods' guitar bands of that era the influences of Greg Allman and the Allman Brothers are never far away, with swirling keyboards, wailing leads, bluesy southern rock. great harp work... you can tell these guys were playing with the wind in their hair and the West coast sun in their faces!! Vocal comparisons are hard to tie down but Greg Allman, Paul Rodgers and a less warbly Roger Chapman all spring to mind!! Its good time summer boogie... the way it should be played."

Artist:	YESTER & JUDY HENSKE, JERRY
Title:	Farewell Aldebaran
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 133CD

First ever reissue of this cult-classic folk/rock album, originally issued by Straight in 1969. Super in-demand for the last decade plus (even if fucking Christgau gave this one a B+ upon release) and now finally available -- buy it now before the cops show up. "Timely reissue of this late '60s folk/psych classic from husband and wife team Jerry Yester and Judy Henske. Yester had previously enjoyed an element of fame courtesy of his stint with The Loving Spoonfuls, but following the band's demise in 1969, he set about producing this little gem with acclaimed folk singer Henske and a bunch of pals which were said to have included Ry Cooder and David Lindley. Farewell Aldebaran, which is often heralded as one of the most proficient and creative albums of its genre, with Henske's incredible range of vocal styles (during her short solo career she had effortlessly made the transition from comedian to folk singer and then on to an accomplished rock singer) elevating the album to a higher plane. Her mind-blowing vocals on the opening track, the hard-fuzz 'Snowblind,' gives an early clue to Henske's talent and range, and although this particular vocal style only features on the one song, the sheer diversity of her singing makes every track on this highly original and experimental album a unique experience."

Artist:	YESTER & JUDY HENSKE, JERRY
Title:	Farewell Aldebaran
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	LP
Price:	$24.00
Catalog #:	RR 133LP

LP version, gatefold sleeve. "Late '60s folk/psych classic from husband and wife team Jerry Yester and Judy Henske. Farewell Aldebaran, which is often heralded as a one of the most proficient and creative albums of its genre, with Henske's incredible range of vocal styles (during her short solo career she had effortlessly made the transition from comedian to folk singer and then on to an accomplished rock singer) elevating the album to a higher plane. Her mind-blowing vocals on the opening track, the hard-fuzz 'Snowblind,' gives an early clue to Henske's talent and range, and although this particular vocal style only features on the one song, the sheer diversity of her singing makes every track on this highly original and experimental album a unique experience."

Artist:	ST. JAMES, ROD
Title:	Has Anybody Seen the Superstar
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 135CD

"A superb slice of the swinging seventies as seen through the eyes of one contender to the throne... Rod St James. Originally released on the small budget label Paula in 1972, this obscure psych/soul/folk rock album is a superb example of years gone by and lost in aging summer sands with flairs and sunglasses to match. Very little is known about Rod... information is thin on the ground but those who have heard this album always rate it extremely high. Contains some great heavy guitar work (wailing fuzz and wha-wha), funky percussion, trippy organ, with laid-back cool-phased hippie vocals. The second half of the album showcasing a more 'folky' feel. One of the more mainstream sounding albums to be released on Radioactive, but if you're after a sound that sums up an era... this is the album. Think Donovan meets James Taylor meets Paul Williams."

Artist:	MASCOTS, THE
Title:	Ellpee
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 136CD

"It is with great pleasure that we bring to you Sweden's pop pioneers with this their second album of garage/psych beat pop Ellpee. Originally released on Decca in 1966 and now... you guessed it... highly sought after. At home in Sweden there was no mistaking their name or their popularity. The Mascots took part in many of the big performances of the mid-'60s, supporting the Who, Chuck Berry, the Moody Blues, the Hollies, PJ Proby, and the Dave Clark Five, as well as appearing in movies, making guest appearances on TV programs for young people, and recording soundtracks . This is a great album. The influences are there for all to hear as was the case with most of the European bands of the time... but garage/psych it was... and still is. The Beatles coming to mind but that's just the start of it."

Artist:	STARFIRE
Title:	Starfire
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$16.00
Catalog #:	RR 137CD

"Another gem that fell through the floor boards of time is this Prog Psych monster of an album by the little known Starfire. On pouring over research information we have been able to confirm that this band hailed from sunny California and recorded this album (probably their one and only release ) in 1974. Originally released on the Crimson Records label as a private pressing of no more than 200 copies it is almost impossible to track down an original of this immensely collectable album. To demand the tag 'Prog Psych Monster' we have a liberal dose of spooky swirling organ and fuzz guitars. Starfire sounds very much like Thunder Pussy but a bit more rockin.'"

Artist:	FAT
Title:	Fat
Label:	RADIOACTIVE RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	RR 138CD

"Extremely accomplished debut from this Massachusetts band, originally released in the US on RCA (LSP4368). Following the eponymous album's success, the band toured extensively as the opening act for the Allman Brothers. Fat's mix of east coast blues and west coast psychedelia, strongly influenced by Quicksilver Messenger Service et al, could have propelled the band into the big time, but an unfortunate drug bust led RCA to cancel a planned follow-up album, and try as they might, the group were unable to secure another recording contract, although two further albums were released in the late '70s, both of which were p