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LP
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GUESS 290LP
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$31.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 8/28/2026
Privately pressed in Scotland in 1974, Captain Marryat is one of the great lost rarities of British progressive hard-rock. Issued in an edition of just 150-200 copies on the band's own Thor label and sold only at gigs, the album disappeared almost immediately, later becoming one of the rarest and most sought-after private press LPs of the era. Named after 19th-century novelist and seafarer Captain Frederick Marryat, the Glaswegian band evolved from a hard-rock trio into a five-piece featuring Tommy Hendry (vocals), Ian McEleny (guitar), Allan Bryce (organ), Hugh Finnegan (bass) and Jimmy Rorrison (drums). Originally planning to record only a single, they found themselves with enough studio time to capture a full album, recording five original songs before closing the session with the improvised instrumental "Dance Of Thor." Deeply inspired by the organ-driven power of Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, and Beggars Opera, Captain Marryat played a powerful blend of progressive rock and heavy psych. Dominated by thunderous Hammond organ, raw guitar solos and strong melodic vocals, the album ranges from the dramatic opener "Blindness" to the epic eight-minute "It Happened To Me," the more accessible "Changes," and the explosive instrumental finale "Dance Of Thor." Although the band built a solid reputation on the Scottish pub circuit, the lack of label interest brought their career to an end in 1975. Their sole album, however, has only grown in stature, earning cult status among collectors and fans of early-'70s progressive heavy rock. Featuring remastered sound. Includes insert with liner notes, photos, and download card.
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CD
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SHAD 114CD
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Captain Marryat were from Glasgow, Scotland and they recorded this demo album in 1974, released in a tiny pressing on the Thor label, hoping to get an EMI or Chrysalis deal, who both showed interest in the band at the time. They wanted to record only a single, but instead came up with a complete album of self-composed tracks. Since it was not that easy for a Scottish band to get attention down in London, this album was the only pressing ever done and was sold at band gigs only. Five musicians, great organ, vocals, extra heavy fuzz-guitar with drums and bass -- amazing underground songs, influenced by Deep Purple, Uriah Heep and Beggars Opera -- a true lost classic. Dig on the truly tribal percussion, searing guitar leads and drugged-out keys on the fully-instrumental and galloping "Dance Of Thor." The band formed in the early '70s, around 1971 to 1975, generating quite a following while playing all around Scotland and the Borders at various venues including Burns Howff in Glasgow which was a very popular venue as other bands such as Alex Harvey Band, Nazareth and Beggars Opera also played there. Shadoks was lucky to find the band themselves to make a deal so this beauty can finally conquer the world of rock music. Many people watching eBay auctions were surprised to see this album selling for nearly 3,000 Euro each. Before that, this album was completely unknown. Members include: Jimmy Rorrison, Hugh Finnegan, Allan Bryce, Tommy Hendry, and Ian McEleny.
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