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viewing 1 To 25 of 31 items
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BTR 068CD
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It all started for Gregg Suriano when he began writing songs in his early teens and people quickly took notice in his home town. It soon progressed beyond his local area and in 1974 he began performing his tunes in churches and piano clubs across Long Island, Manhattan and the tri-state area. His local following continued to grow and artists began to use his material in live shows and recordings. By 1977, he had won his place among the best with his song "Play The Game" at the American Songwriter's Contest. He finally decided to record his first album entitled Peace Of The Rock, released in 1978 on the Behold Record label. Christian contemporary radio stations began playing "The Last Days" and "Where Do You Stand." The coffee house venues were picking up on his music and he was often invited as a guest artist every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on Long Island and as far away as Dubuque, Iowa. Once again in 1980, Gregg was a winner at the American Song Festival with his song, "Some Kind Of Loneliness" (which ended up on his next LP). He was then noticed by the legendary songwriter Burt Bacharach who was so impressed, that he had Suriano play piano at his restaurant every Friday night. Gregg began working with notable artists such as Kathy Triccoli, Magaret Becker, and a host of others who went onto become well-known in the CCM market. Gregg opened up for such artists as BJ Thomas and Glad. In 1983, Suriano released his second album, Single Minded Man. Songs such as the title cut climbed to #3 on the Christian radio station WLIX from the Long Island, New York area. Yacht-rockish, with funky basslines and key stabs, some congas occasionally and PLENTY of excessive sax. Dig the track "The Last Days," which includes prescient and oddly upbeat-sounding lyrics about The End Times. Includes three bonus tracks.
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BTR 077CD
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Very rare Stonefield Tramp album with a beautiful, dreamy quality. In 1974, members of the band Terry Friend and Rob Van Spyk met Brian Ballister. As a trio, they released the album Follow The Sun for the studio label, Acorn. After they'd failed to interest any major record company in their recordings, the group issued one LP, Dreaming Again..., on their own Tramp label. For this album, the trio were enhanced by additional musicians Chris Sutoris (bass) and Dave Lloyd (electric guitar). To reflect their new sound, the band adopted a new name and Stonefield Tramp were born. Some tracks show a strong Bob Dylan influence while others lean strongly towards the style we have now come to know as acid folk. Dreaming Again... is very eagerly sought-after by vinyl record collectors worldwide. A must for British folk fans.
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BTR 066CD
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Severance & Cassidy was a duo playing folk rock in the late '70s and early '80s in New Hampshire. Don Severance: songwriter, guitar and vocals Gary Cassidy: bass and vocals. In 1978, they were playing clubs, concerts, and parties full-time throughout New Hampshire and into Vermont. Their sound evolved from their interest in the acoustic, melodic, and harmony-driven music that was popular at the time. Don was strongly influenced by the guitar and harmony work of Peter, Paul And Mary and the songwriting and vocals of Simon And Garfunkel. In addition, bands such as America and Crosby, Stills And Nash were on the charts adding their brand of folk rock to the musical landscape. Gary came from a background of country music, and with his deep, rich, full-range vocals and his strong bass skills, they created a sound that felt larger than most other duos in the area. If you like obscure and mellow folk rock of the 1970s, this is a must-have album.
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BTR 070CD
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Very introspective and beautiful private loner/psych/folk rock from Texas in 1977. Here's what the Acid Archives has to say: "Introspective acoustic folk duo. Nice dark playing and stark, heartfelt songs about loneliness and the wonders of nature. There is also a second LP from 1984, Second Time Around with 1979-80 recordings." Grand Tetons, the debut album from this highly-regarded Texas rural folk rock duo, has a lot of fans. The follow-up, recorded in 1979 but not released until 1984, continues in the same style, as evident from the outstanding West Coast-flavored opening track and several more strong tracks. This CD reissue includes 6 tracks from the second album and demo recordings from newly-found tapes. Good one to file next to Kaufmann & Caboor, Will & James Ragar, John Villemonte, etc.
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BTR 060CD
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Completely obscure private press from central Massachusetts, 1979. Candles Glow was recorded predominantly in the attic of an old farm house in northern New Hampshire. This is the same little corner of the world where Bobb Trimble made two of the best psych records ever, also around 1980. This album's not as out-there as Bobb's, but it's completely unknown as far as you can tell and several tracks have got a nice rural psych feel with great, garage-y guitar work from Richard Thyng, as evidenced on "Morning Bird." Neil Young's definitely an influence here, and the rest of the record is a lot mellower, with a few solo downer-folk numbers by Carl Hakansson and one really spooky and somber kind of chanted mantra a cappella track "Alone They Ride," credited to The Thyng-Hakansson Chorus.
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BTR 064CD
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Unknown, brilliant all-original outsider loner singer-songwriter who completely sounds trapped in 1972 not '82!! One insane epic dueling guitar/synth prog stormer and also a quirky power-pop hard rock number and the rest sounds like early '70s FM radio or maybe Todd Rundgren coming down off a hard bummer! Cool hand-drawn acid-drenched cover reminiscent of Van Gogh. Maybe this guy was dipping into the turpentine, too! Dark, cold, underdeveloped and moody just like the music. A little something for everyone here: real people, soft rock, psych, folk, prog and more. An undiscovered gem that's bound to get props eventually from the big-time collectors.
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BTR 058CD
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This is Will and James Ragar's self-titled album in stereo on the private NoMountain label. Killer ultra-light 1980 album from these Midland-area Texan brothers. This record has a smart, cool sound that sounds very laidback at first and then hooks you with beautiful harmonies and songwriting and grows from there. This duo plays mostly original, contemplative, mellow, soul-searching, soft rock, rural middle-to-upper-tier singer-songwriter-type stuff. Epic, super homemade sketch cover without the dimensional lines erased. Tracks like "Louisiana Fall" are hard to beat, and other standout songs include "Melting Pot," "Just A Wanderer" and "My Shining Sun." Highest recommendation for genre fans. Two bonus tracks included.
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BTR 069CD
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The music of Sweet Maya (originally formed in 1972 in Kalamazoo, MI) is an extension of each member. As individuals they bring together diverse backgrounds; as a group they blend it all into a sound that is exciting and full of warmth. This six-piece group of multi-talented instrumentalists has five lead singers, four songwriters and four arrangers. The music that grows from the contact of such persons is evidenced in this album. It is Sweet Maya (the illusion) that flows through and shapes the many idioms of their music. It is Rob Hayes, Tom Davis, Janice Lakers, Gail Baker, John Chamberlin and Mark Bowen who convey the experience. Listed in the Japanese book Rare Groove A To Z on Rittor Music and recommended for funk/soul/soft rock fans. Perfect music for putting on a pair of rainbow-colored overalls and hanging out in a field, zoning out or blissfully grooving.
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BTR 063CD
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Paul MacNeil's first and only album, If It Rains was produced in Boston for the Just Sunshine label in 1974. It was well-received in the folk-rock community as a unique collection of songs written by this Boston and Cambridge, MA underground legend. He played clubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Florida and at the Ultimate End in Key West. He played on the same bill as the Cadillac Cowboys in Newburyport with Fred Click, and played on the same bill as John Sebastian and Tom Rush at the Grog in Newburyport. Many of his songs have been recorded by other artists: Bill Staines; The Pozo Seco Singers; Nancy Michaels; the group Orpheus, also known as the Villagers. Recommended for pure folk-rock lovers. Two previously-unreleased bonus tracks included.
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BTR 067CD
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Although released initially in 1977, these songs from Michael Kelly Blanchard are amazingly fresh today. And you may find that some of them are the best-ever in any genre. Many of these amazing songs are what you would consider masterworks. Songs that describe the human condition in God-speak mixed with highly-stylized folk. Lyrics that reach into your soul and touch what is deep inside. Songs that will actually change your life. Every song on this record is simple but strong. You would describe the music style as folk/jazz -- elements of both appear throughout the recording, and are very accessible. Michael Kelly Blanchard has practiced his art for many years and has stayed true to what he believes is his calling. Co-produced by Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary. Recommended for mellow folk fans around the world. Includes two bonus tracks.
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BTR 056CD
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The greatest album in the history of North Dakota is Justen O'Brien & Jake's Time Will Tell (1978). Bootlegged twice already, Riverman Music presents the first artist-approved reissue of this mysterious, deep, UFO-inspired masterpiece. Featuring crystal-clear sound, the originally-intended cover art in a gorgeous gatefold cover, in-depth liner notes by Douglas Mcgowan (Yoga Records), and never-before-seen photos capturing the mystique of this long-gone psych/prog/lounge classic, even longtime fans will need to check back in with Justen O'Brien's unique vision of the cosmos. A truly MAJOR left-field rediscovery on par with Bobb Trimble, Jade Stone And Luv, or DR Hooker. A lot of questions remain. Was Justen O'Brien in fact abducted by aliens? Where did he go after this record was finished? Why did one of the greatest rare record dealers in the world insist he's seen a second Justen O'Brien album? And most importantly, how good does a record have to be to get reviewed on Pitchfork without the help of a high-powered publicist?
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BTR 053CD
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Riverman Music reissues a unique '70s pop obscurity. The lead instrument is a pedal steel guitar, played with more imagination than anywhere other than the Misunderstood's studio recordings, often with some nice, fuzzy distortion. It rarely sounds "country." The songs are strong pop/rock, with Beach Boys-style harmony vocals on the softer songs, and tougher (but still melodic) singing on the rockers. Other than the opening "song" (three minutes of a guy fiddling with a radio dial), everything here is memorable, and no two songs sound alike. Highlights include the powerful "Loser," with a stunning steel guitar solo, and the long album-closer "New York City," but this is consistent enough that any given listener could feel equally strong about any two others. This is exactly the kind of band a daring major label executive would have struck gold with in the '60s, but nobody would dare to touch in the '70s. The endless streams of slide on these songs makes you almost woozy, but in that pleasant, A.M. radio, hot car/hot summer day, off-kilter '70s way. Surprisingly groovy. Includes two previously unreleased bonus tracks.
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BTR 059CD
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Nick Holmes first played with the musicians on Soulful Crooner while singing with White Elephant, the '70s jazz-rock big-band. This 1973 solo record followed that double record collaboration, and it still sounds good today, although in those days they didn't have digital yet. Mike Mainieri's production and arrangements from that period are full and honest. It's a jazz record in many ways -- many of the songs have more key changes in the intros of the songs than Nick used on entire albums in the '80s and '90s. Nick learned his harmonic sense from these years with the jazzers, and his voice is in fine shape. Weird, hazy, hypnogogic jazz/folk-pop, accompanied by Holmes' voice, which is pure velvet and totally hypnotic. Originally released on the legendary Just Sunshine label. Includes two bonus tracks.
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BTR 055CD
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Originally released in 1983, this is Jeff Eubank's sole Kansas City private-press gem, originally produced only in an edition of 500 copies. Jeff Eubank is not a boner. A cursory read of the lyrics, printed in full in the space surrounding Mr. Eubank on the back cover artwork, more or less confirms this. They are literate and poetic without giving the reader anything to laugh at. At this point, any smart record digger will pull this particular title. A cursory needle drop may or may not reveal the album's potential. Depending on where the needle lands, it may sound like Crosby, Stills and Nash, or it may sound like the music we have come to know as "yacht rock," the smooth-sailing sounds of Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, or Kenny Loggins. There's even a bit of the old, mellow, West Coast A.M.-rock canyon sound in there as well, with complex harmonies and a general hazy, lazy vibe. The truth behind this music's distinct sound is somewhere in between all this. There is an undeniably dated aspect to this music, an over-emphasis or over-reliance on being easy-going, but at the same time, it's wonderfully next to impossible to exactly pinpoint when or where this music was made. Like an '80s Tim Buckley on downers, Eubank's voice is smooth as silk, and there is no attack in his delivery; instead, his voice coasts along in a gentle, affable flow. But don't be so easily assuaged, when you get this album home and listen more closely, the conflict and rough edges of this music begins to reveal itself. Regarding the title, the artist himself explains it this way" "('rise and go to a street called straight' from Acts 9:10-19) finds Ananias being directed to risk harm and perhaps his life to help a man he knows to be dangerous. The implication of the fact that the name of the street was (and is) Straight (like straight and narrow) shouldn't be lost on someone who is reading carefully. As this relates to the lyrics of the song, we all have had to, at some time (or many times), move on in courage and leave the past behind (good or bad). In the case of these lyrics, there is hope: 'there is an end to this endless night... after all.'" Astral, unplaceable music that will fill your head-space, highly recommended for fans of Bobb Trimble, Robert Lester Folsom, and other purveyors of lost late '70s/early '80s music.
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BTR 049CD
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Rare, 1972 private-press druggy psych-folk from Minnesota on Orion Records, which has become famous in fields of U.S. basement-psychedelic/singer-songwriter gems. Billy Hallquist played in a late '60s band called Thundertree which released a fine album on the Roulette label. On Persephone, Billy's weeding through a basement full of glistening papers only a drifter's heart is able to read. There's flashes of eastern-pattern beads in his acoustic-guitar-strumming, there's a bucket of loner strive being dispersed at your needs. There's a nightmarish plea on "Persephone," whispering out of Hades' lair and building into anthemic fare. Some songs are just him and his wooden box, others have a full-combo backing with electric/acoustic gear. Acid-tinged rural folk-psych sounds abound on this disc, showcasing the great song structure with tunes that stay with you afterward. Has one of the coolest original cover designs you have ever seen, depicting anatomically-correct half-man-beast gods ruling over all.
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BTR 050CD
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"Most would probably agree that this is one of the very best psych-style LPs from the 1980s. Not retro at all, but (like Bobb Trimble) a piece of the late 1960s preserved from time's rust. Male-female vocals lament and serenade 'the quest for knowledge of love and beauty' in an appealing soundscape, with lyrical guitar leads throughout, good use of mellotron, occasional tablas, flute and bells. The recording has a definite 1981 sound but (again like Bobb) this somehow becomes an advantage. The vocal blend is superb and may recall Anonymous and Bermuda Triangle, while the wistful mood and beautiful melodies is a bit like British band Ithaca or the melodic sides of Seventh Dawn. Moments such as 'Beautiful Dreamer' go truly deep. [T]his is recommended to anyone open for a folk-psych trip inside the melancholy and bliss of an acid-fueled romance." --Patrick Lundborg, The Acid Archives; Includes a 24-page illustrated lyric booklet.
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BTR 052CD
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Les Moore's first and best album dates back to New Orleans, 1973. This low-budget recording hits all the right notes for aficionados of early private-press SSW music and is considered a minor classic of the "loner/downer" genres. Moore's quavering voice calls to mind Mark Bolan and Devendra Banhart, and his guitar work is subtly virtuosic. Though best known for what Acid Archives calls the "scary jump into the abyss" of the radical cover of The Beatles' "A Day In The Life," it's the original compositions by Moore and Andy and John Davis, full of the kind of raw emotion and sadness totally missing from music today, that make this worth checking out. "Now To Begin" may be the most moving anti-war song ever heard, and "Ooh-Pah-Do-Pah-Do" (included on Numero Group's great Wayfaring Strangers: Lonesome Heroes comp) may be the most deceptively-titled track you'll ever hear.
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BTR 034CD
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This is the first-ever CD reissue of this 1976 UK psychedelic Christian folk record, now remastered in a 24-bit remaster. With beautiful male/female vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, harmonica, finger cymbals, organ, and tambourine, this is a truly special and lovely album that leaves a lasting impression. If you have ears to hear you will know of some of the musical influences behind the album: The Incredible String Band, Nick Drake, Fairport Convention, Sandy Denny, Joni Mitchell, etc. Some downer-folk moments interspersed with messages of transformative hope and peace, ably soundtracked by gentle God-speak crooning and nimble fingerpicking. Includes four bonus tracks from some of their later recordings, and an insert with liner notes written by band leader Paul Gateshill.
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BTR 047CD
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Riverman Music reissues this 1972 classic of UK roots revival rock, remastered in a 24-bit remaster and including four bonus tracks from the same era. Previously known to just a handful of collectors and experts, this record later came to the attention of many fans after being championed by a small group of music critics. Recorded in the UK in late 1971, First Album was a fine addition to the small but burgeoning British country rock scene that encompassed the likes of Matthews' Southern Comfort, Quiver, Help Yourself, and Brinsley Schwarz. Roger Morris' band on this album features some of the finest musicians of the era, including Glen Campbell, Rod Coombes, Chris Mercer and De Lisle Harper. This reissue boasts an additional four bonus tracks, which were all recorded a year after the original LP. Housed in a miniature replica paper gatefold sleeve with lyrics sheet.
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BTR 033CD
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First time CD-release for this rare, obscure and expensive private press album, now remastered in a 24-bit remaster. Adamkosky's In Your Eye is lonely, melodic folk that was recorded in an 11-hour recording session with no second takes. Laid-back but ethereal low-fi sound with vocals; some solo tracks, some with further instrumentation. Comes from a folk-blues tradition, but sometimes sounds like a '70s singer-songwriter channeled by a 19-year-old who can't afford to hire a band. Comes in a handsome paper sleeve that precisely reproduces the original LP sleeve in miniature form.
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BTR 039CD
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This is the first-ever CD reissue of the second, better-known 1973 album from this pastoral Boston-area folk trio, now remastered in a 24-bit remaster. Intimate, low-key hippie folk with several things going for it. Warm male and female vocals create an appealing blend supported by acoustic guitar, piano, tablas and flute. Far from being trad, a playful and occasionally improvised feel dominates with nocturnal Eastern flourishes for that special late-night acid feel. When Clearing stick to the femme-vox hippie picnic sounds, the sound is quite appealing. Comes in a handsome paper sleeve that precisely reproduces the original LP sleeve in miniature form. Includes detailed liner notes written by one of the original band members.
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BTR 041CD
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Presenting the first-ever CD reissue of this 1971 mellow-folk rarity, now remastered in a 24-bit remaster. Extremely rare private folk record assembled by the former leader of Elizabeth (the noted Vanguard label psych band) and friends in a Philadelphia studio. Most tracks have multiple layered guitars, and 8 of the 12 songs have vocals. Listen to the doomy "Darlin' Good Girl," which sounds like the Richard Farina classic "The Bold Marauder" to some ears. If you collect private folk LPs from this era, you'll be hard-pressed to top this one for quality and obscurity. A near-perfect, sun-dappled recording, but there's a darkness amidst the calmness as well. An album as rare as Perry Leopold's Experiment In Metaphysics. Housed in a paper gatefold sleeve, including liner notes and rare photos.
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BTR 043CD
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Now in its first-ever CD reissue, Riverman Music presents this 1973 private-press rural-basement folk gem out of New Hampshire, remastered in a 24-bit remaster with three bonus tracks. Good-timey, jazzy, western swingin' bits ripe with weedy, gentle athmo-paint and bluesy taint. This terrific acid-cowboy-in-the-wild-west private pressing simply reeks of a rural America that probably doesn't exist anymore (and maybe never did), but Bill Madison delivers such a solid vision, that you'll be excused if you find yourself believing you've been taken on a ride in a time machine -- only the captain here's a bonafide head and won't drop you off in the 19th century without first stopping at the local freak shop for a pocketful of smoke. Comes in a handsome paper gatefold sleeve that precisely reproduces the original LP sleeve in miniature form. Includes liner notes, lyrics, and rare photos.
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BTR 024CD
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This is the first-ever CD reissue of mellow U.S. singer-songwriter Stan Moeller's 1980 solo release Thin Ties, now remastered in a 24-bit remaster. Thin Ties showcases the wonderfully smooth, warbling, easy-going voice of Stan Moeller. This clever, honest musical oddity should have special appeal for acoustic fans who enjoy folk music in its many guises, past and present. Lyrics most often address longing and doomed love affairs against the background of some simply masterful and gently sparkling acoustic guitar-playing. A light West Coast vibe in nice minor keys and some jazzy, ramblin' electric guitar accompaniment. Moeller would later go on to perform folk as a duo with his wife T.S. Baker, opening for Donovan, Roger McGuinn, Leo Kottke, Richie Havens, and many more. Moeller is currently a successful landscape painter. Comes in a handsome paper sleeve that precisely reproduces the original LP sleeve in miniature form. Includes an insert with lyrics and photos.
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BTR 030CD
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This is the first-ever CD release of The Seventh Dawn's Dreams, originally released in 1977, the follow-up to Sunrise, their 1976 debut. Now remastered in a 24-bit remaster, including six bonus tracks. Seventh Dawn recorded their second album at the Virginia Commonwealth University's electronic music department. It has a more ambitious, emotionally-driven energy that unexpectedly bursts forth on the first two tracks. Moody amplified guitars, bits of reverb on the vocals and second guitars, the male, female and dual vocals, the keyboard arrangements, and the minimal use of drums. The conceptualized, fragile creativity brings to mind the Ithaca album, and the beautiful analog, sometimes mellotron-like synthesizer arrangements recall Emtidi's Saat. The songs on Dreams move beyond the innocence of Sunrise, but a sense of optimism remains. Housed in a paper gatefold sleeve, including lyrics, original cover artwork insert, and liner notes written by member Heff Munson.
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