RENAISSANCE FAIR - Rare Psychedelic Auctions

	3. EDEN AHBEZ & HERB JEFFRIES: The Singing Prophet (Olympic, US c1957) Bill Miller of Cold Sun once told me that in his view, the 1950s were much more far out than the '60s. Hearing records like this makes me think he may be right. The Singing Prophet is a full-blown, epic musical presentation of Eden Ahbez' Nature Boy suite, and the only place where you can find the full concept that Ahbez' had dreamed up. As part of this vision, Ahbez had written "Nature Boy" which was turned into a million-selling hit for Nat King Cole (and later covered by Gandalf et al). Herb Jeffries was an experienced '40s-50s vocalist in the classic grand showbiz style, and when he fell in love with Ahbez' proto-hippie seeker story, he spared no expenses on the musical presentation. This is not really 'exotica' but a cinematic orchestral arrangement of a deeply felt search for truth and love, projected on the inner wall of your skull. It is, of course, profoundly psychedelic a la Disney's Fantasia, and would make one of the greatest acid trip double bills of all time with John Rydgren's "Cantata". This record is 50+ years old and not terribly easy to find. The disc looks a bit worn but plays surprisingly clean. Strong VG++/VG++	SOLD
	6. ART: Supernatural Fairytales (pink rim Island stereo, Germany 1970s) This is the earliest (I think) non-UK pressing of this London club psych classic. While not a perfect album, the highs are as high as on any record from the era, with the droney pot haze of "Drifting Anchors" and the superbly phased title track, as well as the dynamite Chocolate Soup-style opener. Mandatory '60s stuff and a very clean copy. M-/M-	SOLD
	15. BOULDER BROTHERS: A Period Of Time (Sheepeater, US 1975) Almost unknown local rural rock & country-rock album from a trio who despite their name were based in Idaho and self-released this LP. A surprisingly finalized sound well worthy of any 'real' label, with elegant guitar arrangements and a warm, high quality recording. The mood is mature and reflective, and all over this is not unlike the Omaha Loose Brothers, but at least to my ears a better and more consistent album. A couple of tracks remind me of Bradley's Barn-era Beau Brummels. Rural rock fans unfamiliar with this are likely to be delighted. The terrific double exposure cover photo looks exactly like the 'fantasy' cover I've imagined should replace the ballet dancer on Anonymous Inside The Shadow. Still in shrink. M-/M-	SOLD
	19. DARIUS: same (Chartmaker, US 1969) Strong original of increasingly in demand '60s psych/folkrock/blues blowout with outstanding songwriting and an artistic commitment matched by few. No need to tell you about this, cornerstone for any collection and desert island pick for some leading collectors! As pointed out already 20 years ago, it's hard to find this without cover wear as 'the sleeve is as delicate as Darius blow-dried hair' (Paul Major); however this copy has only minor wear at the top centre and a totally clean back cover. There's a tiny repaired spot, and some faint wrinkling by the lower right corner (see scan). Disc is a beauty and plays as well as it looks. Keeper copy, and not all that easy to find these days. Front cvr VG++, back cvr M-, all over M-/EX	SOLD
	20. DARIUS: Hello Stranger / I Don't Mind (45 Chartmaker, US 1968) So you have the legendary LP... but do you have the non-LP 45? The A-side is an agreeable version of Barbara Lewis' soul-pop classic, but the real meat is the B-side, a Darius original with the exact same sound and feel as his album. In fact, I would presume this to be recorded at the time of the Chartmaker album. Curiously, the label states "from the Chartmaker LP, Hello Stranger", which is either a reference to a second, planned-but-never-released LP by Darius,or a case of the debut LP being retitled after this 45 had been released. Either way, a bit of a mystery to brood over as you groove on this rare and excellent 45 from one of the big guys. The disc has plenty of marks and looks only about VG+, but as usual with 45s it plays much better, around EX. So on average: VG++. Has sold for $200+ in the past.	SOLD
	21. DAUGHTERS OF ALBION: same (Fontana, US 1968) This terrific studio pop-psych trip is one of the best music per dollar values from the era, a fully realized marriage of McCartney/Move UK pop with Curt Boettcher type production work. As a coherent album I think it's actually better than the celebrated Boettcher albums. It's weird how this LP wasn't really discovered until the 2000s. A major favorite of Acid Archivist Aaron Milenski, a splendid time is guaranteed for almost all. EX/EX copy, the Unipak sleeve has some minor shelf wear, and there's a cutout hole at the bulls-eye position (see scan).	SOLD
	23. RICHIE DUVALL AND DOG TRUCK : same (United Sound, US early 1970s) Excellent private press jazz-rock, more like rock-jazz. Not as weird as Zappa or as heavy as the first Mahavishnu (or its copy band Viola Crayola), but more rock-melodic than either. Good guitar riffs, some treated guitars and dreamy moments, well-played throughout. Vocals (and totally whacked out ones) on one of the nine songs. Cover still in shrink with some very minor staining on the back. LP is clean but some songs, especially on side one, play with light press noise, as private presses often do. EX/VG++	SOLD
	27. FOLQUE: same (Philips, Norway 1974) Masterful debut album from Norwegian folkrockers; to me the best folkrock LP out of the entire Scandinavian region. Strong British influences with a perfect blend of 'folk' and 'rock' elements and powerful female vocals, sort of like a Fairport Convention LP without the wild inconsistency. Released only in Norway and thus somewhat scarce, this copy is a beauty except for a small mark at the opening of S1, which causes a moderate 'tic' for 30 seconds or so... not overly disturbing but it's there. The rest of the disc looks and plays M-. The sleeve is strong with some small lamination creases only. On balance EX/EX, and favorably priced. With insert.	SOLD
	33. HAMANA: same (re World In Sound, Germany 1974/2006) Some years back, a renowned US collector called this 'the best private press not yet reissued'. Since then it has indeed been reissued, most beautifully via World In Sound. While not a totally consistent album, on about 2/3rds Bruce Hamana goes into truly outstanding westcoast/ mountain-flavored '70s folkrock with strong melodies and ringing guitars. This record has a rare spirit that makes it sound better with each play, not unlike Relatively Clean Rivers. Perfect used copy except for tiny corner bumps at the bottom. With custom inner sleeve. M-/M-	SOLD
	36. HELLERS: Creative Freakout (10" Heller-Ferguson, US 1967) First spare we've had to offer of this ultra-cool and relentlessly entertaining PR disc for the Heller-Ferguson ad agency. A mix of radio ads, spoken word, sound effects and songs that is hard to describe accurately, but check out Acid Archives review for details. If you want to know what the next season of Mad Men will be like, once the combined whammy of McLuhan and LSD hits Don Draper's men on the head, 'Johnny Spots' gives you a good idea on this unique and strangely captivating record. The hilarious parody of "Eve Of Destruction" is a high point. I find this a lot more rewarding than the Hellers 'offical' LP on ABC. Includes both the thin orange cover and oversize folder, strong shape. EX/EX	SOLD
	38. ALDOUS HUXLEY: Visionary Experience (Gifford, US 1969) As detailed in the Acid Archives, this is Huxley's key recording when it comes to psychedelic drugs. Recorded at a lecture in the early '60s, his thoughts on the matter had developed considerably since The Doors Of Perception, and the angles here are new and different. The entire lecture is basically about higher states of mind, a substantial portion devoted to hallucinogens such as LSD, mescaline, and 'the new drug, psilocybin'. As you would expect, Huxley comes off most charmingly in his role as learned, aristocratic bohemian, and the vibe is very upbeat. One of the truly vital spoken word LPs within psychedelia, more intellectually rewarding than any of the Leary LPs, and released posthumously via a small label. Minor wear along top seam, otherwise strong copy EX/EX	SOLD
	39. JOHNNY & THE HURRICANES: Live At The Star Club (Atila, US 1966) The rarest and best album from this long-running and very cool band, who like the Wailers managed a successful transition from '50s instrumental rock into '60s rock and garage. This album is very close to things like the Dimensions and Kenny & the Kasuals Impact, and features dynamic guitar/organ versions of Beatles, Kinks, Stones etc, alongside the band's classic hit "Red River Rock" and perhaps best of all, a superb garage version of "Jambalaya" which has been comp'd. Tight band and in-yer-face recording, a splendid half-hour of '60s primo club band sounds. This is as beautiful copy as you can find; some press pops at the beginning of each side (before the music) and faint vinyl hazing, otherwise superbly clean. Often seen for upwards $300, here's a better deal. M-/M-	SOLD
	45. V.A: JOURNEY TO THE EAST (Spangle, France 1998) Very cool psych compilation with a vibe reminiscent of the great old '80s comps. Bill Plummer's classic title track leads the charge, while the rest is powerful psych-rock with a peak in a long killer track by Gypsy that will blow your mind if you haven't heard it (I hadn't until I got this comp). Dennis Stoner, Cekcion IV, Ivory all contribute tracks from their non-reissued LPs. Ultra-thick vinyl with ballsy sound, has insert. 400 numbered copies, this is #76. M-/M-	SOLD
	*- Two unique Timothy Leary records -* 49. TIMOTHY LEARY: You Can Be Anyone This Time Around (test press no label, US 1969) Yep, a never-seen-before test press version of this classic Leary LP, with generic studio labels. The cover has been equipped with a paste-on handbill (presumably a later repro) for Leary's gubernatorial campaign, which was the reason why he released this very cool and fun album, with Hendrix and Steve Stills presumably backing him. Alas, Ronald Reagan won the election and Tim went to jail, a true sign of the times. Fun as Tim's raps on legalization of marijuana are, the closing hypnotic rant on the human nervous system is the high-point of this trip--probably his 2nd best LP after the Mercury one. Some visual marks and a small edge warp but plays EX. One of a kind copy!	SOLD
	52. LINCOLNS: Come Along And Dream / Smile Baby Smile (45 Tripp, US 1969) Rare local garage psych 2-chord wonderama from this Pacific Northwest group, who had a few obscure 45s out, of which this one is the best -- classic crude teenage drug dementia with organ and fuzz going haywire. Sounds like Bohemian Vendetta with their brains in low gear. Minor visual wear but plays clean. B-side has some writing on label -- looks like it may be signed by two band members, in fact. EX	SOLD
	53. LINCOLN ST EXIT: same (Mainstream, US 1969) This hardrock/guitarpsych classic seems to hold its position as the most expensive title in the collector-friendly Mainstream catalog, and it certainly packs a realness and ballsy action to rank with anything from '69-70. The opening double-fisted punch of "Man Machine" and "Dirty Mama Blues" in particular knocks me over as a message from a harsh, uncompromising era of a bad war, bad drugs and bad vibes... shades of Bulbous Creation!Very nice copy here, the disc has some faint lines that do nothing, plays clean. Front cover is near perfect too, with a tiny coh, while the back has some minor foxing. Strong EX/EX	SOLD
	56. MAMMOTH: The Mammoth / Sensations Head To Toe (45 United World, US 1970) Here's an old personal fave that I haven't seen for sale in a while. It's a local San Antonio TX group with a LA distribution deal, but most of all it's grungy, mindbending guitar-psych like Steve Morgen after a night of drug confusion. The raw fuzz guitarist just keeps on playing whether it's a solo or verse, and the drummer bangs away relentlessly. "The Mammoth" is a classic from the guitar-psych era, on several comps. The flipside may still be non-comp. A couple of tiny press bubbles on side 2, otherwise a very clean copy. M-	SOLD
	57. MANDRAKE MEMORIAL: Puzzle (Poppy, US 1970) I've spent considerable energy touting the greatness of this swansong masterpiece from the Philadelphia psych wizards. Modernist classical with echoes of Stravinsky and Bartok blend with droning underground rock and elaborate studio overlays to create something that unfolds in your head like a mellow psilocybin trip. It could be called art-rock or early prog, but I think more than that, it's one of relatively few conceptual psychedelic trip records that truly work, up there with CA Quintet, 50 Foot Hose and the Aggregation. "Volcano Prelude" is utter hypnosis. A 50-minute trip to the end of the universe. Original copy with the vital circular insert, plays clean, just a few pops on side 1. EX/EX	SOLD
	59 V.A: MINDBLOWING ENCOUNTERS OF THE PURPLE KIND (Dig Up, UK 1998) Rather excellent garage psych compilation with a bias towards the fuzzed and early psych stuff, as evident from the cringeworthy album title. Generously packed with 16 tracks, this maintains a high quality of teenage madness throughout. Dig the ultra-sick "Daddy Walked In Darkness" as well as classic teen trip stuff from Graf Zepplin and Soul Inc, and the rare Strawberry SAC 45 as well -- a spinoff of Strawberry Alarmclock with a near identical sound. M-/M-	SOLD
	60. MISSISSIPPI: Velvet Sandpaper (Taurus, US 1972) As you probably know, this is the vocalist from White Light on his rarer and to my ears clearly better solo LP. A moody 'older guy' sound dominates as 'Missisippi' laments his broken down marriage and the general blueness of the world. "Blue Love" is pretty awesome. Side 2 has some hard-rocking stuff more in the White Light style. Very cool LP, not sure why it hasn't gotten more attention. It doesn't turn up too often, and when it does usually has some wear, but this is as perfect copy you're ever going to find. M/M	SOLD

	- Previously unknown LP recording of Allen Ginsberg - 63. THE ORGANIC EXPERIENCE: same (Omni, US 1970) Previously undocumented college project LP from University of Maine, Portland (this college branch is no longer extant) is not only earlier than most college yearbook albums, but of substantial interest on a couple of counts. There's some rock and folkrock music which seems to be live-recorded, but no artists are credited; tracks include "Born To Be Wild" and "Green Rocky Road" among others, in good, ballsy versions. Even more remarkable is a track credited only as "Ginsburg's Thing", which turns out to be nothing less than a previously unknown recording of Allen Ginsberg reading poetry, presumably at a campus gathering. The date references and the contents of the recording make it clear that this is clearly a circa 1969 recording of Ginsberg live before an audience. Not included in the standard Ginsberg bibliography by Morgan, this is a substantial discovery. Backed by sitar, the reading is lengthy, at least 10 minutes, and includes the poem "Northwest Passage", which Ginsberg elsewhere has assigned a composition date of April 1969, which is in line with the overall chronology. Presumably the students had no authorization to release this recording, which is why Ginsberg's presence is so buried. The rest of the record is a typical period collage that captures the "now" of being a hippie student in 1970, with radio broadcast speeches, campus debates, mixed with "found" music and effects, etc. Also a passage of backwards music. The front cover looks to be blank at first, until you discover the small mushroom drawn in the lower left corner. The back cover has an elaborate abstract drawing and some minor credits. A few blotches of tape residue and foxing on the front, back cover is clean. Disc looks and plays clean. That no one has discovered the nature of this album in 40 years is puzzling. M-/VG++	SOLD
	69. PUGSLEY MUNION: Just Like You (J & S Records, US 1970) Classy, Cream-influenced, stoned power trio guitar rock from New England, better than many LPs three times as expensive. This copy includes a promo photo. Still in shrink. M-/M-	SOLD
	71. REBECCA & THE SUNNY BROOK FARMERS: Birth (Musicor, US 1969) Cool and still somewhat underrated freak underground psych with the whole vintage late '60s package. Genuine counterculture vibes, druggy songs and effects, mixed male-female vocals and an "X factor" via excellent use of violin. The band put a lot of heart and soul into this work, which I think is superior to many more famous titles from the era. "Better Dead Than Red" gives 50 Foot Hose serious competition. Melodic westcoast moves, acid drama & hippie sarcasm on a small regional label -- and this is a beautiful copy, still partly in shrink and not even a cut-out. M-/M-	SOLD
	75. DON SANDERS: same (Mean'N'Low, US 1972) Vintage counterculture folkrock LP from Texas artist with Country Joe/Holy Modal Rounders sound. Most of it is upbeat and satirical, but the outstanding "Kent State History Play" goes into dark, despairing spaces appropriate to the theme. Side 2 mixes sung and bizarre spoken material a la Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant. Drug references recur throughout the album. Appealing period piece, well played and well recorded, and scarcer than his one-sided EP . Issued in a plain disco sleeve, never had a real cover. Disc is EX; the label has a small manufacturing tear.	SOLD
	81. DANE STURGEON: Wild 'N' Tender (Stur-Geon, US 1966) Beautiful copy of scarce and wonderful folk-rock album with great mix of 50s and 60s vibes, 12-string, fuzz guitar and great vocals. There's nothing else like this one! This copy has the cover with the photo of Sturgeon. EX/M-	SOLD
	82. SUGAR CREEK: same (Metromedia, US 1969) Well-known but still underrated (and under-priced) first class late'60s psych/rock from this talented band. The music ranges from hypnotic Eastern psych over rural rock to blues-rock, but maintains a high quality throughout -- good playing, strong vocals, and a nice, powerful recording. A strong pressing too, which means that this copy plays completely clean despite some wear and lines. In terms of music per dollar value, one of the most worthwhile vintage titles. EX/EX	SOLD
	84. SWEET MAGNOLIA BAND: same (Lardbucket, US c1973) This one is right on the money for fans of private press rural rock, with the appropriate vibes in everything from the band name to the bearded band photo to the unassuming, down home sound of the music. It's a Southern vibe that is rootsy without being macho, highlighted by above-average, Doobie Bros-style vocals, and a rich The Band-like setting. Everyone loves the "10 Days Over 23 Years" track, the obvious peak of the album that needs to be heard by anyone into '70s private press music, but "Wishin' Well" over on side 1 is strong too, with an ambitious sort of Felt vibe creeping into the sawdust & moonshine aesthetics. Cool album, not seen that often. Featured in the Acid Archives book. Sleeve is close to M-, just some faint foxing. M-/EX	SOLD
	88. [TRAD GRAS & STENAR:] SPELA SJALV (Reportage/Expo Nord, Sweden 1971) Here's one of the most buried and hard to find pieces from the Swedish psychedelic underground. Produced by Bo Anders Persson, legendary leader of Parson Sound and Trad Gras & Stenar, this LP contains a series of EX/VG++	withdrawn

	92. URSULA CREEK: same (no label, US 1976) An archetypal example of local private press guitar-rock from the mid-70s, right down to the politely long hair and bell-bottoms worn by the band members. Inside the sleeve there is a consistent mix of Southern rock, hardrock and just plain old '70s rock, with good guitar action and band originals all through. Pricing of this is all over the map (it has sold as high as $400!), here's a beautiful copy at an attractive level. Still in shrink, opened only to check for warps. M/M	SOLD
	94. WALKENHORST BROTHERS: The Last Adventure (no label, US 1977) Still unheard by many, this third and last album from the Phantasia nexus is a terrific, occasionally awesome collection of melodic '70s rock with a strong Beatles/McCartney feel. The magic opening "Autumn Song" is a desert island pick for me, and there are 3-4 more tunes of almost equal quality, such as the closing title track which is praised by Aaron in the Acid Archives. It's a bit like what a band such as Green on Atco might have come up with if they kept going into the mid-70s and pulled their talents together for an Abbey Road type farewell. Very good LP, underrated due to its obscurity and rarity, but that will change in time. That no one gave these guys a record contract after 3 killer albums is a massive mystery. Clean disc, sleeve is prone to ringwear but it's mild on the front cover, a little more on the back. M-/EX	SOLD
	96. WATERFALL: Coming Down (no label, US 1976) Along with Floss, probably the rarest title in this catalogue. A group of friends in the LA area recorded this mainly for fun, and pressed up only 100 copies. The band has been contacted and the few unsold copies were excavated -- but those all had water damage on the cover. This copy comes from a different source and has a completely clean cover except for some fraying along a part of the top seam. The disc displays signs of having been played and enjoyed, with a few marks on each side, but audiowise the only notable thing is 10 clicks on S1T3 and the beginning of S2, rest plays clean. Oh, you wonder about the music? Well it's charming and atmospheric '70s folk and amateur s-sw with mixed male & female vocals and a youthful, naive feel, almost like a high school project record. Virgin Insanity or Logos from Kansas spring to mind, but this is sparser and more basement. "Tired Of Trying" is my favorite pick, with a late '60s feel. A must for a certain type of collector, and with a total private press vibe. On average EX/EX w/ 2 tracks VG++.	SOLD
	100. ZINI: Better Than A Kick In The Teeth (Cabin, US 1980) Here's one of my guilty pleasures from the vast US private press scene. You may see Zini listed as 'psych' or some such nonsense elsewhere, but in actuality it's classic '70s guitar-rock from the American heartland. Like bands such as Tree Fox or Stagefright, this works as a unique snapshot of the local reality these guys lived in, hanging out, cruising around their small hometown, listening to the Allman Bros and the Doobie Brothers, and trying to get something going with their own band. In that scene, this is a very solid, above-average record. The guitar-work is strong throughout, but the tracks that grab me most are the melodic things like the opener and "The Line Of Fire". Not for everyone, but an album that holds a place in my private collection, unlike a lot of other more 'cool' stuff. Not terribly easy to find, here's an affordable enjoyable copy with moderate shelf wear EX/VG++	SOLD


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*Catalog #5 - Autumn 2011 Auction & Set Sale* (This catalog is closed, sold items are listed below) The grading format for vinyl records is Disc / Cover. All records have been played in their entirety before setting a grade. For business details and a description of our grading system, see the ordering info page. Watch for a new list in 2012!